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Review – Kia EV3 vs. Skoda Elroq – Which one should you have?

December 20, 2024

Little brothers

The design of the Kia EV3 is very reminiscent of the larger Kia EV9, with its angular lines and rugged appearance. However, the EV3 is quite a bit smaller, at 4.30 meters in length. For its part, the Skoda Elroq resembles the larger Enyaq like two drops of water, but at 4.50 meters in length, it is over 15 centimeters smaller than the larger Skoda. It is, however, 20 centimeters longer than the EV3. So in terms of size, the Elroq offers an edge, especially for those who like a roomier car.

Luggage space

Practicality plays a big role when choosing a family SUV. The Kia EV3 offers 460 liters of luggage space, which is sufficient for daily shopping or a family vacation. If you fold down the rear seats, the cargo space grows to 1,250 liters. A handy extra is the frunk – a storage space under the hood – which offers 25 liters of extra storage space, perfect for charging cables or other small items. The Skoda Elroq offers just a bit more space in the rear, with a 470-liter luggage compartment that can be expanded to 1,580 liters. A frunk is missing, but Skoda has come up with a clever solution, with a special net under the parcel shelf for charging cables.

Tow weight

In terms of towing weight, the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq are on par. Both models can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,000 kilograms. This makes them suitable for light trailers or a small caravan. A bicycle carrier is of course no problem either.

Weight

The weight of electric cars is playing an increasingly important role, especially now that EV owners will also pay road taxes. The Kia EV3 with large battery weighs 1,785 kilograms. The Skoda Elroq, equipped with the largest battery, is heavier, weighing 2,044 kilograms.

Battery and range

In terms of battery packs and range, both models offer different options. The Kia EV3 is available with a 58 kWh battery pack, which allows a 436-kilometer range, or a larger 81 kWh battery pack, good for 605 kilometers. The Skoda Elroq offers three choices: a 52 kWh battery with 374 kilometers of range, a 58 kWh battery with 449 kilometers and a top-of-the-line model with a 77 kWh battery that reaches 579 kilometers. Although the Skoda offers more variety, Kia has a slight edge in maximum range, although it doesn’t make much difference.

load

The maximum charging capacity differs greatly between the Kia EV3 and the Skoda Elroq, but the final charging times are closer than you might expect. The Kia EV3 can achieve peak charging power of up to 130 kW with the largest battery, while the Skoda Elroq offers up to 175 kW of charging power with the top model. This seems like a significant difference, but the Kia EV3 manages to hold its peak power for a long time. As a result, the Kia EV3 takes 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. Still, the Skoda Elroq is faster: for the same charge, it needs 28 minutes.

Load capacities per variant:

Kia EV3:

Skoda Elroq:

Engines and powers

The powertrain makes a key difference between the two models. The Kia EV3 has an electric motor on the front axle, offering front-wheel drive. Regardless of the battery pack chosen, the motor always delivers 150 kW (204 hp). The Skoda Elroq has an electric motor on the rear axle, and thus has rear-wheel drive. Here there is more engine choice: the entry-level model offers 125 kW (170 hp), the middle variant 150 kW (204 hp), and the top model with the largest battery pack delivers 210 kW (286 hp). So for those for whom power and performance are important, the Elroq offers more options. However, Kia will later come out with an AWD version as well as a sporty GT version, but little is known about that yet.

Performance

The performance of both models varies. With the version with the small battery – which is therefore lighter than the version with the large battery – the Kia EV3 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 170 km/h. With the large battery it needs 7.8 seconds. With the Skoda Elroq, the acceleration time obviously depends on the engine chosen: the base model takes at least 9 seconds, while the top model with 286 hp needs only 6.6 seconds. Top speed ranges from 160 km/h for the entry-level model to 180 km/h for the most powerful variant.

Backseat

In the back seat, both models offer plenty of room for passengers. The Skoda Elroq is roomier in the back, though, thanks to its longer wheelbase. In fact, the Elroq has the same interior space as the Enyaq, which is a hefty SUV. This makes long drives more comfortable, especially for adults. Charging options are plentiful: both models have two USB-C sockets in the back. That Kia, however, also has a full socket in the back.

Skoda Elroq
Kia EV3

Interior

Inside, both models stand out with modern technology and quality workmanship. The Kia EV3 has a minimalist design with a focus on clean lines and simplicity. The Skoda Elroq stays true to the practical and user-friendly style we know from the brand, with plenty of storage space and an uncluttered dashboard. Both models offer large screens and connectivity options, but the design and feel are distinctly different.

Prices

In terms of price, the models are competitive. The Kia EV3 can be driven from 36,995 euros for the version with a range of 436 kilometers and 204 hp. For the variant with the larger battery and a range of 605 kilometers you pay 41,495 euros. The Skoda Elroq starts at 34,990 euros for the base version with a range of 374 kilometers and 170 hp. The top model with the largest battery, a range of 579 kilometers and 286 hp costs 42,990 euros.

Conclusion

Both models have much in common, as well as unique features. The Kia EV3 is more compact and lighter, with a slightly longer range than the Elroq. The Skoda Elroq offers more space, more powerful engine options and can charge slightly faster. Nor is there a clear winner in this regard. Which one is the best choice depends on your personal preference, needs and taste. In the video below, we tell you more: