Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Which small electric SUV is best?
Thu, 05 Feb 2026
Kia and Skoda are two mainstream car brands with strong reputations for value, practicality and usability. And in the Kia EV3 and the Skoda Elroq, we have two electric SUVs designed to be sensible, family-friendly alternatives to petrol-powered crossovers.
If you’re struggling to decide between one and the other, we don’t blame you. Both have much to recommend about them, but which one makes more sense once you look past the headline-grabbing stats?
Both sit in a fast-growing part of the EV market: cars that are big enough to be genuinely useful, but not so large or expensive to be out of reach. They’re pitched as realistic replacements for everyday cars like the Kia Sportage, the Skoda Karoq or the Nissan Qashqai.
The Kia EV3 is Kia’s first dedicated compact electric SUV, borrowing design ideas and technology from the larger EV6 and EV9 and shrinking them into something more affordable. The Skoda Elroq, meanwhile, is effectively the electric equivalent of the Karoq, sitting below the Enyaq and leaning heavily on Skoda’s long-standing strengths: space, practicality and ease of use.
Unlike some future-facing EVs, both these cars are already on sale, and we’ve driven them. Here’s how they stack up.
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Stats at a glance
| Kia EV3 | Skoda Elroq | |
| Battery range | Up to 375 miles | Up to 356 miles |
| Charging speed (from 10-80%) |
30 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Boot space | 460 litres | 470 litres |
| Performance (0-62mph) |
Up to 7.5 seconds | Up to 6.6 seconds |
| Dimensions | 4.3m long, 1.85mm wide | 4.4m long, 1.88m wide |
| Pricing | From £33,055 | From £32,060 |
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Battery range
The Kia EV3 comes out swinging, especially with the larger 81.4kWh battery fitted, which gives it a range of up to 375 miles according to WLTP figures – a standout figure for a car of this size and price. In the real world, it’s one of the more efficient small electric vehicles (EVs) available, and holds onto its range well at motorway speeds compared with many rivals.
The Elroq’s figures are a little more conservative. Depending on the version, the battery range sits in the mid-to-high 300s, dropping to 339 miles for the performance-focused Elroq. That’s still impressive for a car at this price point, and plenty for most drivers, but it doesn't quite match the EV3.
In short, if maximum range is your priority, the EV3 has the edge.
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Charging speed
The gap between the Kia and the Skoda narrows here.
The Kia EV3 is built on 400-volt architecture, with DC rapid charging topping out at around 128kW. That translates to a 10% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes, which is perfectly acceptable rather than class-leading. It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) on higher trims – a useful bonus if you want to power an e-bike, tools, camping gear and the like using the car’s battery.
The Skoda Elroq is quicker on a fast charger. Most versions can charge at up to 175kW, which cuts the 10% to 80% charge time to around 25 minutes under ideal conditions. The sportier Elroq vRS doesn’t charge any faster than lesser versions, but it maintains strong charging performance despite its extra power.
Neither car is slow to charge, but if you do a lot of motorway miles and rely heavily on public rapid chargers, then the Elroq’s faster peak rate give it a small advantage.
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Practicality
Practicality is an area where Skoda has traditionally excelled, and that shows again here with the Elroq.
Not that the Kia EV3 is impractical. It has a 460-litre boot that’s generous in size for this type of car, a small 25-litre frunk under the bonnet for charging cables, and an airy, flat-floored cabin. It’s absolutely usable as a small family car, and Kia has done a great job of making it feel bigger than it is.
The Elroq, however, is simply more spacious. The boot measures 470 litres in standard form and expands considerably if you fold down the back seats. Rear-seat space is better, too, particularly for taller passengers, and the Elroq feels more accommodating if you regularly carry adults in the back.
Towing? The Elroq is again the better option. While the EV3 can tow up to 1000kg in most versions, the Elroq vRS can handle up to 1400kg, which may matter if you have a trailer or a small caravan.
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Infotainment
In the EV3, Kia has gone for a balanced setup that mixes a big central touchscreen with physical shortcuts for common tasks. The system itself is built around a crisp display with clear menus, and while many functions live on the touchscreen, there are convenient hard controls nearby for frequently used features like volume, quick access home/back buttons and climate shortcuts. The dashboard layout feels cohesive and modern, and the Kia software generally responds quickly
The Elroq follows Skoda’s established approach of prioritising simplicity and clarity over flash. Its central touchscreen is a good size with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The interface doesn’t overload the driver with nested menus, and access to navigation, media and settings is achieved in as few taps as possible. There are physical controls in the cabin for climate and other vehicle functions, but the infotainment screen itself is operated entirely via touch.
Both systems are competent, and neither feels like a compromise. Kia’s combination of digital and physical controls may appeal more to those who prefer more tactile reassurance – for example, when adjusting volume or skipping tracks without taking their eyes off the road. Skoda’s simpler approach fits well with its overall user-friendly ethos, and keeps the experience intuitive, but some may pine for those physical shortcut buttons.
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Performance
Neither of these cars – in standard form, at least – is meant to be a hot hatch in SUV clothing, but they feel quite different on the road.
The Kia EV3 uses a single front-mounted motor producing 201PS, which is enough for 0-62mph in around 7.5 seconds. It’s not fast, but it’s smooth, quiet and perfectly adequate for everyday driving. The EV3 prioritises comfort and efficiency, and on the road it feels relaxed and easy-going rather than eager.
The Elroq range offers more variety. Standard versions feel similar to the Kia in outright pace, but the Elroq vRS is a different proposition altogether. With 340PS, all-wheel drive and a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds, it’s properly quick – easily the most performance-focused option here.
Importantly, the Elroq vRS also backs that up with chassis tweaks that make it feel more controlled and confident when pushed, without becoming uncomfortable. It’s not a sports car, but it’s far more engaging than the Kia.
However, there is a performance version of the Kia on the way. The Kia EV3 GT should arrive in the summer of 2026, and while it won’t have quite as much power or performance as the Elroq vRS, it should be more engaging than the standard car.
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Size
Both cars sit in the small SUV class, but the Elroq is the larger of the two. The Kia is 4300mm long, 1850mm wide and 1565mm tall, while the Elroq is some 19cm longer at 4488mm, 1884mm wide and 1625mm tall.
The Kia EV3 feels easy to place on narrow UK roads and in car parks, which will appeal to drivers that spend a lot of time in the town or city. The Elroq’s extra length and width bring benefits in space and stability, but it doesn’t feel quite as nimble in town.
Neither is difficult to live with, but the Kia’s smaller footprint makes it slightly less intimidating day to day.
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Trims
Kia keeps things simple when it comes to the model line-up. The EV3 comes in Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S trims, with two battery options. Equipment levels are strong across the board, and it’s hard to accidentally spec a “bad” EV3.
Skoda offers more breadth. The Elroq range, since its introduction spans, more trims – SE, SE L, Edition, SportLine – and battery options, plus the Elroq vRS. That gives buyers more flexibility, but also more decisions (and more opportunities to push the price up).
Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq: Pricing
Both the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq offer very decent value for money when compared to small SUV rivals, but the Skoda offers that extra bit more.
Prices for the Kia start at just under £33,000 for the entry-level Air trim with the smaller battery, rising to £42,995 for the range-topping GT-Line S model.
The Elroq starts at £32,060 once you take off the government’s Electric Car Grant, which the Kia does not currently qualify for, which could make the Skoda extra-tempting. The Elroq vRS doesn’t qualify for the grant, and tops out at £46,560.
Which one should you buy?
If you want the most efficient compact electric SUV, with excellent range, sensible performance and strong value for money, the Kia EV3 is very easy to recommend. It’s comfortable, well equipped, and feels like a genuinely usable EV rather than a compromised one.
The Skoda Elroq, though, is the more rounded family car. It’s roomier, faster to charge, easier to use day to day, and offers a wider spread of versions, including the genuinely quick and capable vRS.
Both are excellent cars. The difference is less about which is better, and more about which one best fits into your life and the way you’re likely to use it.
