Kia EV3 Wins Best Small Car Under $50K at CarsGuide 2026 Awards
Kia has claimed a major win at the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year Awards, with the Kia EV3 crowned Best Small Car Starting Under $50,000.
In one of the most hotly contested small-car categories, the EV3 stood above strong competition from the MG S5 EV and Nissan Qashqai, earning a unanimous decision from the CarsGuide judging panel — no small feat in a segment packed with value-packed contenders.
It’s a huge milestone for Kia and fantastic news for local buyers at Tynan Kia Sutherland.
A Tough Small-Car Battle
The Best Small Car Under $50K category brought together some of Australia’s most compelling small SUVs and hatch-style crossovers, blending affordability, practicality and modern tech.
After extensive debate in the CarsGuide “COTY War Room”, three models rose to the top:
- MG S5 EV
- Nissan Qashqai
- Kia EV3
While the runners-up impressed judges in key areas, the Kia EV3 ultimately delivered the most complete package.
Runners-Up: Strong Value Propositions
MG S5 EV
The MG S5 EV earned praise for dramatically lifting the brand’s quality, ergonomics and driving ability. With a sharp drive-away price and generous warranty, it was recognised as outstanding value — and a sign of how far MG has come in the EV space.
Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai impressed with its modern design, updated interior and smooth e-Power hybrid system. Judges highlighted its broad appeal, versatility and long 10-year warranty as major strengths in the small SUV segment.
Winner: Kia EV3
Despite fierce competition, the Kia EV3 emerged as the clear winner — and impressively, every CarsGuide judge picked it as their number one.
CarsGuide Managing Editor Tim Nicholson praised the EV3’s balance of fun and functionality:
“There is not much the Kia EV3 gets wrong. It has an edgy, modern design and a visually appealing and surprisingly spacious interior.”
Judges also highlighted its punchy EV performance, excellent ride and handling, and clever interior packaging — noting that it feels like a car from the segment above once you’re inside.
Why the EV3 Took the Crown
According to CarsGuide, the Kia EV3 stood out thanks to:
- Modern, eye-catching design
- Spacious and practical interior for its size
- Strong EV performance with smooth ride quality
- Excellent everyday usability
- Impressive value across the range
Even though it sits toward the upper end of the price bracket, judges agreed the EV3 delivers far more than expected — especially for families or first-time EV buyers.
As News Editor Dom Tripolone noted, the EV3’s interior space changes the value equation entirely, making it feel like “a car a size above”.
A Big Win for Kia — and for Local Buyers
Winning Best Small Car Starting Under $50K reinforces Kia’s growing dominance in the electric vehicle space and positions the EV3 as one of the smartest small-car choices in Australia for 2026.
Discover the Kia EV3 at Tynan Kia Sutherland
If you’re considering a small car or electric SUV that delivers style, space and award-winning performance, the Kia EV3 deserves a closer look.
Visit Tynan Kia Sutherland to explore the Kia EV3 range and see why CarsGuide judges unanimously named it the best small car under $50K.
Source: CarsGuide. Article written by Chris Thompson, Senior Journalist.