BEST SMALL SUV 2026: Kia EV3 vs Renault Scenic

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The small SUV segment was once full of cynical, lightly lifted hatchbacks that were barely big enough for the family. That’s all changed, as mid-size SUVs have moved up in the world, leaving a gap for more compact, space efficient options.

The boon for many EVs is battery packaging that allows smaller footprints to deliver greater cabin space, giving them a better chance of winning in the small SUV award category than possibly other segments. 

Contesting this year’s Small SUV of the Year honours directly were the highly-rated Kia EV3, Renault Duster, and Renault Scenic. 

Worth a mention are some of the other names in this segment that missed COTY qualification. In the MG S5’s case, it was already beaten in a three-way comparison test by the Kia EV3 and, although great value, neither the BYD Atto 2 or Leapmotor B10 scored highly enough for consideration. 

In the combustion-engined and hybrid world, the MG ZS, GAC Emzoom, Mitsubishi ASX, Toyota C-HR, Suzuki Fronx and Mahindra XUV3XO all failed to make the cut. 

What are we looking for in a Car of the Year segment winner? It’s all about performance of intended function — how well a vehicle executes its purpose. Below are the aspects we interrogate.

• Ride and handling
• Powertrain calibration
• Space and packaging
• Build quality
• Overall vehicle design
• X-Factor

Winner: Kia EV3

Since launching in late 2025, the Kia EV3 has impressed us at every opportunity. Starting with a solid launch review, it went on to win comparisons, showed why it’s better than the larger EV5, and proved a genuinely pleasant long-term companion. This car came in as a favourite. 

There are many reasons. First and foremost is that the EV3 grabs your attention with crisp lines and bold styling. Tight, boxy proportions and an interesting colour palette help the EV3 stand out among a samey crowd of electric SUVs. 

Inside this continues with warm, quality materials that tout sustainable credentials. The seat upholstery is classy across the range, even in the basic Earth with its cloth knit appointments that can be had for less than $50K driveaway. 

Despite compact dimensions, the flat-floored battery electric EV3 delivers plenty of cabin space for four adults and a generous boot. Though there’s no space saver spare fitted, the large well under the split-level boot floor means you can add one aftermarket without compromising practicality. 

In the front seat, practical touches are vast with cup holders, rubberised flat tray for odds and ends storage and spacious door bins. 

Where the Kia EV3 elevates itself above other, similarly-sized electric rivals is the driving range. The Air SR comes with an already-decent 436km WLTP rating and the slightly dearer Air LR boosts that to 604km WLTP. 

Move up to the Earth and you score power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, synthetic leather upholstery, wireless charging pad, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The GT-Line benefits from gloss black wheel arch trim, a sunroof and more powerful Harman/Kardon steering, three-spoke steering wheel, power seats with memory, sunroof and different centre console arrangement. 

With an Australian ride and handling localisation program that influenced the EV3’s suspension and steering settings, it feels well-suited to this country. It’s comfortable in town and, with plenty of spring travel, it’s never harsh out of town, either. 

The steering is hefty – and sometimes a little too much – and the EV3 is well-poised through smooth, well-sighted corners on country roads. 

This isn’t a sporty SUV with a 150kW front motor and over 1900kg to lug around though the smoothly calibrated accelerator pedal commands a car with adequate punch for almost any situation. 

The regenerative braking adjustment, which we’ve come to expect from Kia/Hyundai products, is excellent here. You can go full ‘i-Pedal’ one-pedal drive mode to almost cloud-like coasting and anywhere between by simply flicking the steering wheel paddles. 

At the end of the day, it’s the seamless user friendliness that sets the excellent Kia EV3 above the rest of the small SUVs launched this year.

Runner-up: Renault Scenic

While technically pitched as a medium SUV, this compact electric SUV majors on bright, responsive technology, yet that doesn’t come at the expense of usability. 

There are buttons for the air conditioning, physical stalks for wipers, indicators, gear selection and multimedia settings, and a huge family-friendly rear seat. 

But the Scenic isn’t the winner in this segment. For its generous 625km driving range claim is incredibly hard to match in the real world, so expect a more realistic 500km figure. The Scenic could also be better when it comes to charging speeds. 

The seating also lacks adjustment, specifically under-thigh rotation. Even in the top-spec Esprit Alpine ($65,990, before on-road costs), the seat base is too flat. 

Though editor Jez Spinks called out a clumsy urban ride, the Scenic’s real strength is high-speed comfort. It’s silky, poised, planted and a good handler in the way all great French cars are.