BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: which is better?
Comparing the BYD ATTO 2 and Kia EV3? Here’s a breakdown of the two
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The small electric SUV market is taking the UK by storm, with almost every brand offering them in one form or another.
Two models that sit at the top, however, are the BYD ATTO 2 and Kia EV3, offering long electric ranges, lots of interior space and great tech.
To find out which one is a better fit for you, make sure to read on.
What’s better – the BYD ATTO 2 or Kia EV3?
Our guide will answer:
Which car has better styling?
Is the BYD ATTO 2 or Kia EV3 better to drive?
Does the BYD ATTO 2 or Kia EV3 have better tech?
Is the BYD ATTO 2 or Kia EV3 more reliable?
What are the BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3 dimensions?
BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: styling
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The BYD ATTO 2 takes a subtle, understated approach to design. It’s similar to the larger ATTO 3, but with a sharper design and more angles.
Its compact SUV proportions give it a city‑friendly footprint, with a clean, contemporary look but little in the way of bold visual drama.
By contrast, the Kia EV3 aims to stand out a bit more and is essentially a scaled-down EV9 with strong geometric lines and distinctive headlights.
Its intelligent LED headlight system and bold brake‑light design give it a high‑tech presence on the road. It's quite squat and stocky, and we quite like that about it.
BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: what are they like to drive?
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Being electric, the BYD ATTO 2 is easy to drive, comfortable in the city and smooth at low speeds.
It produces 177hp or 203hp, depending on the trim, which means it’s capable of getting from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. It’s not rapid, but it’s not sluggish either.
The Kia EV3 is very similar in the way it drives, with all versions getting 204hp and a 0-62 time of as little as 7.5 seconds.
It also gets a clever i-Pedal system that uses strong regenerative braking to do the heavy lifting when you come to a stop at a set of lights.
As for electric ranges, the ATTO 2 gets between 214 and 267 miles, depending on the trim. The EV3 has 270 to 375 miles.
BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: interior and technology
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Inside, the BYD ATTO 2 has a really nice cabin. If you’re familiar with other BYDs, it’ll feel natural. Even if you aren’t, it’s a simplistic and minimalist place to be.
It features vegan‑leather seating, a digital 8.8‑inch driver’s display and a 12.8‑inch infotainment display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, OTA updates and physical shortcut buttons for essential functions.
The Kia EV3 counters with an equally tech‑rich but more futuristic interior, we’d say.
It has a 12.3-inch screen, a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 5.3-inch screen for the climate control. Not physical buttons, but the next best thing so that they’re always accessible.
The clever bit is its central armrest, which slides outwards, creating a table, which you can use for your lunch or laptop while the vehicle is charging, or simply to rest your arms on. It's something so minor, but a feature we found very unique and surprisingly useful.
BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: boot space and practicality
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The ATTO 2 has a 400-litre boot, growing to 1,340 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. There’s also some extra space underneath to store charge cables.
The Kia, on the other hand, has a slightly bigger 460-litre boot that grows to 1,250 litres when the seats are down. But it also has a 25-litre froot (front boot) – something the BYD doesn’t offer.
BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: safety and reliability
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The BYD ATTO 2’s Blade LFP battery technology is a major highlight and is widely praised for its thermal stability and lower risk of overheating compared with nickel‑based packs, improving long‑term durability and safety credentials.
Its high‑strength platform and ADAS suite (including lane‑keeping, monitoring, and driver assistance toggles) further strengthen its safety proposition.
The Kia EV3 offers a deeply integrated safety and assistance package, including adaptive regeneration based on road conditions, intelligent LED headlights, comprehensive ADAS support and high crash‑structure standards.
Plus, it’s hard to beat Kia’s seven‑year warranty to further boost peace of mind.
BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: dimensions
BYD ATTO 2
Length: 4,310mm
Width: 2,060mm (incl. mirrors)
Height: 1,675mm
Boot space: 400 litres
Kia EV3
Length: 4,300mm
Width: 1,850mm (incl. mirrors)
Height: 1,560mm
Boot space: 460 litres
Verdict: BYD ATTO 2 vs. Kia EV3: which should you buy?
If you’re still not sure which one is for you, these short verdicts may be able to help guide you.
You should buy a BYD ATTO 2 if...
You want a budget SUV
You keep up to date with the latest tech
You live or commute in a city
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You should buy a Kia EV3 if...
A long warranty is important to you
You want more range
You prefer the styling
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