2025 Geely EX5 vs Leapmotor C10 vs Kia EV3 Air review

The entry-level 2025 Geely EX5 Complete, Leapmotor C10 Style, and Kia EV3 Air are all fighting for attention in Australia’s rapidly swelling small EV segment. All under $50K before on-road costs, they seek to attract budget-conscious buyers seeking electric freedom without sacrificing comfort. With varying drivetrains, features and cargo space, these three present distinct trade-offs. Let’s dive into the spec sheets to see which one stacks up where it counts.

Pricing and variants

At a glance, the Geely EX5 looks like a steal at $40,990. It’s nearly $7,000 cheaper than the Kia and undercuts the Leapmotor by almost five grand. For those prioritising bang-for-buck, that price tag alone will turn heads. Leapmotor’s $45,888 C10 Style sits in the middle, while the Kia EV3 Air tops the trio at $47,600. Still, all sit well below the current EV average.

Performance and range

All three post similar real-world ranges, with Kia’s EV3 Air narrowly edging ahead at 436km WLTP. Geely’s 430km and Leapmotor’s 420km are barely a carpark apart. Under the skin though, they differ. The EX5 and C10 run on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs, known for stability and longevity, while the Kia opts for a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, which typically has better energy density.

All deliver around the same pace, with 0-100km/h times of 7.1 to 7.5 seconds, and near-identical 160kW power outputs (150kW for the Kia). Torque favours the Chinese pair at 320Nm, versus the Kia’s 283Nm. The Leapmotor is rear-wheel drive, while the Geely and Kia stick with front-wheel. In spirited conditions, the RWD layout might be a little more engaging.

The Leapmotor does weigh the most though at 1980kg, compared to 1765kg for the Geely and 1845kg for the Kia. That’s worth considering for efficiency and tyre wear long-term.

Charging and practicality

When it comes to practicality, the Leapmotor C10 takes the crown. A cavernous 581 litres of boot space swallows prams, sports gear or road trip luggage with ease. It’s the only one with a proper tow rating too – 750kg braked, 1500kg unbraked. The Kia follows with 460 litres and a 500kg rating either way. Geely’s EX5, however, trails the pack with just 302 litres and no tow capacity.

All three use Type 2/CCS2 plugs and can DC fast charge. The Kia and Geely top out at 100kW DC, while the Leapmotor lags slightly at 84kW. However, Kia and Geely both offer faster 11kW AC charging, compared to just 6.6kW on the C10. This could matter if you're mostly topping up at home or the office.

All include vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. The Kia is the only one offering both internal and external V2L outlets, handy for camping or powering tools on the go.

Size

Running costs sit within a narrow band. According to government data, annual charging estimates are $796 for the Geely, $842 for the Leapmotor and $777 for the Kia. None of these figures include servicing or tyre replacement, but they provide a baseline for energy costs. The Kia's figure is based on a slightly different energy use rating, so take it with a grain of salt.

Packages and upgrades

Each model offers a mix of premium paint options. Geely keeps it simple with a single $600 upgrade. Leapmotor charges $990 but offers a bigger spread of colours, while Kia's $550 charge sits in the middle, offering the widest range of colours. The list of hues across all three includes everything from subtle greys and blacks to eye-catching greens and blues.

Warranty and ownership costs

All three cars offer strong coverage, with Geely providing unlimited kilometre warranties for both vehicle and battery, and Kia offering an unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and a 7-year/150,000km battery warranty. Leapmotor matches on time (7 years vehicle, 8 years battery), but caps each at 160,000km. In practice, that may not be an issue for most city drivers.

Running costs sit within a narrow band. According to government data, annual charging estimates are $796 for the Geely, $842 for the Leapmotor and $777 for the Kia. None of these figures include servicing or tyre replacement, but they provide a baseline for energy costs. The Kia's figure is based on a slightly different energy use rating, so take it with a grain of salt.

* Source: Green Vehicle Guide. Assumptions include efficiency according to ADR 81/02 lab tests, driving 14,000km a year, with an average cost of $0.30c/kWh. **Based on average energy consumption of 149Wh/km.

Verdict: Which one should you buy?

This is a classic head-versus-heart decision. The Geely EX5 is clearly the cheapest upfront and still offers strong range and quick acceleration. For buyers focused purely on price, it’s the sensible pick. But limited boot space and no tow capacity could be deal-breakers.

The Leapmotor C10 comes off as the most well-rounded. Yes, it costs a bit more and doesn’t charge as quickly, but its rear-drive layout, big boot, decent towing and taller ride height tick plenty of family-friendly boxes. If you want practicality without spending over $50K, it's hard to argue with the numbers.

Kia’s EV3 Air is the smallest of the pick but costs the most. However, it brings a familiar badge, balanced handling, and a touch more polish in areas like cabin finish and tech. The dual V2L outlets and slightly longer range are nice-to-haves, but the tight clearance and middling torque may disappoint some.

There’s no single winner here. But depending on your priorities – be it value, space or badge reassurance – one of these budget EVs will fit the bill.