Korea vs. China: The battle of the affordable electric crossovers

Six months ago, the DFM 05 was launched in Israel at NIS 150,000, pushing the price level of electric crossovers downward. Until last year, we had to pay around NIS180,000 for fully equipped versions of the BYD Atto 3 or Lynk & Co 02. Suddenly, a new and significantly cheaper category emerged, with base models around NIS 150,000 and fully equipped versions about NIS10,000 more. This happened after last year marked the first decline in electric vehicle sales in Israel in years, unlike the rest of the world. Last year’s models are still offered as zero-kilometer vehicles after more than a year in importers’ warehouses, sometimes at prices reduced to around NIS 140,000.

For a small additional cost, buyers can now get a 2026 crossover, fresh stock, with a longer warranty for both car and battery (which is shorter for zero-km vehicles), and even not only Chinese. The Kia EV3 is currently the only Western SUV sold in Israel that competes with the very competitive price tags of the Chinese models. Opposing it is the JAC 5, the smaller electric sibling of the JAC 7 Plug-In, Israel’s best-selling car in 2025 and so far in 2026 as well. Third in the line is the AION U5, which landed in Israel in recent months, a new European brand from the GAC Group that was briefly sold in Israel in 2020 and now returns with a new model series. Interestingly, the DFM importer refused to provide the 05 for this comparison.

The three contenders present completely different design approaches. The AION U5 adopts a modern, squared-off SUV look, somewhat reminiscent of the Subaru Forester with roof rails, though its closed front is a bit bland. It also offers a two-tone option (white roof with another color for the rest of the body), which can make it stand out more on the road (an extra NIS 3,000). In contrast, the JAC 5 is clearly inspired by British Land Rover vehicles, with rugged and impressive lines that make it the most “jeep-like” design of the three. It’s less elegant than the 7, but still stands out on the road. The Kia EV3 continues the original line of its larger siblings (EV6 and EV9) with a nice, modern, and unique look - not “inspired” by anyone else.

The AION U5 is the largest, measuring 4.60 meters in length with a 2.78-meter wheelbase. The JAC 5 is significantly shorter at 4.38 meters, while the Kia is the most compact at 4.30 meters, though its wheelbase (2.68 meters) is longer than the JAC’s, thanks to more efficient electric car design: The JAC is also available in petrol and hybrid versions, requiring compromises for the engine bay. AION and Kia, by contrast, use that space for extra trunk room - the U5’s trunk is smaller than the Kia’s.

Inside, the differences become more noticeable. The Kia EV3 offers the best ergonomics here. Alongside the large 12.3-inch screens, it retains physical buttons for climate and audio controls, reducing driver distraction. Build quality is good, although the use of recycled materials sometimes feels stiff - a likely compromise for keeping costs down.

The AION U5 offers a premium feel with light-colored trim (beige in the test car) and above-average material quality for a Chinese car. However, ergonomics suffer due to the lack of physical buttons - even mirror adjustments or opening the sunroof require touchscreen use. The front seat lacks a bit of support but is very comfortable. The seating position is lower than the other two, and there is no glove compartment.

The JAC’s driver environment feels familiar to other Chery models. It has physical buttons for mirror adjustment and air vents (unlike its bigger sibling), but climate control remains touchscreen-based. There is a touch strip for AC, but it disappears when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, requiring several screen presses to restore. The driver’s seat is firm and lacks support.

For families, the AION U5 is the clear winner in the rear. It’s the most spacious, with excellent legroom and headroom and adjustable seatbacks. The Kia EV3 offers relatively good space for its size, with a flat floor and deep seat, though it’s the narrowest of the three. The JAC 5 falls behind here, with relatively limited second-row legroom and a slightly wider seat than the Kia. All three have rear AC vents.

Surprisingly, the JAC offers 480 liters officially, the Kia is close with 460 liters (plus a small front trunk of 25 liters), and the AION U5 comes with 427 liters officially, which visually feels larger. It’s the only one without a cargo cover.

Kia and AION received 5/5 stars in European crash tests; the JAC 5 has not yet been tested. All three come with standard active safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping, and blind-spot monitoring. Only the Kia has reverse autonomous braking, and only the Kia and AION have automatic high beams.

The JAC Premium (NIS 151,000) comes with 18-inch wheels, front LED headlights, a 13.2-inch multimedia screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB ports, rear AC vents, keyless start, electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors, and remote pre-conditioning via app. The version we drove (NIS 160,000) adds artificial leather seats, electric trunk lid, panoramic roof with electric shade, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, wireless phone charging, and a power outlet in the trunk - a set of features that justifies the extra cost, while still being the cheapest here.

Kia also offers two trims: SR (from NIS 165,000) with a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, 12.3-inch multimedia screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, climate control with rear vents, 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, LED lights, and reverse camera. The SE Premium we drove (from NIS 170,000) adds electrically adjustable driver seat, sunroof, and artificial leather upholstery.

The AION U5 comes in a single trim (NIS 167,000), with a 14.6-inch multimedia screen with native Apple CarPlay and locally-installed dongle for Android Auto, 8.8-inch instrument cluster, 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic roof with electric shade, electrically adjustable driver seat, electric trunk lid, and smart key.

All three offer similar power of about 204–211 hp, with weight ranging from 1,710 kg for the JAC to 1,845 kg for the Kia and 1,880 kg for the AION. The JAC 5 feels especially agile, with good acceleration and fast gap closing. The Kia EV3 offers a driving experience closest to a petrol car, with precise steering and well-balanced suspension. The AION U5 feels heavier, and relatively low torque affects acceleration compared to its competitors.

But it must be noted: All three accelerate, for example, from 80–120 km/h in about five seconds - a figure usually seen only in more expensive family SUVs. Electric vehicles make performance very accessible, shortening overtaking times, even in short stretches that petrol cars rarely use. These are affordable electric SUVs; more agile electric vehicles exist.

Performance comes at the cost of range. Push harder on long trips, at traffic lights, or during overtakes - you’ll enjoy performance but need to stop more for charging. Here, the AION U5 leads with a 75 kWh battery, offering an official range of 510 km, and a practical range in calm intercity driving of about 440 km.

The Kia (58 kWh) achieved about 380 km practical range, with an option for a larger 81.4 kWh battery adding about 130 km for an extra NIS 17,000. The JAC 5 delivered only about 350 km practical range.

All three come with slow three-phase AC charging at 11 kW, and fast DC charging at 155 kW for AION, 100 kW for Kia, and 80 kW for JAC, meaning the U5 requires the least charging time. The Kia is the only one with control paddles for charging level behind the steering wheel; the others require screen navigation.

The AION is the most comfortable, including city driving where electric cars usually struggle. The Kia is slightly firmer but still very good, and the JAC is the least comfortable at urban speeds, with the suspension also being the noisiest. It is also noisier on the road, mainly due to wind noise, which is less noticeable in the other two.

Regarding handling, the soft suspension harms the AION, which experiences more body roll. It clearly signals limitations to the driver but maintains good grip. The Kia stands out with the most refined handling, the most precise steering, and the feeling closest to a petrol car - a compliment for an EV. The JAC has good grip but stiff, short-travel suspension hinders dynamics. The steering is soft and lacks feel.

The AION U5 has the longest warranty: 8 years or 160,000 km for the car and battery. The JAC offers 6 years or 150,000 km for the car, and 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery. Kia has only 3 years for the car (unlimited km) and 7 years or 150,000 km for the battery.

The JAC brings the most competitive price to the market and a design many will love, inspired by its successful older sibling, the JAC 7 - a Chinese brand that seems to have crossed into public awareness in Israel. However, space, ergonomics, and road behavior are less successful.

The Kia is slightly more expensive but is the only successful Western EV to reach Chinese-level pricing, with compromises in material quality and equipment.

Those who don’t need extra family space will enjoy the EV3, with the best ergonomics and road behavior here.

For typical family use in this vehicle category, the AION is the winner: Most spacious, most comfortable, and with the longest range. Ergonomics are still too Chinese, and storage compartments are lacking, but it handles three children and their gear best.