Kia introduces the EV3 compact SUV, the newest addition to its expanding electric vehicle lineup. Positioned below the larger EV9 and the EV6, the EV3 stands out with its compact dimensions—over 14 inches shorter than the EV6—and design influences drawn from the EV9 rather than the sleeker EV6. This five-passenger vehicle boasts a blocky, yet softer and friendlier appearance. The EV3 offers a standard model with a 58.3-kWh battery and a long-range variant equipped with an 81.4-kWh battery, aiming for a target range of 350 miles. The interior features dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, a console lid that doubles as a table, and recycled fabrics in the doors and dash, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious consumers. If Kia can price the base model around $30,000, the EV3 will provide strong competition for rivals like the Volvo EX30 EV and VW ID.4, while also appealing to traditional compact SUV buyers from brands like Honda and Ford.
What’s New?
The EV3 is an entirely new model, introducing several fresh features and improvements. It marks the debut of Kia’s next-generation one-pedal driving system, which allows drivers to select levels of regenerative braking through steering wheel-mounted paddles. This system’s enhancements over the current model will be revealed upon driving the EV3. Additionally, the EV3 introduces four new paint colors—Aventurine Green, Frost Clue, Shale Grey, and Terracotta—alongside five existing colors from Kia’s palette.
Power Source
The EV3’s powertrain details are still emerging, but both the standard and long-range models will feature a single motor delivering approximately 209 pound-feet of torque. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, potentially branded as the EV3 GT-Line trim, may be introduced post-launch. The EV3 also incorporates Kia’s eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control for enhanced handling and performance.
Entertainment and Connectivity
The long-range version of the EV3, equipped with an 81.4-kWh battery, is estimated to achieve a maximum range of around 350 miles. While this figure is not yet confirmed by EPA results, it likely represents the front-wheel-drive model. A two-motor all-wheel-drive version would typically have a reduced range, though Kia has not provided specific estimates. Unlike the EV9 and Ioniq 5, which use an 800-volt architecture, the EV3 employs a 400-volt system. Nonetheless, it supports fast charging, capable of charging the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes.
Comfort
The EV3’s interior design is inspired by nature, offering color schemes such as Subtle Grey, Warm Grey, and Blue, with Onyx Black reserved for the GT-Line trim. The cabin features recycled materials, including fabrics on the dashboard and door trims, and plastics used in the seats, headliner, door armrests, floor mats, and luggage board. The seats offer a “relaxation mode” that allows them to fold back, and the interior includes USB-C charging ports and adjustable ambient lighting to match the mood. The center console serves a dual purpose with a sliding table function suitable for snacks or laptops, and a storage area beneath that can accommodate drinks or a small backpack.
Driver-Assistance Features
The EV3 will come with a suite of standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, Kia offers a hands-free driving mode that is bundled with a more advanced version of adaptive cruise control. For detailed crash-test results, potential buyers can refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
