What is it?
After introducing the EV9 flagship EV a few years ago, Kia is filling in the other end of the lineup with the compact EV3. Introduced at this year’s New York Auto Show, the EV3 takes its place as the entry point to the Korean brand’s electric vehicle portfolio. However, entry-level doesn’t mean basic, and the new EV3 arrives with a stylish design, upscale cabin, and an estimated range of up to 320 miles.

A More Accessible EV
“The Kia EV3 represents a bold step forward in our commitment to making electric mobility accessible to more Americans,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “With its striking geometric design inspired by EV9, advanced technology, and spacious interior, the EV3 brings the innovation of our EV lineup into an entry EV SUV tailored for the way U.S. customers live, work, and travel.”

Familiar Design
With styling cues from the current EV6 and EV9, the EV3 fits nicely into the lineup while still bringing a look of its own. Small cube projector headlights are enhanced by angled daytime running lights, which give the EV3 a modern appearance with a new take on Kia’s signature Tiger nose. The sloping roofline and available 19-inch wheels add a sporty vibe to the design, while the unique taillights help to further differentiate the EV3 from anything else on the road.

Advanced Tech
The EV3 adopts Kia’s latest dashboard design, highlighted by a standard panoramic display featuring a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5-inch climate display in between. A 12-inch head-up display is also available, as is a premium Harman Kardon audio system. Having experienced the same infotainment system in the updated 2027 Kia Telluride, I can say it works well, with intuitive menus and easy-to-read screens, and the available themes, including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more, are a fun add-on. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trims with a wireless connection.

Clean Design
Minimal physical controls give the EV3 a clean, premium look, and with the gear selector on the steering column, there’s good storage space between the front seats. Depending on the trim level, a range of seat designs is available, including sport bucket seats with neon-green accents on the top-level GT.

Powertrain Options
Kia will offer the EV3 with two battery options: a standard-range 58.3 kWh or an extended-range 81.4 kWh. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain is standard on the GT-Line and GT, and optional on Wind and Land trims. The base-level Light is only offered with the standard-range battery and front-wheel drive. Dual-motor EV3 trims get an plentiful 261 horsepower, but for those who need a bit more, the EV3 GT bumps up to 288 horsepower. The GT also gets a sport-tuned suspension and steering with available Virtual Gear Shifts and Active Sound Design.

Range and Charging
With the standard-range battery, the Light has an estimated range of 220 miles, but front-wheel-drive trims with the extended-range battery should have a range of around 320 miles. When plugged into a DC fast charger, the EV3 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. The EV3 features a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling it to use a wide range of public chargers.

Coming Soon
When the 2027 Kia EV3 arrives late this year, it will be available in five trim levels: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. Look for pricing and additional details to be released closer to the on-sale date.