2025 Kia EV3 Is A Sub-Compact Electric SUV For The Masses With 373-Mile Range
Borrowing styling cues from the EV9, the small electric SUV will be available in Korea, Europe, and North America
- The Kia EV3 is a 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) long fully electric SUV with modern looks and a high-tech cabin.
- The Long Range version boasts an WLTP range of 600 km (373 miles) thanks to its 81.4 kWh battery.
- The EV3 will be initially available with a single electric motor producing 201 hp, although a more powerful GT version will follow.
Kia unveiled the all-new EV3, the latest member of its fully electric lineup that will be offered in global markets including Europe and the U.S. The sub-compact SUV with modern styling, promises a WLTP driving range of up to 600 km (373 miles) in the Long Range version and comes packed with technology.
The production-spec Kia EV3 looks closely resembles last year’s concept, adopting modern styling cues originally introduced by the EV9 flagship. Toned-down features include slightly tweaked LEDs, revised bumpers, conventional mirrors, and thicker pillars. Besides the base version, Kia also showed us the GT-Line trim, featuring sportier bumpers and different alloy wheels. The sleek body and a 3D underbody cover contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.267 cd.
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The EV3 measures 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) long, 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) wide, and 1,560 mm (61.4 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm (105.5 inches). Compared to other Kia products, the EV3 is 105 mm (4 inches) longer than the e-Soul, and 120 mm (4.7 inches) shorter than the e-Niro.
This footprint places it in the heart of Europe’s B-SUV (subcompact) segment, against the likes of the Peugeot E-2008, the Volvo EX30, the Mini Aceman, and the Smart #1.
The interior boasts a minimalist and futuristic design, incorporating technology typically seen in larger segments. It features a digital panel consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a separate 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls, positioned between them. Most buttons are conveniently placed on the steering wheel, with only a handful of physical controls and shortcuts on the dashboard.
Kia EV3 GT Line (Global Version)
Kia EV3 Base (Global Version)
The center console features practical storage compartments and a sliding table that can be utilized when the vehicle is stationary, complementing the “fold-back relaxation mode” of the front seats. The EV accommodates five passengers in its cabin, along with a 460-liter (16.2 cubic feet) boot and a 25-liter (0.9 cubic feet) frunk. Staying true to current trends, Kia employs sustainable materials for the upholstery, including recycled fabric and recycled plastic (PET).
Riding on the widely used E-GMP platform, albeit with a 400-Volt architecture, the Kia EV3 offers a single electric motor and two battery options at launch. The standard model features a 58.3 kWh battery capacity, while the Long Range variant upgrades to a larger 81.4 kWh unit. The latter delivers an estimated WLTP range of 600 km (373 miles), surpassing similarly-sized EV rivals. Moreover, when connected to a rapid charger, the larger battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes (at a 128 kW charging rate).
The single electric motor generates 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 283 Nm (209 lb-ft) of torque. Kia states that the EV3 accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.5 seconds and boasts a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). Looking ahead, the lineup will expand with the introduction of a performance-focused Kia EV3 GT, featuring power enhancements and chassis upgrades.
Pricing and availability
The Kia EV3 will debut in its home market of Korea this July, followed by launches in Europe and the UK in the second half of 2024. It’s also confirmed for release in North America, where it’s anticipated to start at $30,000. Following this model, Kia plans to introduce the EV4 sedan and a smaller EV2 crossover for the European market.
