Meet the production-spec version of the earlier Kia EV3 Concept.
Smaller, more affordable electric cars are a key point for automakers like Kia, and to that end South Korea and European markets will soon get this subcompact model appropriately named the EV3. Naturally, this car sits below the EV6 and the three-row EV9 in the lineup, and sports relatively few changes from the concept we saw last year. There’s no concrete plans on when it may arrive in North America at the moment, but the new EV3 will launch in South Korea next July, followed by Europe, so the earliest we’d likely see it is early 2026.
Right from the outset, it’s obvious where the tiny Kia EV3 draws its styling inspiration. The thin daytime running lights and vertical headlights are becoming the hallmark of Kia’s “Opposites United” design language, while its electric models bring flush door handles and a floating roof aesthetic to the mix.
The boxier look, especially around the wheel arches, help give the EV3 some more presence to onlookers, despite the car’s diminutive size. At 169 inches long, 73 inches wide and 61 inches tall, it’s nearly a full three feet shorter than its three-row sibling, and measures out roughly between the Soul hatchback and the Seltos (the EV3 is a bit shorter in height and wider than both those models).
Unlike the concept, the production EV3 no longer has rear hinging doors. So, rear seat passengers will open up their doors (the handle is integrated into the C-pillar) as normal. Once you get inside, you’ll notice that the EV3 again draws similar cues to its larger siblings. There are a few special touches, though, including a folding table built into the center console. That floating console also has an open storage cubbie between the seats.
The driver gets a two-spoke steering wheel with media controls, driver assistance buttons and the drive mode controller spread across the two spokes. Instead of a traditional binnacle, the Kia EV3 continues the trend of dual 12.3-inch displays, with one for the instrument cluster and the other for the latest version of Kia’s infotainment system. One other cue from the EV9 comes with the climate control panel, which sits between the two larger screens.
The Kia EV3 does not have an all-wheel drive option, at least at launch.
While the EV3 rides on the same E-GMP platform as its larger siblings, there’s no mention of a dual-motor model, strangely. There are two lithium-ion battery packs to choose from, though. The entry-level version gets a 58.3-kWh battery pack, while higher-end models get a much more substantial 81.4-kWh unit in “Long Range” form instead. The latter supposedly delivers up to 372 miles on a charge using the European WLTP measuring standard (EPA ratings tend to skew much lower, so expect somewhere around 300-325 miles). With 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque, the EV3 manages a 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) run in around 7.5 seconds.
Charging is another point of contention with new electric car models, and the Kia EV3 looks fairly average on that front. The Long Range model can charge up to 128 kW, while the standard model only tops out at 102 kW. That’s good enough, Kia claims, to charge from 10% to 80% state-of-charge in 31 minutes, assuming you’re at a DC fast charger that can consistently deliver that peak output. Again, even by today’s standards, that shouldn’t be a big ask. Like Kia’s other EVs, the EV3 does support vehicle-to-load (V2L), which means you can power some external devices like consumer electronics and small appliances off it.
When it does launch in various markets, the Kia EV3 will be its most affordable offering to-date. The automaker seems to be targeting the crucial $30,000 to $50,000 price point, with that lesser version looking awfully appealing to budget EV buyers. Even if it doesn’t get a huge amount of range and doesn’t qualify for the $7,500 electric car tax credit, that price point would at least put it within spitting distance of the gas-powered Seltos, offering a feasible alternative for those actively looking to drop internal combustion with their next daily driver.
Andre had an opportunity to drive an early prototype EV3, and we’ll have that video up on our TFLEV YouTube channel soon!
