1st drive in the Kia EV3 before it hits the US in 2026 [Electrek review]

[Administrator]

First drive in the Kia EV3 before it hits the US – A fun little compact that’s sneaky big inside

https://electrek.co/2025/02/27/firs...its-us-compact-thats-sneaky-big-inside-video/

Electrek's first drive impressions:

My first impression was how large the compact SUV feels when inside it. This is a common occurrence when testing Hyundai Motor Group EVs, as its E-GMP platform allows for an entirely flat floor and a wide wheelbase that maximizes every inch of space. The trunk looks small from the outside, but it was surprisingly spacious for the vehicle’s overall length and tiny back end behind the wheels. The frunk, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired, but that’s not uncommon for Kia and Hyundai vehicles. At least the hood opens, right?​

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When driving, the EV3 is smooth and quiet. It doesn’t have the most giddy-up, but that’s not what this BEV was designed for. This is a daily-use-family car and was designed as such, and Kia nailed that aspect.​

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I was thoroughly impressed by the massive 12.3″ head-up display (showcased in my video below) which shows your current speed, the speed limit, details of lane keep assist and your next turn, including how far away that turn is and what lane you should be in. I loved this feature.​

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I, of course, also loved i-Pedal 3.0. HMG’s regenerative braking is some of the smoothest in the business, and they upped their game with i-Pedal 3.0, which now features four separate levels, including a new “auto” mode that uses GPS and sensor data to offer optimal regenerative braking techniques based on conditions like road grade or the traffic ahead of you. Why isn’t every automaker doing this?​

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One last feature that stood out to me was the battery diagnostics present right on the main center screen. This box to the right (seen in the image below) broke down how the EV3’s battery was being used, broken down by categories and percentages, including driving, electronics, climate, and battery care. That was a nice little touch that could truly help US consumers more easily understand how to manage their battery life and maximize range and efficiency.​

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Overall, my time with the EV3 was brief, but it was enough to declare that this is a tech-forward, compact SUV designed as an everyday family car with more than adequate range that will more than support that lifestyle. Kia’s charging prowess cannot be denied, and US consumers might scoff at the EV3 at first, but once they get in one and poke around, they will likely change their tune.​

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We don’t have an exact timeline on when the Kia EV3 will hit the US, but have been told sometime in 2026. We also don’t have official pricing or EPA range yet but have been told it will have an MSRP starting in the mid-$30,000 range. For comparison, the EV3 starts at 29,000 euros ($30,200) for the standard range base model in Spain and 33,790 ($35,190) for the long-range base model.​

Accompanying video: