Cyrus
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https://www.autoblog.com/news/kia-ev3-hands-on-with-kias-u-s-bound-electric-runabout
January 8, 2025
KIA EV3: Hands-on with KIA’s U.S.-bound electric runabout
Hyundai and KIA are proving that there is a real audience for EVs, but many feel that entry-level EVs are too rare. That’s where the KIA EV3 comes in.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen electric vehicles go from an oddity to a somewhat popular consumer choice. Sure, they only work for certain people living in areas that cater to their needs, but in those situations, EVs are a proven quantity. With one exception: affordable or entry-level EVs.
The KIA EV3 shares a similar design language with the large EV9; however, this package is somewhat adorable, and futuristic.
Sure, the Nissan Leaf was the first entry-level EV in this market, but that platform isn’t up to scratch in this new environment. What we need is a commuter that’s roomy, easy to drive, has a decent range, and doesn’t cost too much. Enter the KIA EV3, expected to go on sale in the United States in 2026.
It's more of a tall hatchback than an SUV, but it is utilitarian and AWD should be an option.
What is the KIA EV3?
Smaller than the KIA Niro but larger than the KIA Soul, the KIA EV3 is based on a dedicated electric platform. That means it’s more of a skateboard platform, giving the interior more space with the battery flat underneath. This also gives it great utility, which is important because KIA calls it a crossover or SUV, even though many think it’s a hatchback.
While details for our market have yet to be ironed out, the current model will get a 58.3, or 81.4 kWh battery. The smaller battery should be capable of over 250 miles of range, while the larger one is expected to go over 300 miles.
It may look rugged, but it is built for urban environments, not the Rubicon.
Front-wheel drive will be offered initially, but we expect an all-wheel drive (AWD) version soon after. The EV3's single motor will produce 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque, which isn't much considering its weight of about 4,000 lbs, but it’s not meant to be a sports car.
Both the standard and long-range models should get the same motor, and it’s my guess that the AWD models will be paired with the larger battery. Either way, the 0 to 60 mph times in the front-drive version are a bit over 7 seconds. I would expect the AWD model to be much quicker.
Ever seen a multifunction table/armrest with drive-assist buttons? You have now.
Form and function in an adorable box
One of the benefits of having a box-like setup is the space and utility. That is indeed what we get with the KIA EV3. It’s a spacious little bugger with a two-position cargo floor and a max capacity of 16.2 cubic feet of cargo. A small cubby under the frunk can hold 25 liters worth of goods or just enough for the charger cord and maybe a jacket.
The back seats have multiple positions, and the front seats have a fully reclined “relaxation mode,” which is great for napping. Most of the interior components are made from recycled materials. If you need a table, the center console slides forward and can hold a ton of cargo on the floor, just behind the cup holders.
Room for adults in the front and back. There's mood lighting that works in conjunction with your safety systems to warn you of impending doom. It's unreal in such an inexpensive EV.
Like many modern Hyundai/KIA products, the EV3 should come with a pair of 12.3-inch screens that join together. A majority of the vehicle's controls and infotainment are controlled by these screens, leaving the dashboard clutter-free. There are separate buttons sitting below the infotainment screen, which are discrete but easy to use on the move if you prefer them. The front armrest/table holds the hill-decent, parking, camera, and auto-hold buttons, which isn't something we've seen before.
Heated and ventilated seats, along with a heated steering wheel, look like options on the U.S. models. There appear to be three trim models: Air, Earth, and GT Line, likely with unique, corresponding colors.
Experiencing the KIA EV3
You have to understand that this is a purpose-built commuter, so it’s not as beefy as its bigger, more powerful cousins. If you hop into this after driving an EV6 or a Hyundai Ioniq5, you might be underwhelmed. On the other hand, if you get out of a Toyota Corolla Cross or a Honda HR-V and jump into this, it becomes a fun little thing.
It's nice to see physical buttons: the heating and AC are a "breeze" to use. A majority of the controls can be utilized via the infotainment screen, but having redundant controls on the dash and steering wheel is a good thing.
Power is smooth and doesn’t slap you around like most Teslas or other performance EVs. You are able to use variable recharge one-pedal driving with corresponding paddle shifters as well. Once you get used to it, the car becomes a hoot to drive around town.
I would expect a few different wheel options, but the squared theme should remain in some form.
It is not a canyon carver, but it won’t fall on its face either. If you need that type of performance, pony up for the EV6. As far as steering and emergency braking go, it’s outstanding. It is maneuverable, easy to park (the cameras truly help), and fun to maneuver around traffic.
If they are able to keep the price on the lower end and keep the EV3's overall capabilities intact when it reaches the United States, it will be best-in-class, no doubt. It’s an outstanding package altogether.
As good as it is, the KIA EV3 could still have its flaws
There are a few issues with all EVs that the KIA EV3 is not immune to. Obviously, range and battery life are concerns, along with charge times and expense. Regarding the latter, people are finding that charging their vehicles at DC fast chargers can be pricey, even within striking distance of gasoline in some places.
Others find that EVs are too impractical as the sole car for the family for long-distance drives and cold-weather commuting. Many people also live in communities (apartments, condos, townhomes, etc.) that make nightly charging impossible.
I will say that having driven Hyundai/KIA EVs, they seem solid. In fact, I drove a Hyundai Ioniq 5 cross-country, and it was pretty good. The issue was the lack of useable chargers. At least KIA will be offering a NACS (Tesla) charging adapter with all of its new and upcoming EVs, so charging speed, simplicity, and additional locations are made a bit easier.
As for reliability and cold weather, yes, there is degradation of the cells over time, and cold weather will lower your range. In my experience, the vehicle can lose up to 50 percent of its range in severe cold. Newer EVs are better at heating management, and heat pumps for the batteries are standard in most EVs today.
KIA warranties its batteries for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Degradation has slowed with newer battery tech, so what used to be a loss of 2.3 percent per year has dropped to about 1.8 percent per year on average. Some drivers are even showing under one percent per year. Simply put, battery technology has improved, and batteries are far more reliable than they once were.
If KIA can keep the price low, the competition will have a hard time beating it.
Final thoughts
Pricing is expected to start in the low $30,000 zone and is likely to exceed $45,000 to $50,000 when fully equipped. I hope they can keep it as relatively inexpensive as a compact, entry-level crossover. Other players, like the vaunted Volvo EX30, are still expected to hit our market, too, and I think they will go toe-to-toe in many ways.
The pricing will depend on the future of tariffs, local EV tax status, and incoming rules from the EPA, FTC, and even the DOT, among others. I suspect we will hear a lot more about the EV3’s U.S. specifications soon. The bottom line, though, is that this little electric car will be worth the wait.
January 8, 2025
KIA EV3: Hands-on with KIA’s U.S.-bound electric runabout
Hyundai and KIA are proving that there is a real audience for EVs, but many feel that entry-level EVs are too rare. That’s where the KIA EV3 comes in.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen electric vehicles go from an oddity to a somewhat popular consumer choice. Sure, they only work for certain people living in areas that cater to their needs, but in those situations, EVs are a proven quantity. With one exception: affordable or entry-level EVs.
The KIA EV3 shares a similar design language with the large EV9; however, this package is somewhat adorable, and futuristic.
Sure, the Nissan Leaf was the first entry-level EV in this market, but that platform isn’t up to scratch in this new environment. What we need is a commuter that’s roomy, easy to drive, has a decent range, and doesn’t cost too much. Enter the KIA EV3, expected to go on sale in the United States in 2026.
It's more of a tall hatchback than an SUV, but it is utilitarian and AWD should be an option.
What is the KIA EV3?
Smaller than the KIA Niro but larger than the KIA Soul, the KIA EV3 is based on a dedicated electric platform. That means it’s more of a skateboard platform, giving the interior more space with the battery flat underneath. This also gives it great utility, which is important because KIA calls it a crossover or SUV, even though many think it’s a hatchback.
While details for our market have yet to be ironed out, the current model will get a 58.3, or 81.4 kWh battery. The smaller battery should be capable of over 250 miles of range, while the larger one is expected to go over 300 miles.
It may look rugged, but it is built for urban environments, not the Rubicon.
Front-wheel drive will be offered initially, but we expect an all-wheel drive (AWD) version soon after. The EV3's single motor will produce 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque, which isn't much considering its weight of about 4,000 lbs, but it’s not meant to be a sports car.
Both the standard and long-range models should get the same motor, and it’s my guess that the AWD models will be paired with the larger battery. Either way, the 0 to 60 mph times in the front-drive version are a bit over 7 seconds. I would expect the AWD model to be much quicker.
Ever seen a multifunction table/armrest with drive-assist buttons? You have now.
Form and function in an adorable box
One of the benefits of having a box-like setup is the space and utility. That is indeed what we get with the KIA EV3. It’s a spacious little bugger with a two-position cargo floor and a max capacity of 16.2 cubic feet of cargo. A small cubby under the frunk can hold 25 liters worth of goods or just enough for the charger cord and maybe a jacket.
The back seats have multiple positions, and the front seats have a fully reclined “relaxation mode,” which is great for napping. Most of the interior components are made from recycled materials. If you need a table, the center console slides forward and can hold a ton of cargo on the floor, just behind the cup holders.
Room for adults in the front and back. There's mood lighting that works in conjunction with your safety systems to warn you of impending doom. It's unreal in such an inexpensive EV.
Like many modern Hyundai/KIA products, the EV3 should come with a pair of 12.3-inch screens that join together. A majority of the vehicle's controls and infotainment are controlled by these screens, leaving the dashboard clutter-free. There are separate buttons sitting below the infotainment screen, which are discrete but easy to use on the move if you prefer them. The front armrest/table holds the hill-decent, parking, camera, and auto-hold buttons, which isn't something we've seen before.
Heated and ventilated seats, along with a heated steering wheel, look like options on the U.S. models. There appear to be three trim models: Air, Earth, and GT Line, likely with unique, corresponding colors.
Experiencing the KIA EV3
You have to understand that this is a purpose-built commuter, so it’s not as beefy as its bigger, more powerful cousins. If you hop into this after driving an EV6 or a Hyundai Ioniq5, you might be underwhelmed. On the other hand, if you get out of a Toyota Corolla Cross or a Honda HR-V and jump into this, it becomes a fun little thing.
It's nice to see physical buttons: the heating and AC are a "breeze" to use. A majority of the controls can be utilized via the infotainment screen, but having redundant controls on the dash and steering wheel is a good thing.
Power is smooth and doesn’t slap you around like most Teslas or other performance EVs. You are able to use variable recharge one-pedal driving with corresponding paddle shifters as well. Once you get used to it, the car becomes a hoot to drive around town.
I would expect a few different wheel options, but the squared theme should remain in some form.
It is not a canyon carver, but it won’t fall on its face either. If you need that type of performance, pony up for the EV6. As far as steering and emergency braking go, it’s outstanding. It is maneuverable, easy to park (the cameras truly help), and fun to maneuver around traffic.
If they are able to keep the price on the lower end and keep the EV3's overall capabilities intact when it reaches the United States, it will be best-in-class, no doubt. It’s an outstanding package altogether.
As good as it is, the KIA EV3 could still have its flaws
There are a few issues with all EVs that the KIA EV3 is not immune to. Obviously, range and battery life are concerns, along with charge times and expense. Regarding the latter, people are finding that charging their vehicles at DC fast chargers can be pricey, even within striking distance of gasoline in some places.
Others find that EVs are too impractical as the sole car for the family for long-distance drives and cold-weather commuting. Many people also live in communities (apartments, condos, townhomes, etc.) that make nightly charging impossible.
I will say that having driven Hyundai/KIA EVs, they seem solid. In fact, I drove a Hyundai Ioniq 5 cross-country, and it was pretty good. The issue was the lack of useable chargers. At least KIA will be offering a NACS (Tesla) charging adapter with all of its new and upcoming EVs, so charging speed, simplicity, and additional locations are made a bit easier.
As for reliability and cold weather, yes, there is degradation of the cells over time, and cold weather will lower your range. In my experience, the vehicle can lose up to 50 percent of its range in severe cold. Newer EVs are better at heating management, and heat pumps for the batteries are standard in most EVs today.
KIA warranties its batteries for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Degradation has slowed with newer battery tech, so what used to be a loss of 2.3 percent per year has dropped to about 1.8 percent per year on average. Some drivers are even showing under one percent per year. Simply put, battery technology has improved, and batteries are far more reliable than they once were.
If KIA can keep the price low, the competition will have a hard time beating it.
Final thoughts
Pricing is expected to start in the low $30,000 zone and is likely to exceed $45,000 to $50,000 when fully equipped. I hope they can keep it as relatively inexpensive as a compact, entry-level crossover. Other players, like the vaunted Volvo EX30, are still expected to hit our market, too, and I think they will go toe-to-toe in many ways.
The pricing will depend on the future of tariffs, local EV tax status, and incoming rules from the EPA, FTC, and even the DOT, among others. I suspect we will hear a lot more about the EV3’s U.S. specifications soon. The bottom line, though, is that this little electric car will be worth the wait.
