New Kia EV3 unveiled: baby SUV packs a punch and a 372-mile range

Following on from the arrival of the facelifted Kia EV6, Kia has revealed the newest addition to its electric car lineup: the EV3. There may be a sense of deja vu here, as last year Kia showcased the EV3 Concept and, true to form for the Korean brand, the production version has followed the concept's design very closely.

The new Kia EV3 is expected to go on sale later this year and will be the smallest bespoke electric car that Kia makes - until the EV2 is released in 2026. The EV3 is a C-segment SUV, measuring 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide, and 1,560mm tall, and will sit in the range next to the slightly smaller all-electric Kia Niro EV.

The Kia EV3 will use the familiar E-GMP platform and come with two battery sizes. The entry-level battery will be a 58.3kWh unit, available only on the base trim level. This battery will be capable of up to 254 miles (WLTP) and a maximum charging speed of 102kW, meaning it can charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. This setup powers a front motor generating 201bhp, which accelerates the car from 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds.

The larger battery will be an 81.4kWh unit, capable of helping the EV3 cover a whopping 372 miles on a full charge - 44 miles more than the EV6. This setup uses the same front-mounted motor as the smaller battery EV3 but, due to the increased weight, covers 0 to 62mph in a slightly slower 7.7 seconds. The larger battery's fastest charging speed is a quicker 128kW, which matches the 10% to 80% charging time of 30 minutes from the smaller battery car.

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Both batteries currently charge on AC at up to 11kW, but Kia states that it will provide information on 22kW AC charging in 2026. The Kia EV3 also supports bi-directional charging, allowing the car to send power back to the grid or even power your home.

Kia EV3 design details

Kia has revealed that the EV9 guided the design process for the new EV3, and this is evident in the final look of the production car. The EV3 features the brand's new ultra-thin ‘Star Map’ lighting, positioned to create an aggressive look at the front and rear of the car. The roof on the Kia EV3 slopes down towards the rear for a sporty silhouette.

Another feature carried over to the production car from the EV3 Concept is the chunky plastic body cladding that accentuates the car’s bumpers and wheel arches. The GT-Line launch car features gloss black finish for this trim, while the cheaper models have a matte finish, more closely aligning with the concept. The front and rear bumper designs vary depending on the trim, with different finishes around the number plate, too.

Customers will have a choice of four exclusive paint options: Shale Grey, Aventurine Green, Frost Clue, and Terracotta, along with five additional non-exclusive shades. Specifically designed 19-inch diamond-cut wheels are available for the EV3 GT-Line, with 20-inch and 18-inch wheels offered as options on other models.

Kia EV3 interior and technology

Inside the new Kia EV3, there is plenty of technology derived from its EV9 sibling. Two 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, controlling most of the infotainment functions. They are connected by a 5.3-inch screen that handles climate control, though this smaller screen is slightly obscured by the steering wheel.

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The EV3 features a new-look infotainment system for Kia with bespoke design and a ChatGPT-based voice recognition system for enhanced control over the tech. This voice recognition system can provide important information - such as trip details and vehicle status updates - to the driver while on the move.

The cabin is constructed using a new material called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), made from 28.5kg of recycled materials. This material is used throughout the car, including the headlining, door cards, armrests, seats, boot lining, and floor mats, which come in multiple colours.

Kia has positioned the EV3 as a direct rival to cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3, Volvo EX30, and Smart #1. The price and full specifications are yet to be determined, but it is expected to start around £30,000.

The entry-level model is likely to be named the Air, with the GT-Line sitting in the middle and the GT-Line S at the top of the range. This mirrors the current range structure available for the Kia EV9. Additionally, as with other Kia electric cars, the EV3 will receive a hot EV3 GT makeover later this year, featuring a dual-motor setup, a power boost, and performance upgrades.