The Kia EV3 is confirmed for the U.S., and the automaker is expected to publish details of the American-spec model in a few months. We’re expecting the stateside launch in 2026, but before that, I got to check out the model here at the Paris Motor Show 2024. This is what I found:
Design
The Kia EV3 sports a funky and futuristic exterior design, with a flattish roofline. The silhouette reminds me a bit of the Niro EV, but it is sharper and boxier. Vertical daytime running lights, chunky five-spoke alloy wheels, a clean tailgate, C-shaped rear lights, a shark-fin antenna, and conventional side mirrors are the exterior features in this compact Korean crossover.
Looking closer, I noticed that it features optimized headlamp and front bumper profiles, aerodynamic strakes, and wheel gap reducers to minimize drag. The distinctive boat-tail shape at the rear further enhances range by narrowing the body behind the wheel arches. With a drag coefficient of 0.26Cd, I can say that the Kia’s stylists have executed an efficiency-focused design.
Interior
The Kia EV3 features a modern interior with a minimalist theme. The ‘THIN HVAC’ system maximizes footwell space, offering front-seat passengers additional room to stretch out. What dominates the interior is the ~30-inch widescreen display, which contains a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, a 5-inch climate control panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The EV3 also incorporates Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, allowing customers to power external appliances like laptops and coffee machines during journeys.
Sustainable materials, including recycled fabric and PET plastics, contribute to the EV3’s eco-friendly design. The interior options which include two shades of grey, blue and black, are inspired by natural elements like Air, Earth, and Water. The compact crossover’s practicality is heightened by its 25-liter (0.88 cu ft) frunk and 460-liter (16.2 cu ft) rear cargo space, along with the adjustable two-tier luggage board.
My experience inside the Kia EV3
The first thing that I sensed when I sat in the Kia EV3 at the 2024 Paris Motor Show was that it was more spacious than the Kia Niro EV, which I experienced at the 2023 LA Auto Show. I could immediately tell it’s based on a bespoke EV platform—the floor layout, with wireless charging and cup holders, was practical, and there was plenty of room below for a handbag or shopping bags.
The headroom felt excellent for a car this size, and I found the seats supportive, although I would have liked a bit more shoulder support. The interior’s fit and finish impressed me, especially considering the price point Kia is targeting.
I noticed the dashboard has multiple layers, with soft-touch plastics and brushed aluminum accents, and physical buttons for key controls, like seat adjustments and the heated steering wheel. A unique touch is the drive mode selector placed right below the horn pad, which I thought was clever. The drive selector is also integrated into the column, which frees up more space between the seats.
When I moved to the back seat, I found it easy to enter thanks to the cleverly positioned door handle. With the front seat adjusted for my six-foot frame, I still had decent knee and legroom, though I felt the back support could’ve been better. The car’s narrowness was noticeable, but the headroom was still good. My knees were a bit raised, a typical EV trade-off due to the underfloor battery pack. The rear seat felt adequately lit through the windows, though there wasn’t a panoramic sunroof. Overall, I felt comfortable, but the smaller dimensions of the EV3 were noticeable throughout.
Specifications
The Kia EV3 comes in two variants: Standard and Long Range. The Standard model features a 58.3 kWh battery, while the Long Range version is equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery, delivering a fantastic WLTP range of up to 600 km (373 miles). Both models are powered by a 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor that generates 283 Nm (209 lb-ft) of torque. This setup allows the EV3 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph).
The EV3 features Kia’s i-Pedal and Smart Regenerative braking systems, which lets users adjust the drive for efficiency and comfort. As for charging, the battery can go from 10-80 percent in 31 minutes. Its liquid-cooled battery system improves charging speeds, while Kia’s heat pump technology promises efficient performance even in peak winter. The EV3 is available in front-wheel drive (2WD) with all-wheel drive (AWD), and an exciting performance-spec GT model is planned for the future.
Price & Release Date
Kia has introduced the EV3 in South Korea, with plans to further extend its availability across Europe this year. In the UK, the EV3’s pricing starts at GBP 32,995 for the ‘Air,’ topping out at GBP 42,995 for the ‘GT-Line S.’ In the U.S., we expect prices to begin at well under USD 35,000 when it eventually comes here.
TopElectricSUV says
Being more expensive, and bigger than a compact SUV, the Kia EV6 leaves room for a high-riding model that’s smaller, economical, but one with advanced features. This is where the Kia EV3 comes into play, offering tech-savvy young buyers a no-compromise budget EV.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
