2025 Kia EV3 review

How much does a Kia EV3 cost?

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet for the Kia EV3 and is expected closer to its planned April 2025 arrival time.

But Kia has hinted that it will start below $50,000. Best guesses are it will kick off at about $47,000 before on-road costs. 

That will be for the entry level model known as the Kia EV3 Air, which is likely to be available with the smaller 58.3kWh battery pack as well as the Long Range one, the latter extending the capacity to 81.4kWh. It will off course bring a price premium and boost the range from 436km to 605km.

The mid-grade Kia EV3 Earth looks set to come with the big battery as standard, as well as additional equipment. Plus it will give a broader option of interior finishes and colour themes, adding to the customisation that will be an important part of the Kia EV3 sales pitch.

There will also be a Kia EV3 GT-Line, which gets different bumpers and 19-inch wheels for a sportier look. Plus the GT-Line will get extra gear; expect things such as a sunroof and head-up display.

Down the track Kia will also offer a sportier EV3 GT, which will get a second electric motor for all-wheel drive traction.

Kia EV3 exterior design

Kia has been doing some great designs recently and the EV3 follows that lead. It takes its styling theme from the much larger EV9.

Slim headlights pinch towards a mostly enclosed grille while tail lights continue the theme. The outer positioning of those tail lights gives the EV3's rump a broad stance.

The Kia EV3 GT-Line variant gets different bumpers for a slicker look. Combined with distinctive alloy wheels, it makes for a modern and athletic SUV look.

What is the Kia EV3 like inside?

The Kia EV3 is built on a dedicated electric car architecture, something that helps maximise interior space.

It starts with the floor, which is flat. That allows for a handy floor-mounted binnacle between the front seats. There’s also a tall centre console. However, if the Kia EV3 model you’re looking at has the sliding central arm rest - it’ll only be on some models - it does away with the covered storage, making that space a lot less useful.

The flat floor makes it easier for feet in the back, although the width of the cabin means three larger frames across the rear is optimistic. Still, despite its diminutive exterior dimensions, the Kia EV3 caters for adults nicely in any of the outer seating positions.

It’s also loaded with recycled and sustainable materials, from recycled plastic in the dash and carpet to bio-paint on some interior finishes. That eco focus is terrific, although some of the plastics lack the classy touch and look we’ve seen on other mainstream cars around this price. It’s a rare blemish on an otherwise excellent interior.

All Kia EV3 models get dual 12.5-inch digital screens - one for the instrument cluster, the other for infotainment - interspersed with a 5-inch screen dedicated to the climate control functions. Along with some fixed buttons to help select main menus and a scroller wheel to adjust the volume, it makes for excellent functionality around the combined 30 inches of pixels.

Is the Kia EV3 good to drive?

The Kia EV3 is available in single- and dual-motor set-ups. Single motor models drive the front wheels, whereas dual-motor versions are all-wheel drive.

We only experienced the single-motor models, which make 150kW and 283Nm. Those outputs are more than what you typically get in a compact SUV, although the EV3’s battery pack means it has to drag around more weight.

Still, with 0-100km/h acceleration of 7.5 seconds (or 7.7 seconds with the bigger battery) there’s thoroughly acceptable performance. And it’s delivered in that effortless way than an EV does so well; crisp responses to any throttle inputs and a clean, strong surge at lower speeds. Regenerative braking can be adjusted easily from the paddles on the steering wheel and can even bring the car to a stop without touching the brake pedal.

Dual-motor models will make for feistier acceleration, with about 195kW for the optional second motor on regular variants or about 220kW for the high-performance GT.

Our drive was limited mainly to freeways where the Kia EV3 asserted itself as a confident and capable tourer. It’s quiet and comfortable with supple suspension, even on the lower profile 19-inch tyres that our car was running on. Steering is light and responsive, although our cars will have locally-made tweaks to suspension and dynamics in line with Australian tastes.

The Kia EV3 runs a 400V electrical system rather than the 800V system of the Kia EV6 and EV9. That means lower charging rates. The regular battery can accept a maximum 102kW of power on a DC fast charger while the Long Range can take 128kW. Each takes as little as 30 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent. Still, with up to 605km of range, it means adding more than 400km of range in half an hour.

What safety features does the Kia EV3 have?

The Kia EV3 gets front airbags as well as a centre airbag between the front occupants to help prevent head clashes. There are also curtain airbags down each side and side thorax airbags up front.

The Kia EV3 adds to that with a broad suite of active safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking, rear auto braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning and exit warning. There’s also lane keep assist and lane change assist as well as a driver monitoring system.

While the Kia EV3 hasn’t been independently tested by ANCAP, Kia says it is aiming for a five-star result.

How does the Kia EV3 compare?

The Kia EV3’s natural electric SUV rivals include the BYD Atto 3 and just-arrived Chery Omoda E5. While Kia EV3 pricing is yet to be confirmed, indications are it’s likely to cost a fraction more than those two.

It will also provide a tempting - and far more affordable - alternative to the Kia Niro EV. It’s difficult to think of a reason to choose the Niro over the EV3.

Kia is also targeting premium electric newcomers, including the Volvo EX30. Newcomers such as the Smart #1, Xpeng G6 and Zeekr X could also be considered rivals, as could the Mini Countryman.

Really, though, the EV3’s biggest target is big sellers with internal combustion engines. The Kia EV3 is looking to tempt buyers out of petrol-powered compact SUV alternatives. That could include Kia’s own Seltos, which is a similar size and a lot more affordable.

The EV3 could also compete with the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai, MG ZS EV, Volkswagen T-Roc, Skoda Kamiq, Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Should I buy a Kia EV3?

We’ll need more time in the Kia EV3 to learn just how well it fits into the small SUV landscape. A crucial component of that is pricing.

But early indications suggest it will mount a solid case to look away from petrol and consider an electric car that’s great to look at, practical, well presented inside, and slick to drive.

While there’s the occasional hiccup in its cabin, the Kia EV3 is loaded with tech and practical - and comes with the sort of customisation and colours that should appeal to a broad audience.

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