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Like the look of the Kia EV9 but don’t need a large electric SUV? The EV3 is basically a scaled-down version. But is it any good? Lawrence Allan finds out
Things you'll like
- Desirable yet keenly priced
- Very comfortable and easy to drive
- Long range on a charge
Things to consider
- Not remotely sporty
- Rear seats could be cleverer
- Bigger Kias charge more quickly
What is the Kia EV3?
The EV3 is the latest instalment of Kia’s electric car offensive that began back in 2018 – a lifetime ago in the fast-changing world of electrification.
Back then, the humble-looking but game-changing Kia e-Niro just beat the Tesla Model 3 to market in offering truly affordable, long-range electric motoring. It’s a small wonder that demand of that car well outstripped supply for some time.
The spirit of the e-Niro lived on in the renamed Niro EV, which barely improved on the outgoing model’s range on a charge. But the Korean brand’s new era of EVs ditches model names for easy-to-understand model numbers.
That began with the EV6, a slightly SUV-like large family car, and continued with the impressive EV9 seven-seat SUV. Clearly Kia decided the square-edged, striking design of the latter was the way forward because its newest model – the EV3 small SUV – looks like the same car scaled down by 40%.
Though the EV3 is similar in size to the Niro EV, it has more in common under the skin with those larger models. It also borrows some of their tech and comfort features, with an impressive Long Range battery option. But can the EV3 change the game again like its forebearer? We’ll find out in this in-depth review.
Verdict: is the Kia EV3 a good car?
It’s more than good – we reckon the Kia EV3 is a great small electric SUV offering. It’s among the best in the market overall if you’re after comfort, refinement, space, tech and a long range on a charge, and while the niceties of the GT-Line models are desirable you get a fantastic value package with either Air model. Sure, there are more fun-to-drive EVs out there, but if that’s not a priority the EV3 is superbly judged.
Pricing, specs & rivals
The EV3’s range kicks off from a temptingly cheap £32,995. To put that into context, a Kia Niro EV (with its slightly larger battery pack) starts from £37,325, although the EV3’s base price is bang on that of the Volvo EX30 and £1,500 more than the cheapest Skoda Elroq.
That base price gets you the EV3 Air in Standard Range form, but it’s hardly bargain-basement. Standard kit at this entry level still includes adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, LED headlights, keyless entry and climate control. You’ll also get a 12.3-inch touchscreen sat-nav and the same-sized driver’s display.
Air trim is also available with the Long Range battery pack for a reasonable £3,000 extra. However, it’s a pity you can’t have mid-spec GT Line trim with the Standard Range battery, as it sits at a considerably steeper £39,495.
For that you get a good few sporty styling add ons to justify the price, though, not least a wheel size upgrade from 17-inches to 19s. Two-tone faux leather, electric driver’s seat adjustment with lumbar support, a sliding centre console, adjustable ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, a smartphone-based digital key and privacy glass are also included.
Finally, there’s GT Line S, which at £42,995 looks tougher to recommend on list price alone. At least it throws in luxury car kit such as ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, heated outer rear seats, an electric tailgate, a sunroof, a head-up display, an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, a 360-degree camera, and a few other tech and luxury features.
A heat pump is still optional at this point, though – and frustratingly only available to add on this top-spec trim. That’s a pity because it minimizes range loss in cold weather.
Rivals
The EV3 is aimed at the very newest generation of electric small SUVs rather than the older, pricier Niro EV. Chief competitors include the Skoda Elroq, Volvo EX30, Smart #1 and Hyundai Kona Electric.
You might consider something smaller, like the MINI Aceman, Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600e, or something a touch larger like the Renault Scenic E-Tech or BYD Atto 3. The Cupra Born or Volkswagen ID.3 are also well worth considering if having an SUV body isn’t essential.
Kia EV3: Interior comfort, quality & technology
It’s obvious that the EV9 set a template for Kia’s electric car design both outside and in, because the EV3’s cabin shares much visually with its bigger brother.
You get the same dashboard design, dominated by a pair of large screens but flanked by a variety of eerily similar details, such as the lower dash elements, door design, centre console and even the seats.
But while the EV9’s cabin finish is a little underwhelming, at half the price the EV3’s similar plastics and trims are much more palatable. There are more hard, less appealing finishes in Air trim, but it’s fundamentally fine. Meanwhile GT Line brings metallic finishes, a fabric wrapped dashboard and more colours, bringing things noticeably more upmarket. Overall, it’s a great blend of neat design and robust build whichever you go for.
We have some minor ergonomic gripes, such as the rather low-res climate control panel partially obscured by the steering wheel. But at least you get a few physical rocker switches for temperature and fan speed, and a separate display will always trump everything buried in a single screen.
The EV3’s driving position is sound, particularly if you like to feel like you’re sat in an SUV – you get a higher placement than most rivals for a commanding feel. There’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and wheel, plus electric seat adjustment on the top two trims. Even though Air misses out on this and lumbar adjustment, it’s still a comfortable seat – we love the EV9-inspired mesh headrests, too.
That elevated seating position gives a good all-round view out, despite slightly thick rear pillars restricting the rear view a touch. All versions get all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera to aid parking, though you’ll need GT-Line S for a cool 360-degree camera system that gives you multiple view options.
Infotainment, sat-nav, stereo and connectivity
Every EV3 gets the same 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, set in a single bezel alongside an identically sized digital dial display and smaller climate control screen.
The system itself is broadly like most other Kia models, meaning it majors on intuitive operation and quick responses over funky graphics and flashy animations. So while it certainly won’t draw the gaze of onlookers like the screen in a MINI Aceman or Smart #1, it’s much easier to use when it matters.
Alright, so we’d prefer physical menu shortcuts to the touch-sensitive ones in the EV3 because you can brush them by accident, but many rivals have no shortcuts outside the screen itself, so we’ll take it. Plus, you get physical steering wheel controls that are a doddle to operate.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard fitment, as it built-in sat-nav and a ChatGPT-based AI voice control system that’s cleverer than Kia’s previous systems. Over-the-air functionality is boosted by a full seven free years of Kia’s connected services as standard.
In terms of connectivity, you’ll find a pair of USB-C ports in the front centre console and a further two handily placed in the side of the front seats for rear passengers to charge devices. Wireless phone charging is standard on GT Line and above, while a customisable head-up display comes on flagship trim.
The standard six-speaker audio system is good enough that we don’t think you’ll miss the eight-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade that comes only on GT-Line S trim.
How practical is the Kia EV3?
The EV3’s dimensions of 4,300mm in length, 1,850mm in width and 1,565mm in height make it a chunk shorter than the Niro EV and Skoda Elroq, but considerably longer than the Volvo EX30.
Space in the front is pretty generous, with good levels of headroom, legroom and cabin width to avoid rubbing elbows with your front seat passenger.
In the rear the EV3s dimensions reflect the space on offer – there’s far more legroom than a Volvo EX30, Jeep Avenger or MINI Aceman, but not as much as the Niro EV and Skoda Elroq. A pair of six-foot adults can still get comfortable behind front occupants of similar height, though, so it’s plenty good enough for kids – though the Renault Scenic E-Tech is more generous.
Headroom is fine rather than outstanding, though, while squeezing a third adult in the middle seat will only work for short journeys. We’d also like to see a bit more cleverness with the rear seats: there’s no sliding bench or reclining backrests, and you don’t even get a ski hatch to load long items through the centre armrest. Still, it’s hardly an impractical car.
Storage and boot space
You’re unlikely to be running out of storage for odds and ends in the front of the Kia EV3. The glovebox is a good size, the door bins are decent and there’s a cubby under the centre armrest in Air trim.
But that’s only the start, because all trims also make use of the lack of a central tunnel (that you’ll find in a petrol or diesel car) with a vast storage tray stretching between the seats. Within that is a large space for, say, a handbag, adjustable cupholders and a large phone storage tray.
GT Line and above also features a big, sturdy tray that slides out from beneath the armrest. It’s meant as a laptop holder but is also very handy as a wipe-clean surface to eat your lunch off. The only downside is you lose the under-armrest storage that Air trim has.
There’s less surprise and delight in the rear, but you do get small door bins, flip back pockets on the front seatbacks, a small phone storage space and a pair of cupholders in the centre armrest.
While the seatbacks only fold in a 60/40 split, the 460-litre boot capacity is plenty big enough for most families, matching the Hyundai Kona Electric and offering far more space than a Volvo EX30. A standard adjustable boot floor lets you remove the load lip and leave a bit of under-floor storage, but charging cables can go in the Kia’s handy 25-litre storage space under the bonnet.
Performance & drive: What is the Kia EV3 like on the road?
You aren’t exactly spoiled for choice in the EV3 lineup. Unlike Kia’s larger EVs there isn’t a dual motor version, let alone something like the supercar-baiting EV6 GT – you just get one electric motor choice for now.
That motor puts 204hp through the front wheels only on every version. While there’s hardly much in it, the ‘quickest’ variant is the Air Standard Range, which covers the 0-62mph benchmark in 7.5 seconds.
Opt for the Long Range and that has a negligible effect on performance on paper (0-62mph in 7.7 seconds), while bigger wheels add another two-tenths to that figure.
Whichever version you go for we’d describe outright performance as ‘ample’. You’ll hardly relish the shove in the back under throttle, but it has enough punch to get up to motorway speeds with ease on a slip road and certainly feels nippy on slower roads. Only when you’re eyeing up an overtake might you crave a bit more oomph.
The power delivery is nicely judged, too, with a linear throttle and little wheelspin getting in the way of smooth progress. This being a Kia EV you also get the best kind of regenerative braking: it’s easily adjustable through three levels via steering wheel-mounted paddles, while there’s also a mode that’ll bring you to a full stop without needing to touch the brake pedal.
There’s also an auto mode, which uses cameras and map data to decide the level of regen you might need, though it’s not always infallible. If you’d prefer to brake the old-fashioned way you’ll find the pedal is well-judged and predictable.
Power, 0-62mph times
- Kia EV3 Standard Range Air: 204hp/ 7.5 secs
- Kia EV3 Long Range Air: 204hp/ 7.7 secs
- Kia EV3 GT Line/GT Line S: 204hp/ 7.9 secs
Ride and handling
If you’re looking for an engaging, sporting driving experience from your electric SUV, we’d advise looking elsewhere – at a Cupra Born, for example. The EV3 instead majors on making the driving experience easy and relaxing.
That means soft suspension which gives a commendably smooth ride, either when riding low-speed potholes or speed humps or dealing with the UK’s imperfect fast road surfaces. It’s one of the most comfortable EVs out there for under £50k, coping far better with poor surfaces than a MINI Aceman and even the Smart #1. It even gives the plush Renault Scenic E-Tech a run for its money.
Air models offer increased low-speed absorption over GT Line models due to those smaller wheels, but the trade of is slightly less composure on faster roads. Either way, though, the EV3’s comfort bias means agility isn’t great, with plenty of body roll in the bends and nosedive under hard braking. The steering, though, is accurate enough – but this isn’t a car to be hustled along, rather one for cruising.
Noise and refinement
Some electric cars have an intrusive motor whine under acceleration, or a grating pedestrian warning noise at low speeds. Not so the EV3, as the electric motor is barely audible under acceleration and the low-speed warning sound is subtle.
What’s more, the EV3 is quieter than several rival EVs on the motorway, with both wind and road noise kept well in check. You might notice a bit more of the latter with the 19-inch wheels of higher trims, but even then it’s hardly intrusive.
Euro NCAP: is the Kia EV3 a safe car?
Unfortunately, as of March 2025 Euro NCAP has yet to assess the Kia EV3 for its crash test safety. While it’s loosely related to the bigger EV6 – a five-star car – the EV3 is different enough in terms of size and equipment to make drawing any conclusions difficult.
Nevertheless, we’ve no reason to be concerned about its performance in this area, and standard safety kit is plentiful. The autonomous emergency braking system features pedestrian and cyclist detection along with junction awareness, while lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring and even blind spot detection are all standard.
All models even get Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2.0 semi-autonomous tech, along with a safe exit warning system to stop you opening your door into the path of traffic or a cyclist. GT Line S builds on all that with a remote parking system, parking collision avoidance and the brilliantly handy Blind Spot View Monitor, which projects a camera image of either blind spot into the dials whenever you indicate.
Charging, range and running costs
In its longest-range form the relatively humble EV3 presents some embarrassment for much more expensive electric machinery when it comes to range.
The star of the show in that respect is the Long Range variant, which features an 81.4kWh battery pack – strikingly large for a car in this class and only beaten by the Renault Scenic E-Tech.
In Air form, the EV3 manages a seriously impressive claimed range of 375 miles on a charge. That’s more even than the Skoda Elroq 85, while the Kona Electric, EX30 and Smart #1 also don’t get close to that. In fact, it nearly earns the little Kia a place in our longest range electric cars on sale list.
Option for GT-Line trim drops the official range down a touch to 367 miles, and that becomes 362 miles in the GT-Line S. But that’s likely to make little difference to you in day-to-day driving.
For those not needing such long-legged capability the EV3 Standard Range manages a perfectly acceptable 270 miles on a charge with its 58.3kWh battery. Even that is longer than all versions of the BYD Atto 3, for example.
Once again, though, we reserve a little gripe for the lack of a heat pump (it’s optional only on the top-spec model). Expect to see a noticeable drop in outright range and efficiency when winter comes around as a result.
Range on a charge (WLTP figures)
- EV3 Air Standard Range: 270 miles
- EV3 Air Long Range: 375 miles
- EV3 GT-Line: 367 miles
- EV3 GT-Line S: 362 miles
Fans of the EV6 and EV9’s 800-volt electrical infrastructure (and resulting impressive charging speeds) may be disappointed to see that the EV3 doesn’t get any of that. But, at this price point, nor does anything else.
Opting for the Standard Range model restricts your peak DC rapid charging speed to 100kW, enough for a 10-80% charge time of 30 minutes dead on a suitable public charger.
Upgrade to the Long Range versions and the peak speed increases to 135kW, but that can’t offset the increase in battery size: the 10-80% charge time is 33 minutes.
Both times are about par for the course at this end of the EV market, though a Skoda Elroq has higher peak speeds and should get you to your desired state of charge a few minutes quicker as a result.
As expected all versions of the EV3 offer 11kW AC charging for home or destination chargers, but no 22kW option is available. Again, it’s a rarity at this price point, though.
Charging speeds
(Figures from EV Database)
- 7kW charging: 8hrs 45mins (Standard Range) / 12hrs 30 mins (Long Range)
- 11kW charging: 6hrs / 8hrs 30 mins
- 50kW rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 54 mins / 77 mins
- 150kW+ rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 30 mins/ 33 mins
How much does the Kia EV3 cost to insure?
The Kia EV3 won’t be an especially cheap electric car to insure despite its modest performance, if insurance groups are anything to go by. Base Air trim kicks of in group 34 – six more than the cheapest Kia Niro EV and 4 more than the cheapest Smart #1. The bigger battery model pushes that to group 36, while the GT Line sits in group 37 and the GT Line S sits in group 38.
Kia EV3 FAQs
How much does a Kia EV3 cost?
Prices kick off from a very reasonable £32,995 for the base Air model, though the longer range 81kWh battery pushes that up to £35,995. Top-spec GT Line S models are £42,995.
What is the Kia EV3 based on?
The Kia EV3 is based on a simplified, shortened version of the same E-GMP platform used for the larger Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Where is the Kia EV3 built?
The Kia EV3 is currently built only at the brand’s Gwangmyeong dedicated EV factory in South Korea, which has an annual production capacity of 150,000 units.
