As many automakers do, Kia took the opportunity to reveal a new vehicle for the U.S. market at this week’s New York International Auto Show. The “right-sized” EV3 all-electric SUV will arrive later this year, featuring upscale styling and solid driving range figures. It joins Kia’s EV6 and EV9 electric vehicles (EVs), promising a compact footprint with efficient performance.
Pricing details won’t be available until closer to its release date, late this year. Kia plans to offer five trims at launch: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT.
The EV3 relies on Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform and comes with two battery choices. The standard-range configuration includes a 58.3-kWh battery with 220 miles of range, and the available long-range option offers an 81.4-kWh pack that delivers up to 320 miles of range. The EV3 delivers strong charging speeds, even without Kia’s more advanced 800-volt architecture. Kia says it’s capable of charging from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes with the smaller battery and 31 minutes with the extended-range pack on board.
All-wheel-drive EV3 models have 261 horsepower, while the beefier GT trim delivers 288. It’s also available with simulated gear shifts and engine sounds that Kia says gives it “a more spirited on-road experience.”
As the number in its name suggests, the EV3 is designed as a more compact SUV, but Kia borrowed styling elements from the EV6 and larger 3-row EV9, giving it a more grown-up look. It sports flared wheel arches and vertical lighting elements with standard LED projector headlights. Lower trims come standard with 17-inch wheels, while 19-inch alloys are available on more expensive configurations.
Inside, the 5-seater is available with heated and ventilated front seats, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and a hands-free power liftgate. While small on the outside, it manages 26.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 56.5 cubic feet with the back seats folded flat. Those numbers make it more spacious than the 2025 EV6, which offers 24.4 and 46.7 cubic feet, respectively.
Dual 12.3-inch displays come standard, including a digital gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen. Those screens frame a 5-inch climate display with touch-sensitive controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Bluetooth and a long list of other tech goodies.
