2027 Kia EV3

The all-new EV3 is the latest, smallest, and most affordable electric vehicle in Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Adopting some of the EV9 3-row SUV’s design elements, the boxy small SUV sports a 2-tone color option with geometric wheel arches and rear door handles recessed in the rear door pillars. The stylish SUV follows the horizontal open floor plan of other Kia EVs, but it separates itself by using a 400-volt instead of 800-volt architecture designed for quicker DC charging.

Available with two battery pack sizes and single-motor or dual-motor powertrains, the 5-seater can be had in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT.

The 2027 Kia EV3 can’t undercut the Chevy Bolt for the title of cheapest EV — and the only EV that costs less than $30,000, including destination. The base EV3 Light grade and its small battery pack compare with the Nissan Leaf, but most shoppers will opt for the larger 81.4-kWh pack and a starting price of $36,485.

All prices include destination.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric cars. 

The near-50% increase in range is worth the extra $5,100 moving from the Light to the Wind FWD, plus the Wind adds a power driver’s seat and heated front seats, as well as aerodynamic pop-out door handles. For shoppers looking for AWD, the GT-Line with standard AWD is the best value at only $1,800 more than the Land AWD. In addition the black trim accents, the GT-Line adds vehicle-to-load charging so you can power appliances or camping gear from the car; a power passenger seat; Harmon Kardon audio; and power folding side mirrors.

The Kia EV3 compares with other entry-level electric SUVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Subaru Uncharted, among others.

Before buying a 2027 Kia EV3, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The open floor plan of the EV3 is highlighted with a good tech package as standard. Dual 12.3-inch screens come standard, including a 5-inch climate display with touch-sensitive controls. Hard buttons for select climate controls are also on the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

The boxy shape of the EV3 optimizes its otherwise smaller footprint. A tiered center console and large door pockets keep clutter at bay. Rear legroom of 37.4 inches is average for the compact SUV class. A tiered cargo floor creates a flat floor with the rear seats down or it can be lowered to take advantage of more vertical space. It’s roomier than the longer but lower EV6, with 26.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 56.5 cubic feet with the back seats folded flat, compared to 24.4 and 46.7 cubic feet, respectively.