Name: New Kia EV3 models and Specifications
Brand: Kia

148kw-air-583kwh-5dr-auto

Whichever battery option you go for, the EV3 comes with the same 201bhp electric motor. It delivers decent acceleration, with 0-62mph taking around 7.5 seconds.

148kW

Despite its keen pricing, every EV3 comes well equipped as standard. Indeed, even this entry-level Air version has heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic LED headlights, climate control, keyless entry and start and adaptive cruise control. It's our favourite trim.

Upgrading to mid-spec GT-Line trim gets you larger 19in alloy wheels, sportier styling, wireless phone-charging, rear privacy glass and adjustable lumbar support. We wouldn't bother if you're planning to stick with the Standard Range battery, but if you decide you need the extra range of the Long Range battery, we would be tempted to go for GT-Line for the more controlled ride it brings.

GT-Line

The top-of-the-range GT-Line S gets an upgraded eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, a customisable head-up display, electrically adjustable heated (and ventilated) front seats, heated outer rear seats and a powered tailgate. It’s too pricey to recommend, though.

GT-Line S

Estate

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

148kW GT-Line S 81.4kWh 5dr Auto

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148kW Air 58.3kWh 5dr Auto

148kW Air 81.4kWh 5dr Auto

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148kW GT-Line 81.4kWh 5dr Auto

148kw-gt-line-814kwh-5dr-auto

Kia EV3

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The starting price of the Kia EV3 is higher than that of a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164"> </a><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/avenger/hatchback/review/n25706">Jeep Avenger Electric</a> or<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/aceman/hatchback/review/n27211"> Mini Aceman</a> and on a par with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/ex30/estate/review/n26262">Volvo EX30</a> – but it still represents good value for money when you factor in the range and how much standard equipment you get.

Indeed, even if you go for entry-level Air trim&nbsp;you get heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic LED headlights, climate control, keyless entry&nbsp;and even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">adaptive cruise control</a>. Plus,&nbsp;you can have Air trim with either battery size, whereas&nbsp;GT-Line and GT-Line S are&nbsp;available only in combination with the Long Range battery.

GT-Line adds larger 19in alloy wheels, sportier styling, wireless phone-charging and&nbsp;rear privacy glass. Meanwhile, range-topping GT-Line S brings an upgraded eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, a head-up display, electrically adjustable front seats with a heating and ventilating function, heated outer rear seats and a powered tailgate. It's too pricey for us to recommend, though.

It’s worth noting that <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/pcp-or-hp-which-car-finance-option-makes-most-sense/n1163">PCP finance</a> deals on the EV3 –&nbsp;at the time of writing at least –&nbsp;aren't particularly attractive. Indeed, you could have a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/elroq/estate/review/n27301"> Skoda Elroq</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a>&nbsp;for a smaller monthly outlay.

However, like all<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000"> electric cars</a>, the EV3 is a seriously tempting<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605"> company car</a> proposition thanks to much lower<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/company-car-tax-guide/n9352"> BIK tax rates</a> than on any petrol, diesel or even<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743"> plug-in hybrid</a> alternatives.

The EV3's<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">&nbsp;maximum charging speed</a>&nbsp;depends on which battery you go for. The Standard Range can charge at up to 100kW, matching the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164"> Hyundai Kona Electric</a>, so in ideal conditions you'll be waiting around half an hour for a 10-80% charge.

The EV3 Long Range can charge at up to 135kW, although because it has a bigger battery to fill, a 10-80% charge will actually take a couple of minutes longer.

We don’t have reliability data for the EV3 yet (it's too new) but Kia as a brand finished in a respectable 11th place (out of 31 car makers) in our 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. Better still, Kia’s seven-year standard warranty is one of the best you can get.&nbsp;

The EV3 has yet to be tested by the safety experts at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>. Even so, you can take peace of mind from the fact that every EV3 comes with automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), blind-spot collision avoidance, a driver attention warning system and lots of airbags.

Top-Spec GT-Line S cars add more safety equipment, including blind-spot monitoring cameras and parking collision avoidance.

"I suspect some customers&nbsp;will be disappointed that Kia doesn't fit a heat pump&nbsp;as standard to improve&nbsp;efficiency in cold weather. You can have one, but you'll&nbsp;need to go for range-topping GT-Line S trim and then pay extra." –<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020"> Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

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There are two battery options&nbsp;available for the Kia EV3:&nbsp;the Standard Range has a usable capacity of&nbsp;55kWh,&nbsp;and the Long Range&nbsp;78kWh. The big difference between the two is, as the names suggest, how far you can travel between charges.

The EV3 Standard Range can officially travel&nbsp;270 miles on a charge, while the Long Range can manage up to 375 miles (depending on trim level). That beats the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a> (319 miles),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/aceman/hatchback/review/n27211">Mini Aceman</a> (251 miles), <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-3/estate/review/n26674">Smart #3</a> (283 miles) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/ex30/estate/review/n26262">Volvo EX30</a> (295 miles).

As with other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>, the EV3's <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/wltp-meaning-official-economy-emissions/n1223">official WLTP range</a> is hard to match in real-world driving. Expect 250 to 320 miles in the EV3 Long Range, depending on the weather and the types of road you're driving on.

Every&nbsp;EV3 has&nbsp;a 201bhp motor that powers the front wheels (there's no <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel-drive</a>&nbsp;option), and that's enough for 0-62mph in around 7.5 seconds. On a cold, damp day at our private test track, we recorded an EV3 Long Range scampering from 0-60mph in 7.4sec. It's all the performance most buyers will need, although some versions of the #3 and EX30&nbsp;are quicker.

The EV3 has fairly soft suspension and that helps most versions deliver&nbsp;a plush ride around town and a wonderfully smooth&nbsp;experience&nbsp;on motorways. They're on a par with the&nbsp;larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/elroq/estate/review/n27301">Skoda Elroq</a>, and cope better with road imperfections than&nbsp;the Kona Electric, Aceman,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-1/hatchback/review/n25016">Smart #1</a>&nbsp;and EX30.

Only the&nbsp;Long Range version of the EV3 in entry-level Air spec disappoints slightly; this&nbsp;has a bouncier, less settled feel than other variants, probably due to its combination of a big, heavy battery and tyres with tall sidewalls.

It's also worth noting that no EV3 is particularly agile.&nbsp;There's more body lean through corners than in an Elroq or EX30,&nbsp;and a noticeable amount of nosedive under braking. In short, the EV3 doesn't appreciate being asked to push on when you're driving along a twisty country road. Take it easy, though, and you'll find it an easy and relaxing car to drive.

Speaking of being easy to drive, the EV3 has adjustable levels of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-regenerative-braking-and-how-does-it-work/n25212">regenerative braking</a> (for harvesting energy under deceleration). In its strongest setting, this&nbsp;allows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-one-pedal-driving-and-how-does-it-work/n27129">one-pedal driving</a>, meaning&nbsp;the EV3 can bring itself to a stop without you using the brake pedal at all.

If you'd rather do the braking yourself,&nbsp;you’ll be relieved to hear that the regular friction brakes offer a smooth and predictable response. Indeed, refinement is impressive across the board, with the EV3 generating no audible electric motor whine under acceleration. Plus, there's little in the way of road and wind noise at a cruise – it's fractionally&nbsp;quieter on motorways than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/elroq/estate/review/n27301">Skoda Elroq</a>.

“I liked the EV3's one-pedal driving mode, particularly around town, where I found it made life easier.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

OUR PICK

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

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201bhp

148kw

Kia has lost its soul – but not in the way you might think. You see, this is the Kia EV3, which replaced the Soul EV as the South Korean brand's smallest electric car.

The EV3 sits below the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a>,&nbsp;EV6&nbsp;and&nbsp;EV9&nbsp;in the car maker's electric SUV line-up, and&nbsp;you can see a strong family resemblance between the EV3 and EV9.

On paper, things looks good for the EV3. Its starting price compares well with that of other similar-sized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>. What's more,&nbsp;the version with the longest range can&nbsp;officially travel up to 375 miles – farther than any other electric Kia.

<h2>Kia EV3 video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0CovmT9wsJk?si=q1myqMEiTl8Bg5aU" width="560"></iframe>

That said, the Kia EV3 faces some tough competition. Rivals include the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a>, Jeep Avenger Electric and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/ex30/estate/review/n26262">Volvo EX30</a>. Meanwhile, the larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/elroq/estate/review/n27301">Skoda Elroq</a> are likely to be on the shortlists of potential buyers, too.

So, how does the Kia EV3 measure up against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">best electric SUVs</a>?

<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/d77b5cae5b94&amp;rdt=4" target="_blank">The 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey is live, tell us about your car now</a></h3>

As with its exterior, the Kia EV3’s interior takes inspiration from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev9/estate/review/n26277">Kia EV9</a>. In fact, both cars have the same arrangement of screens on their dashboards.

That means there's a 12.3in digital driver's display behind the steering wheel, a 5.3in climate-control panel and a 12.3in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a>. The touchscreen has ChatGPT AI (artificial intelligence) voice control, allowing you to plan journeys, search for your favourite band, or even get restaurant recommendations in a more natural way than older voice assistant systems could manage.

However, the EV3’s climate-control panel is less well thought-out. As in the EV9, it’s partially obscured by the steering wheel – an ergonomic oversight that’s surprising to see repeated.

On the plus side, physical rocker switches lower down on the dashboard make it easy to adjust the temperature or fan speed. That’s a clear advantage over rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/elroq/estate/review/n27301">Skoda Elroq</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/ex30/estate/review/n26262">Volvo EX30</a>, where climate controls are accessed exclusively using the touchscreen or voice commands.

The EV3's touchscreen isn’t the largest or flashiest in its class, but its sharp graphics, snappy response times, and intuitive lay-out are definite highlights. It’s quicker to react than the system in the Elroq and far more user-friendly than those in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/aceman/hatchback/review/n27211">Mini Aceman</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-3/estate/review/n26674">Smart #3</a>.

Wireless <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> come as standard, and the touch-sensitive shortcut buttons below the screen are useful. Just be careful not to brush against them accidentally while using the touchscreen.

If you’ve read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev9/estate/review/n26277">Kia EV9 review</a>, you’ll know we weren’t that impressed with its interior quality, and the EV3 mirrors that car’s materials. However, with the EV3 costing almost half as much as its&nbsp;larger sibling, its interior quality stacks up well against similar-priced small <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>. Harder plastics are used in places, but they feel robust rather than flimsy, and GT-Line models add fabric inserts on the dashboard and door trims for a more luxurious feel.

The EV3's driving position places you higher up than most rivals', including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a>,&nbsp;Aceman and&nbsp;#3 (and even the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/elroq/estate/review/n27301">Skoda Elroq</a>). It’s certainly enough to remind you that you’re driving an SUV rather than a hatchback.

Better&nbsp;yet, the EV3's driver’s seat and steering wheel offer plenty of adjustment. Our only minor grumble is that entry-level Air models miss out on adjustable lumbar support – although lower back&nbsp;support is adequate without this.

The elevated driving position&nbsp;gives you a good view down the road ahead and diagonally&nbsp;at junctions, although the wide rear window pillars mean the view out to the back is slightly restricted. Still, it’s no worse than in a Kona Electric or #3, and every EV3 comes with front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera as standard. Range-topping GT-Line S trim adds a 360-degree camera to make parking even easier.

“The interior of Air models is&nbsp;attractive&nbsp;enough, but I think the GT-Line version, with its fabric-wrapped dashboard, feels noticeably more upmarket.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/steve-huntingford/n1018">Steve Huntingford, Editor</a>

The Kia EV3 is the Korean brand's most affordable electric SUV, and one of its best

Two six-footers will have no trouble fitting into the front of the Kia EV3, because there's plenty of head and leg room on offer. What's more, the interior is pretty wide, so even a pair of broad adults won’t find their shoulders close to rubbing.

In terms of front storage, the door bins are fairly small, but the various trays, cupholders and partitioned sections in the centre console largely make up for that. GT-Line versions have a tray that slides out from the central armrest and acts as a laptop table, which is handy&nbsp;but means you don't get any storage under the armrest; you do on cheaper Air versions.

In the back of the EV3 you’ll find more space than in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/avenger/hatchback/review/n25706">Jeep&nbsp;Avenger Electric</a>,&nbsp;Mini Aceman or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/ex30/estate/review/n26262">Volvo&nbsp;EX30</a>. As a result,&nbsp;two six-footers will fit just fine, with plenty of knee room and just about enough head room. USB-C sockets are usefully positioned in the front seatbacks, and are ideal for rear passengers wanting to keep their devices topped up. If you need more rear space, its worth looking at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/elroq/estate/review/n27301">Skoda Elroq</a> from the class above.

The rear seats in the EV3 don’t do anything clever – such as sliding back and forth (as they do in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-1/hatchback/review/n25016">Smart #1</a>). They simply fold down in a 60/40 split, and the sections lie flat, which is par for the course among small <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>. The larger Scenic gets a more practical 40/20/40 split seatback for extra flexibility.

The EV3 has 460 litres of<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791"> boot space</a>. That's a match for the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164"> Hyundai Kona Electric</a> and much more generous than the Jeep Avenger Electric,&nbsp;Aceman or&nbsp;#1. We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases below the load cover – the same as in the&nbsp;Elroq.&nbsp;

All EV3s have a height-adjustable boot floor, plus a 25-litre storage area under the bonnet, which is handy for stowing the charging cable.

“Because the EV3 was built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, it has a flat floor, which I found gave me more room for my feet when travelling three-up in the back.”&nbsp;–<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101"> Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>

gt-line

gt-line-s

The Kia EV3 has an impressive range between charges, a comfortable ride, a competitive entry price and plenty of standard kit. In short, it's a brilliant small SUV. Our favourite version is the entry-level Standard Range Air, but if you need to reliably travel more than 200 miles between charges, the Long Range GT-Line is well worth a look. 


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

This class is all about SUVs that run purely on electricity. No petrol, no diesel and not even any hybrid technology.

Relatively low-cost options include the MG ZS EV, but you can easily spend three times as much on more luxurious alternatives, such as the BMW iX.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Electric SUV

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Running costs that won’t break the bank </li> <li>Generous kit</li> <li>Pokey engine and tidy handling</li> <li>Spacious interior</li> <li>Boot big enough to cope with family life</li></ul>

The car-buying public has fallen in love with small SUVs, or crossovers as they’re often called, with thousands turning away from conventional hatchbacks in favour of something that rides that little bit higher.

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