In association with Pod
Electric Car Awards 2025: Best electric small SUV
With fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes, we’ve named the best new and used buys in every class. Here we look at the best electric small SUVs...
Kia EV3 Standard Range Air
Sometimes, it’s tempting to think that you need the version of an electric vehicle (EV) that can cover the longest distance between charges, to ward off that old enemy, range anxiety. And in a Kia EV3, that can be a very long way: up to 375 miles (officially).
However, the bigger battery needed to achieve that sort of range inevitably comes at a price, so you have to ask yourself whether the extra outlay is really worth it. That’s why, impressive though the Long Range version of the EV3 is in many ways, we think most buyers will be better off with the £3000 cheaper Standard Range.
After all, this version, with the smaller of the two battery options, can officially travel for up to 270 miles between top-ups (or a bit over 200 miles in real-world use). That should be plenty for many buyers. True, a peak charging speed of 100kW is nothing startling, but that hardly matters if most of your topping up is done at home.
The Standard Range battery is available only with entry-level Air trim, but that’s no hardship, because it’s well equipped, coming with the same impressive dashboard displays as higher-spec models, and using robust materials that befit the car’s price.
You sit higher off the ground than you would in a Hyundai Kona Electric or Mini Aceman, and there’s plenty of space for passengers in the rear seats, plus a good-sized boot for their luggage. What’s more, there are enough physical controls to make the EV3’s dashboard more user-friendly than the more touchscreen-reliant Smart #1 and Volvo EX30’s set-ups.
Although the EV3 is less agile than those rivals, it’s easy and relaxing to drive; the ride is downright plush and it’s a quiet motorway cruiser. The fact that you can drive it using just the accelerator pedal (and come to a brisk halt without having to press the brake pedal) adds to the impression of serene progress. And on the rare occasions when you do need to call upon the regular brakes, you’ll find them smoother and more predictable than those of many rivals.
Stiff competition comes from the cheaper Jeep Avenger Electric and Renault 4, but neither is as comfy or practical as the EV3; nor can they go as far between charges. The EV3 also offers better value for money than the more closely priced #1 and EX30. With such a generous range and specification in even the cheapest version, there’s no need to spend more.
Best used electric small SUV
Smart #1 Premium (2023-present)
Price from £21,000
Still with lashings of kerb appeal, a second-hand #1 offers strong performance, a great range and a stylish, high-quality interior for a tempting price.
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