Kia’s New EV3 Could Be the Affordable Electric SUV People Actually Want

Kia is bringing the EV3 to the US with a clear goal from the start. This sits as one of its most affordable electric SUVs, with pricing expected in the low to mid-$30,000 range.

Size puts it in a compact space. The wheelbase measures 105.5 inches, or 2,680 mm, so it sits below the EV5 and well under the three-row EV9. It is smaller but still built on the same E GMP platform as those bigger models, just with a 400-volt system instead of 800 volts.

Battery choice shapes how the car feels to use. The base Light trim gets a 58.3 kWh pack with up to 220 miles, or 354 km, of EPA range. Move to Wind or Land trims, and you get the larger 81.4 kWh battery, which pushes range to about 320 miles, or 515 km, in front-wheel-drive form.

Charging times stay reasonable. The smaller battery goes from 10 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes, while the larger one takes just over 30 minutes.

Power depends on the setup. The single-motor version is rated at 201 hp in Europe, which likely carries over here. Expect 0 to 60 mph in the mid-seven-second range. Dual motor models bring 261 hp, or 195 kW, while the GT pushes that to 288 hp. That should cut the sprint to around 5.5 seconds.

All-wheel drive is available with the larger battery on the Wind and Land and comes standard on GT Line and GT models.

The GT is not only about power. It also adds sport-tuned suspension and steering plus features like Virtual Gear Shift and Active Sound Design, similar to what Hyundai uses on cars like the Ioniq 5 N.

Inside, it follows Kia’s newest layout. You get two 12.3-inch screens with a 5-inch climate display between them. The system supports streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, along with content from Disney, Marvel, and National Geographic.

Options include a Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic roof, a digital key, a power liftgate, and a 360-degree camera. GT Line models add details like a three-spoke steering wheel, metal pedals, and dual-tone seats. The GT goes further with 19-inch wheels, green brake calipers, and matching green accents inside.

Full pricing and trim details will come closer to launch, but sales are expected before the end of the year.