All-new Kia EV3 gets EV9 style for half the price

• New electric small SUV
• Up to 372 miles of range for Long Range variant
• Prices start from £32,995

Pricing has been confirmed for the all-new Kia EV3, the South Korean car maker’s follow up to the large EV9 SUV, and it looks like a relative bargain. While the latter costs at least £65,000, the new EV3 starts from just £32,995 – practically half the price of its bigger sibling.

Designed to be an electric alternative to the ever-popular Sportage, the new Kia EV3 is actually closer in size to the Niro EV, and it will be sold alongside both models. From a styling perspective, it leans far closer towards the EV9, with the brand’s latest design language evident from every angle.

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The electric SUV market is a rapidly growing segment, with newcomers from many different countries, brands and price points. With the EV9 sitting at the pricier end of the market, Kia will hope that the EV3 can steal sales from more affordable rivals, such as the Volvo EX30 and Renault Megane E-Tech, when it reaches the UK in late 2024.

What does the Kia EV3 look like?

It's fair to say that the Kia EV3 has survived the transition from concept car to reality fairly intact, retaining much of the show car’s chunky styling. The front-end design is a clear evolution of that seen on the EV9, with a similar pair of angular ‘Star Map’ daytime running lights. Like the EV9, the EV3’s tail-lights extend up towards the roof, sitting within black trim that visually connects to the rear doors.

At 4,300mm long, the EV3 is shorter than both the Niro EV and the EV6, but it’s roughly the same height. Black cladding dominates the sides of the EV3, surrounding the wheelarches and leading into the front and rear bumpers. Being an electric car, there’s no traditional grille to speak of, but there’s a low air intake at the front, contributing to what Kia calls its ‘Tiger Face’ design. The bonnet hides a small 25-litre ‘frunk’, which should have just enough space for a couple of shopping bags or a charging cable. 

What about the Kia EV3’s interior?

The EV3’s interior is centred around the giant bank of displays on the dashboard. It’s the same setup as found in the EV9, with a pair of 12.3-inch displays for the driver and for infotainment, while a smaller five-inch screen for the climate controls sits between them. There’s still a handful of physical controls, including buttons for temperature and a scrolling wheel for media volume.

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Kia is keen to point out the use of recycled materials used throughout the EV3’s cabin, including the fabric used for the dashboard and door trims. Customers will be able to choose between Subtle Grey, Warm Grey and Blue material colours, while higher spec models get two-tone upholstery. The centre console houses a clever sliding table that will be handy for setting up a laptop or tablet while you’re waiting for the EV3 to charge.

All cars get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, as well as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. Upgrading to ‘GT-Line’ specification adds wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting and rear privacy glass. The EV3 ‘GT-Line S’ sits at the top of the tree and brings a host of extra features, including a 360-degree parking camera, a head-up display, a Harmon Kardon sound system, a sunroof, electric front seats, heated rear seats and more.

What battery and motor does the Kia EV3 get?

The EV3 is built around Kia and Hyundai’s ‘E-GMP’ platform – the same building blocks used for the EV6 and Ioniq 5. Unlike those models, the EV3 is front-wheel drive, using a single 210bhp motor. It’s powerful enough to shift the EV3 from 0-62mph in around 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the Peugeot E-2008, or on par with the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Buyers will be offered two battery options: the standard 58kWh pack, or the Long Range 81kWh version. The standard pack will only be offered on the entry-level car and should squeeze out up to 267 miles of range. The larger battery has a claimed range of up to 372 miles according to Kia, eclipsing the EV6’s maximum range of 349 miles, although this drops to 347 miles with the set of larger 19-inch wheels. Both models get rapid-charging compatibility, enabling a 10-80% recharge in around 31 minutes. 

Missing off the standard-kit list is a heat pump, which is only available as a £900 option on the top-spec EV3 GT-Line S.

How much does the Kia EV3 cost and when can I order one?

The Kia EV3 starts from £32,995 in entry-level ‘Air’ trim, with no optional extras to speak of other than four premium paint colours costing £625. That gets you the standard range model; upgrading to the EV3 Air Long Range adds £3,000 to the price tag.

EV3 GT-Line and GT-Line S models are only available with the larger battery pack, and cost £39,495 and £42,995, respectively.

UK customers will be able to place an order from August 1st, with initial deliveries planned for late 2024.

Are you in the market for an electric SUV? Make sure to read our top 10 list of the best…