Kia EV3 Arrives With Funky Styling, Sustainable Interior, And 373-Mile Range

Kia has finally unveiled the EV3, its new electric compact crossover, which is inspired by the larger EV5 and EV9 SUVs. The funky EV3 boasts a modern, attractive design, impressive technology, and strong range and performance figures. Two front-wheel drive models, Standard and Long Range, will be available, and both are based on the E-GMP platform.

The EV3 Standard has a 58.3 kWh battery, while the Long Range has a larger 81.4 kWh pack. They are powered by a single electric motor that produces 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque. This results in a 0-62 mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 106 mph. A more powerful GT model may arrive later.

Most EV3 buyers are unlikely to care about performance, with range and efficiency being more important. On that front, the EV3 impresses with clever Battery Management and Cell Monitoring Unit technology. This allows the EV3 to utilize its energy efficiently. As a result, Kia claims the Long Range derivative has a WLTP-estimated range of 373 miles and can charge from 10-80% in around 31 minutes. Range estimates for the EV3 Standard are yet to be revealed. We expect more realistic EPA figures should the EV3 reach America.

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The EV3 adopts Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language (shown on the new Carnival) with modern yet angular exterior details. The vertical headlights stretch towards each other, flowing into a subtle piece of black trim sited below the hood line. The GT-Line model features a prominent grille with a metallic strip above the license plate holder. The side profile is very interesting, with the glasshouse cleverly fading into piano black trim, connected to the rear windscreen and taillights. This creates the illusion of a floating roof, lending the EV3 a dynamic look. The EV3 will be offered in nine paint colors, two of which are exclusive to the crossover (Aventurine Green and Terracotta). It may look boxy, but the impressive drag coefficient figure of 0.263 means it cuts through the air cleanly.

Compact Exterior, Commodious Interior

Despite the compact exterior dimensions (169.2 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 61.4 inches high), Kia says the EV3 has sufficient space for five passengers. There are plenty of clever touches found within the interior, such as a clever center console with a sliding table and storage area. Despite appearances, Kia claims it is big enough to store laptops, tablets, and even small backpacks. The table can be used as an impromptu workstation or lunch table. There is plenty of storage, with a trunk that measures 16.2 cubic feet. The frunk adds an extra 0.9 cubic feet of packing space, which is useful for smaller items. The wheelbase measures 105.5 inches, which is three inches shorter than the current Sportage.

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Plenty of luxury features are on board, with a widescreen display comprising a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and a five-inch panel for the climate controls. Unlike many modern cars, the screens don’t dominate the interior, which has plenty of elegant details and high-end materials. In keeping with the sustainability theme, Kia has used recycled fabric on the doors and dashboard and recyclable plastics for the seats, armrests, floor mats, and headliner. The package includes ambient lighting, a Harman Kardon sound system, and comfort seats. Interior colors include Blue, Subtle Gray, Warm Gray, and Onyx Black, exclusive to the GT-Line.

Safety, Technology, And Availability

The EV3 boasts many sophisticated safety systems, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. It also has Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (eDTVC), which ensures it remains composed and stable on the road.

Other technology includes a 12-inch head-up display and Vehicle-to-Load technology, allowing customers to power almost anything, ranging from laptops to coffee machines. Kia says it is the first manufacturer to bring this feature to the compact EV crossover segment. The EV3 also has a digital key, allowing owners to lock/unlock their vehicle via their mobile phone or smartwatch. Like the new Volkswagen Golf, the EV3 receives an AI-integrated voice assistant system to make the driver’s life easier. There’s no word on pricing and availability yet, but we don’t expect the EV3 to reach the United States, as the larger EV5 isn’t destined for our market.