All-new Kia EV3 is a shrunken EV9 with 372 miles of range

• New electric small SUV
• Up to 372 miles of range for Long Range variant
• Designed inspired by EV9 SUV

It’s not been long since we reviewed the new Kia EV9 SUV, but the South Korean carmaker has been quick to continue its EV hot streak with its smaller sibling, the all-new Kia EV3. Designed to be an electric alternative to the ever-popular Sportage, the EV3 is actually closer in size to the Niro EV, and it will be sold alongside both models.

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 later this year.

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. 

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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. Like the EV9, the EV3’s tail-lights extend up towards the roof, sitting within black trim that visually connects to the rear doors.

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 are still a handful of physical controls, including buttons for temperature and a scrolling wheel for media volume.

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 top-spec ‘GT-Line’ models get Onyx black 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.

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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 254 miles of range. The larger battery is expected to be capable of up to 372 miles of range according to Kia, eclipsing the EV6’s maximum range of 328 miles. Both models get rapid-charging compatibility, enabling a 10-80% recharge in around 31 minutes. 

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

We’re still waiting for official pricing and availability dates for UK-bound EV3s, but a starting price in the region of £30,000 would stack up against its rivals.

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