Kia EV3 review

Is the Kia EV3 a good car? 

Kia’s purpose-built electric cars are named in multiples of threes, but it doesn’t mean that the Kia EV3 is one third the car of the flagship EV9. While it doesn’t get the 800-volt architecture of the seven-seat SUV (or the EV6 that sits between them), it doesn’t skimp on battery capacity or in-car tech. 

In terms of price and size, the EV3 looks similar to Kia’s existing entry-level electric car, the Niro EV. The Niro will continue in all three of its powertrain forms (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric), but in the case of the latter, most buyers will find the EV3 the more attractive option in most areas except cabin space, where it falls short of the Niro EV. 

How much does the Kia EV3 cost?

Prices for the Kia EV3 start from just under £33,000 for a model in Air trim and with a 58.3kWh battery that’s good for a range of 267 miles, according to the official figures. It’s an extra £3,000 to upgrade to the 81.4kWh battery and the longest range of any EV3, at 372 miles.

For an extra £3,500, the EV3 GT Line ramps up the kit count, and another £3,500 on top of that gets you behind the wheel of the GT Line S, which is currently the top-of-the-range model. Both cars have an official range of 347 miles, which is still among the best of any EV currently on sale in the UK.

Standard equipment is generous even for the entry-level model, with LED lights all round, auto lights and wipers, heated door mirrors, keyless entry, heated seats, climate control, twin 12.3-inch digital displays, multiple USB-C ports, adaptive cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Moving up to GT-Line adds gloss black exterior details for the bumpers and wheelarches, wireless smartphone charging, sliding centre console storage, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a digital key, so you can use your phone to unlock the car.

The top-spec GT-Line S loads up the extras, with a sunroof, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, a powered tailgate, a head-up display, Harman Kardon sound system, 360-degree cameras and remote parking.

At a later date, Kia will introduce the EV3 GT, a high-performance variant that is likely to have a twin-motor set-up for four-wheel drive, although it’s likely to have a shorter range than the launch models. At the moment, the current line-up is all front-wheel drive.

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Electric cars often deliver punchy performance, but the Kia EV3 is more measured in its character. It feels fast enough without giving you gut-punching acceleration, and this seems to be in tune with the car’s overall performance. The steering is well weighted, but the soft suspension means it’s geared towards comfort over sharp handling, although that’s the kind of feature most buyers will want in a car such as this. Read more about the Kia EV3’s electric motors, performance and drive…

There are two battery options available in the EV3, with the smaller 58.3kWh pack capable of returning a claimed range of 267 miles. The larger 81.4kWh pack has a maximum range of 372 miles, which means it has one of the longest ranges of any EV currently on sale today, especially at the EV3’s price point. The EV3 benefits from the same seven-year warranty that all new Kias come with as standard. Read more about the Kia EV3’s range, charging and running costs…

The Kia EV3 takes the squared-off design of the larger EV9 and shrinks it into a more compact package, and the simple lines and combination of hard plastics and fabric sections offer some appeal. Everything is well built, too, while the twin dashboard screens will be familiar to anyone who has driven a modern Kia or Hyundai. That means plenty of connectivity and a logical layout, although we’d like to see a few more physical buttons to help make life easier. Read more about the Kia EV3’s interior, design and technology…

Using a dedicated EV platform usually helps with interior space, and overall, the EV3 maximises the amount of space available in its platform. Passenger space is good up front, and there’s a decent view of your surroundings, but in the rear, the back seats are a little short, so leg support is a little lacking. This is made up for with a big boot, which is generous for the car’s size. Read more about the Kia EV3’s boot space, comfort and practicality…

There’s plenty of safety kit on board the Kia EV3, and while it hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP just yet, the car shares its safety technology with other cars in the line-up that have earned the maximum five-star rating. The Driver Power survey shows that Kia owners are a happy bunch overall, with the company finishing third out of 32 manufacturers rated in the 2024 survey. We don’t see the EV3 upsetting that strong performance. Read more about the Kia EV3’s reliability and safety…

Kia EV3 alternatives

The size of the Kia EV3 means it’s difficult to pigeonhole it against rivals. There aren’t many compact electric SUVs at this price point, with most alternatives being smaller and with a shorter range. Cars that match its configuration include the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born – both of which use the same running gear – and the Volvo EX30. More premium options include the Jeep Avenger and Alfa Romeo Junior, while the Renault Megane E-Tech is also worth looking at. The EV3’s price point means it covers the Ford Puma Gen-E and entry-level versions of the Ford Explorer, too.