After months of teasing its new compact SUV, Kia has officially unveiled full images and specs of the EV3, and it looks like another winner from the Korean automaker. Launching later this summer, the EV3 takes much of the design and technology from its larger EV9 sibling and delivers it as a smaller, more affordable option to global consumers.
We’ve been covering scattered details of Kia’s plans for a new compact SUV called the EV3 since the fall of 2023, when we learned its interior will feature plant-derived materials, including a center console made from mushrooms.
Since then, we’ve seen several shadowy teaser images of its exterior, followed by the first fully visible (albeit limited) peeks at its front and rear earlier this month. Other than visuals, we hadn’t learned much about the EV3 other than that it had been seen testing in Korea and that it would also come in a sportier GT Line trim.
We also heard the compact SUV was expected to debut in July with a starting MSRP under $30,000. Following a live-streamed event in Korea unveiling the EV3 to the public, Kia is not sharing official pricing yet, but we do know what sort of technology and performance it will deliver and where it will be sold first.
Kia EV3 will launch in Korea in July, followed by the EU
Although the EV3’s design language is very similar to that of the super popular EV9, which is currently sold globally, Kia said the EV3 “carves out its own identity” and brings with it standards that have yet to be seen in the electric compact SUV segment.
You’ll definitely notice Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy inside and out of the EV3, including multi-colored and textured textiles inside and a minimalist feel that is still loaded with advanced technology. Per Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design:
The EV3 embodies our design philosophy perfectly – a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality. Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasizes restorative relaxation for every journey. Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colors; inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness.
The compact SUV will arrive in nine color choices, including two new shades exclusive to the model: Aventurine Green and Terracotta (seen above). As previously promised, Kia has introduced a GT-Line trim of the EV3 in addition to the Base model, offering a slightly more rugged look from the outside. Have a look.
The EV3 will arrive with two different battery sizes within the SUV’s E-GMP platform from Hyundai Motor Group. The standard model utilizes a 58.3 kWh pack, but customers can opt for a larger 81.4 kWh battery in the Long Range version.
Both models feature 150 kW single-motor RWD regardless of battery size, accelerating from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.5 seconds. The EV3’s top speed is 170 km/h (~106 mph). Regarding range, Kia shared that the Long Range model will offer 600 km (373 miles) of WLTP range on a single charge and can replenish from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.
Like all the EVs on the E-GMP platform, the Kia EV3 has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, but it’s another first for the compact SUV segment. This will also be the first model to feature Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 technology, which gives the driver more freedom to customize their regenerative braking preferences.
There is so much more to unfold here, so we recommend checking out Kia’s full release to see exactly what the EV3 is all about. If you’re looking for starting pricing, however, you’ll have to wait a tad longer.
Those details shouldn’t be too far behind, however; as Kia said, the EV3 will be introduced in Korea this July, followed by a European launch in the second half of 2024. There have been no confirmed plans to sell the SUV in the US just yet, but Kia shared it has plans to “further expand the sales of EV3 into other regions, with subsequent launches to be expected after the European market entry.”
What do you think? Do you want to see the EV3 in the US? Would you buy one?