First Look: Kia EV3 – Subcompact EV SUV, Up to 600 KM Range

Making its global debut today is the all-new Kia EV3 – the marque’s new subcompact EV SUV with up to 600 KM range.

Following its teaser earlier this month, the much-awaited Kia EV3 has finally made its global debut today. Arriving as the marque’s new subcompact EV SUV fighter, the EV3 is set to be the most affordable model in Kia’s new EV line-up  while featuring up to 600 KM of EV range.

To no one’s surprise, the new EV3 looks very similar to its concept twin shown last year, adopting the brand’s new styling cue derived from its flagship EV model, the enigmatic EV9. This includes its slightly toned-down L-shaped LED headlights, a unique boxy SUV body style with thick C-pillars, an enclosed wheel design with geometrically-lined spokes, and many more.

Should you desire something sportier, there’s also a souped-up EV3 GT-Line variant, which comes with a sportier body kit and alloy wheels.

The new EV3 slots perfectly in the burgeoning subcompact EV SUV segment, poised to going against the likes of the Volvo EX30, smart #1, and many more.

If we previously called the EV5 the shrunken-down version of the EV9, then the EV3 can be considered the miniature version of said model, with this subcompact EV SUV only measuring 4,300 MM long, 1,850 MM wide, 1,560 MM, and with a wheelbase of 2,680 MM. This also puts the EV3 on the same level as other popular subcompact EV crossovers like the smart #1 and Volvo EX30.

The EV9 similarity continues as we get inside the EV3, with this subcompact EV SUV getting the same minimalist cabin design with smart space utilisation, while being wrapped in bespoke recycled materials. Key amenities present here include the dual 12.3-inch screens, an optional head-up display (HUD), the same three-spoke steering wheel as the EV5, a floating central console, and many more.

Also similar is the EV3’s underbones, with this subcompact EV SUV riding on the ever-popular E-GMP platform that’s been used in many Kia and Hyundai EVs. Only featuring a 400-volt battery architecture, the EV3 is currently offered with a single electric motor and two battery options, with the baseline model using a smaller 58.3-kWh pack, while the Long Range variant makes use of a larger 81.4-kWh unit; the latter is good for up to 600 KM of WLTP range.

As for its powertrain, both variants of the EV3 share the same single electric motor setup that produces 201 HP (150 kW) and 283 NM. Kia claims this motor setup allows the small EV3 to accelerate from 0-100 KM/H in 7.5 seconds, while its V-Max is electronically limited at 170 KM/H. As with many other EVs out there, the EV3 comes with the new i-Pedal 3.0 single-pedal driving mode that features adjustable regen levels.

The new Kia EV3 will be one of the brand's most affordable all-electric models, set to arrive in selected international markets later in 2025.

Good news for Kia fans worldwide as the Korean marque reveals that the new EV3 will be available in selected international markets like the US and Europe beyond its native one, poised to arrive some time later in 2025. Being the most affordable model out of its new EV lineup, the Kia EV3 is expected to be priced around the $30,000 (RM141,147) region, making it a viable alternative to several subcompact EV crossovers like the aforementioned Volvo EX30, Peugeot E-2008, and many more.