The Kia EV3 is the brand's compact electric SUV, built on the 400-volt E-GMP platform and offered with two battery sizes, 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The front-wheel-drive versions use a single 150 kW (204 PS, about 201 hp) motor, and for the 2027 model year Kia has widened the range in two directions. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive version with 195 kW (265 PS, about 261 hp) is now available in Germany, and a performance EV3 GT with 215 kW (292 PS, about 288 hp) and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds has gone on sale in Europe. Kia Germany quotes up to 608 km of WLTP range for the long-range front-wheel-drive Air, 572 km for the all-wheel-drive versions and 501 km for the GT. Prices start at EUR 35,990 in Germany, at $29,890 in the US before a $1,495 destination fee, and at NIS 169,900 on the Israeli importer's current price list.
Performance & Specs
Every front-wheel-drive EV3 uses the same electric motor: 150 kW (204 PS) and 283 Nm of torque, which equals about 201 hp. Kia UK quotes 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds for the standard-range car and Kia Germany 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds for the long-range version, with a top speed of 170 km/h (105 mph) for all versions. A note on units: PS is the metric horsepower and is about 1.4 percent smaller than the imperial hp, so 204 PS works out to 201 hp, 265 PS to 261 hp and 292 PS to 288 hp, which match the 261 hp and 288 hp quoted for the US cars. Some outlets print 292 as hp for the GT, which overstates it.
The all-wheel-drive version adds a 45 kW rear motor to the 150 kW front motor for a system output of 195 kW (265 PS, about 261 hp) and up to 385 Nm. German press coverage of Kia's announcement quotes 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, 1.1 seconds quicker than the front-wheel-drive long-range car, and Kia Australia's local GT-Line AWD uses the same 195 kW and 385 Nm. Braked towing capacity rises from 1,000 kg to 1,500 kg with all-wheel drive. In Germany the all-wheel-drive EV3 is offered only with the 81.4 kWh battery and only in Earth and GT-Line trim, with deliveries scheduled from July 2026.
The EV3 GT sits above all of that. It is a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive car with 215 kW (292 PS, about 288 hp), a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds, a 170 km/h top speed, the 81.4 kWh battery and a braked towing rating of 1,500 kg, according to Kia Germany. Kia says the GT adds electronically controlled dampers, a Virtual Gear Shift system with Active Sound Design that simulates gear changes, a dedicated GT drive mode, electronic dynamic torque vectoring and 20-inch wheels with neon-green brake calipers. Kia America lists 345 lb-ft for the GT, which is about 468 Nm and matches Electrek's figure; Kia's own German page lists power but not torque. Some outlets quote 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds, while Kia UK and Kia Germany both say 5.7 seconds.
| Powertrain | Single-motor FWD BEV (Air Long Range) |
|---|---|
| Power | 150 kW (204 PS / 201 hp) |
| Torque | 283 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.7 s |
| Battery | 81.4 kWh |
| Range | Up to 608 km WLTP (Germany) |
| POWERTRAIN TYPE | BEV, 400 V E-GMP platform |
|---|---|
| HORSEPOWER | FWD 150 kW (204 PS / 201 hp); AWD 195 kW (265 PS / 261 hp); GT 215 kW (292 PS / 288 hp) |
| TORQUE | 283 Nm; 385 Nm; GT about 468 Nm (345 lb-ft per Kia America) |
| ACCELERATION | 0-100 km/h in 7.5 s (SR) to 7.7 s (LR); 6.6 s (AWD); 5.7 s (GT) |
| TOP SPEED | 170 km/h |
| DRIVETRAIN | FWD; dual-motor AWD (Earth and GT-Line, and GT) |
| BATTERY | 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh (Kia's stated capacity) |
| ELECTRIC RANGE | 438 km (SR) and up to 608 km (LR) WLTP; AWD 572 km; GT 501 km (Germany) |
Dimensions & Practicality
| Length | 4,300 mm (GT-Line 4,310 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,560 mm (GT-Line 1,570 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm |
| Luggage | 460 L plus 25 L front |
The EV3 is 4,300 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,560 mm tall on a 2,680 mm wheelbase, according to Kia UK and independent spec databases; the GT-Line trims are 10 mm longer and taller. Kia Germany and Kia UK both list a 460-litre luggage compartment and a 25-litre front compartment under the bonnet, and an independent database lists 1,251 litres with the rear seats folded. The 2027 model year adds an adjustable rear seat backrest, an optional dual smartphone charging pad on the GT-Line and 100 W USB-C ports.
Kia UK lists kerb weights of 1,800 kg for the standard-range car and 1,885 kg for the long-range version, and gross weights of 2,270 kg and 2,355 kg. Braked towing is 500 kg for the standard-range front-wheel-drive car and 1,000 kg for the long-range one in the UK, and 1,500 kg for the all-wheel-drive versions and the GT in Germany. An optional sliding table can be integrated into the centre console.
| LENGTH | 4,300 mm (GT-Line 4,310 mm) |
|---|---|
| WIDTH | 1,850 mm |
| HEIGHT | 1,560 mm (GT-Line 1,570 mm) |
| WHEELBASE | 2,680 mm |
| CARGO VOLUME | 460 L (about 1,251 L seats folded, independent database) |
| FRUNK | 25 L |
| KERB WEIGHT | 1,800 kg (SR); 1,885 kg (LR) |
| TOWING | 500 kg (SR) or 1,000 kg (LR) braked, FWD, UK; 1,500 kg braked for AWD and GT, Germany |
Charging & Battery
The EV3 uses a 400-volt architecture, so its charging peak is lower than that of 800-volt rivals, and the sources disagree slightly on the number. Kia Germany says a DC charger delivering at least 128 kW is required to reach the car's maximum charging speed, and one independent database lists 128 kW, while another lists 135 kW and the Israeli importer cites a 150 kW charging station. All of them agree on the time: Kia Germany and Kia UK state 10-80% in about 31 minutes for the long-range car, Kia UK gives 29 minutes for the standard-range car, and Kia Germany says the GT needs a 400-volt charger of at least 150 kW to manage 31 minutes. Real charging times depend on battery temperature, state of charge and the charger.
The two batteries are rated 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh by Kia, which does not publish a separate gross and net split on the pages I checked. The WLTP consumption figures in Germany are 14.9 kWh/100 km for the Air, 15.8 kWh/100 km for the Earth Standard Range and the AWD versions, 16.2 kWh/100 km for the Earth and GT-Line Long Range and 18.1 kWh/100 km for the GT, all measured at the socket. Multiplying the Air Long Range's 608 km by 14.9 kWh/100 km gives about 91 kWh from the grid, and about 82 kWh after typical charging losses, which is consistent with an 81.4 kWh battery. AC charging is 11 kW as standard. For the 2027 model year Kia Germany offers an optional 22 kW on-board charger, listed by German press at EUR 990, and Kia says the GT offers 22 kW AC charging. German press reports 10-100% in about 2 hours 55 minutes for the small battery and 3 hours 55 minutes for the large battery on a 22 kW source.
| BATTERY | 58.3 kWh (SR) or 81.4 kWh (LR, AWD, GT), 400 V |
|---|---|
| AC CHARGING | 11 kW standard; 22 kW optional (2027 model year, GT) |
| DC FAST CHARGING | 128 kW per Kia Germany (135 kW cited elsewhere) |
| DC 10-80% TIME | About 29 min (SR); about 31 min (LR, GT) |
| WLTP CONSUMPTION | 14.9-16.2 kWh/100 km (FWD); 15.8 (AWD); 18.1 (GT), Germany |
Design & Interior
Kia describes the EV3's design as built on its Opposites United philosophy. The front carries the Star Map lighting signature taken from the EV9, with ultra-thin vertical daytime running lights around a reinterpreted tiger-nose face, and in profile the roof appears to float above a slanted tail. The door handles sit flush with the body, the wheel arches are strongly muscled, and the geometric tail lights blend into the rear glass above a futuristic tailgate. The GT adds neon-green brake calipers, GT-specific exterior styling, 20-inch wheels and a GT-only neon-green interior with semi-bucket seats and a dedicated steering wheel.
Inside, three displays form one panoramic unit: a 12.3-inch driver cluster, a 5.3-inch climate screen and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. An optional head-up display is available, and the console can integrate an optional sliding table. The cabin has ambient lighting, several storage compartments and, on the GT-Line, an optional second wireless phone pad that lets two phones charge side by side. Kia UK adds that vehicle-to-load power is a GT-Line S feature in the UK, while Kia Australia lists an interior V2L outlet in the second row and an adaptor for the charge port.
Technology & Features
The EV3 gets Kia Connect with over-the-air updates, an AI assistant, Digital Key 2 and Kia Plug&Charge, which authenticates and bills the driver automatically at compatible public chargers. Vehicle-to-load charging lets the car power external devices. The i-Pedal 3.0 one-pedal driving mode lets the driver accelerate, slow down and stop with the accelerator only, and a heat pump is listed in the standard equipment of the Korean Air Standard and as a GBP 900 option on the UK GT-Line S. The 2027 model year adds a second wireless phone charger, 100 W USB-C ports and the optional 22 kW AC charger, and German press reports no exterior design changes.
Safety & ADAS
Euro NCAP rated the EV3 in May 2025, and the result depends on equipment: four stars for the standard specification and five stars with the optional safety pack. With the pack the car scored 83 percent for adult occupants, 84 percent for child occupants, 78 percent for vulnerable road users and 78 percent for safety assist, according to published summaries of the Euro NCAP datasheet. Kia's driver-assistance suite, parts of which sit in optional packs depending on the market, includes smart cruise control with stop-and-go, highway assist with hands-on detection that can also change lanes, front collision avoidance covering pedestrians, cyclists and junction turning, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic braking and intelligent speed limit assist. Kia Australia lists a five-star ANCAP rating and seven airbags including a centre airbag, and Kia Israel also lists seven airbags.
| ADAS LEVEL | Level 2 driver assistance (driver must supervise) |
|---|---|
| ADAS FEATURES | Smart cruise control 2.0 with stop-and-go, highway assist II with hands-on detection, forward collision avoidance 2.0 with junction turning, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, intelligent speed limit assist, safe exit warning, driver attention warning (equipment varies by market and pack) |
Available Versions
| VERSION | POWER | TORQUE | 0-100 | TOP SPEED | DRIVETRAIN | BATTERY | EV RANGE | COMBINED RANGE | PRICE | KEY DIFFERENCES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV3 Air Standard Range | 201 hp | 283 Nm | 7.5s | 170 km/h | FWD | 58.3 kWh | 438 km | — | EUR 35,990 | Entry version; 10-80% in about 29 min; Earth SR costs EUR 38,290 (437 km) |
| EV3 Air Long Range | 201 hp | 283 Nm | 7.7s | 170 km/h | FWD | 81.4 kWh | 608 km | — | EUR 41,390 | Highest WLTP figure in Kia Germany's EV3 price list |
| EV3 Earth Long Range | 201 hp | 283 Nm | 7.7s | 170 km/h | FWD | 81.4 kWh | 597 km | — | EUR 43,690 | Mid trim above the Air |
| EV3 GT-Line Long Range | 201 hp | 283 Nm | 7.7s | 170 km/h | FWD | 81.4 kWh | 597 km | — | EUR 48,690 | GT-Line styling, optional second wireless charging pad |
| EV3 Earth AWD | 261 hp | 385 Nm | 6.6s | 170 km/h | AWD | 81.4 kWh | 572 km | — | EUR 46,880 | 195 kW (265 PS), 1,500 kg braked towing, deliveries scheduled from July 2026 |
| EV3 GT-Line AWD | 261 hp | 385 Nm | 6.6s | 170 km/h | AWD | 81.4 kWh | 572 km | — | EUR 51,190 | 195 kW (265 PS), GT-Line trim |
| EV3 GT | 288 hp | 468 Nm | 5.7s | 170 km/h | AWD | 81.4 kWh | 501 km | — | EUR 53,990 | 215 kW (292 PS), sport suspension, Virtual Gear Shift, 22 kW AC; torque converted from Kia America's 345 lb-ft |
Pricing & Availability
All prices below are the manufacturer's list prices for the 2027 EV3, from Kia's own sites in early October 2026 unless noted. In Germany Kia lists the Air Standard Range at EUR 35,990 and the Earth Standard Range at EUR 38,290, the Air Long Range at EUR 41,390, the Earth Long Range at EUR 43,690 and the GT-Line Long Range at EUR 48,690, the all-wheel-drive Earth at EUR 46,880 and GT-Line AWD at EUR 51,190, and the EV3 GT at EUR 53,990, all including VAT. In the UK, Kia lists the Air Standard Range at GBP 31,555, the Air at GBP 34,555 and the GT-Line at GBP 37,955 on-the-road including the GBP 1,500 government Electric Car Grant, and the GT-Line S at GBP 43,055 (GBP 43,955 with the heat pump). The EV3 GT is orderable in the UK from GBP 48,695, a price shown on Kia UK's EV3 page and reported by Motoring Research, with first deliveries expected before the end of the year.
In the US, Kia America prices the 2027 EV3 from $29,890 for the Light with the 58.3 kWh battery (221 miles EPA-estimated), then $34,990 for the Wind FWD (321 miles), $38,490 for the Land FWD, $38,690 and $41,690 for the Wind and Land AWD (280 miles), $43,490 for the GT-Line AWD and $45,890 for the GT AWD, all before a $1,495 destination fee. According to Electrek and autoevolution, the US cars are built at Kia's plant in Pesqueria, Mexico, where production started on 4 August 2026. In Australia, Kia lists ranges of 436 km, 604 km and 563 km and the independent site CarsGuide lists prices from AUD 47,600 for the Air Standard Range to AUD 66,490 for the GT-Line AWD, which arrives from September 2026 with 195 kW, 385 Nm and up to 559 km WLTP; Kia Australia says the GT badge is reserved for its larger models, so the EV3 GT will not be sold there.
The EV3 went on sale in Israel in September 2025 through the Kia importer Telcar. Kia Israel's current price list shows the EV3 Premium SR at NIS 169,900, the EX LR at NIS 174,900 and the Executive LR at NIS 186,900, including VAT but before a NIS 2,450 licence fee. The entry EX SR was launched at NIS 164,900 and is not on the current importer table. Israeli WLTP figures are 432 km for the 58.3 kWh car and 604 km (EX LR) or 589 km (Executive LR) for the 81.4 kWh car, all with 204 hp. Neither the AWD version nor the GT is listed there. In South Korea, Kia's price list dated 1 October 2026 starts at KRW 42,030,000 for the Air Standard before the consumer-tax reduction (KRW 39,950,000 after it).
How It Compares
On the US price list the EV3 Wind is a direct match for the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which costs $34,995 before destination for the 2027 LT1 FWD with 220 hp and a 319-mile EPA rating. The Kia asks $5 less, has 19 fewer horsepower and claims two more miles of range, 321 against 319, from a smaller 81.4 kWh battery against the Chevrolet's 85 kWh. The Toyota bZ, at $37,980 for the XLE FWD Plus with 221 hp and 314 miles, costs $2,990 more than the Wind. At the bottom of the range the EV3 Light at $29,890 undercuts the Toyota bZ XLE FWD at $34,980 by $5,090, though the bZ XLE has 165 hp and a 236-mile rating against the EV3 Light's 201 hp and 221 miles. The Kia's US destination fee is $1,495, the Toyota's is $1,595 and the Chevrolet's is $1,800. All the prices here are before destination, and rival figures are for the US model-year versions named.
- Wide range from one platform: 201 hp FWD, 261 hp AWD and a 288 hp GT, with 58.3 or 81.4 kWh batteries
- Up to 608 km WLTP in Germany (EUR 41,390) and 321 miles EPA in the US ($34,990 Wind), with a $29,890 US entry price
- Practical for its size: 460 L boot plus a 25 L frunk, an optional 22 kW AC charger and 1,500 kg braked towing with AWD
- The 400-volt platform needs a charger of at least 128 kW to reach maximum speed, and 10-80% takes about 31 minutes
- AWD costs range (572 km against 608 km WLTP in Germany, 280 against 321 miles in the US), and Euro NCAP gave only four stars without the optional safety pack
The 2027 EV3 is now a complete compact electric family, from a 58.3 kWh car at EUR 35,990 or $29,890 up to a 288 hp GT. The sweet spot is the long-range front-wheel-drive car, which Kia Germany rates at up to 608 km WLTP for EUR 41,390 and Kia America rates at 321 miles for $34,990, while the AWD and GT versions trade 36 to 107 km of WLTP range for more power. Charging is its limit: a 128 kW peak and about 31 minutes for 10-80% are fine rather than fast. Check which safety pack comes with the car you order. For buyers who want a roomy, sensibly priced electric SUV, it is an easy recommendation.
