Trims, Powertrains, and Performance

Kia will build the EV3 on its 400-volt Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and present it in the same five trim levels as the EV9: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The 58.3-kWh standard-range battery will power the base trim’s front-wheel drive (FWD) setup and enable a manufacturer-estimated range of 220 miles. The other four trims will get the 81.4-kWh long-range battery and travel an estimated 320 miles on a full charge. FWD will be standard on the Wind and Land, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional for those two and standard on the GT-Line and GT. Kia has not yet publicized the FWD version’s horsepower but expects the AWD Wind, Land, and GT-Line to produce 261 hp, with the performance-driven GT making 288 hp. The range-topper will also get sport-tuned steering and suspension for enhanced handling, and an available virtual gear shift and active sound design will counter the otherwise quiet powerplant for a more engaging driving experience. The entire lineup will use Kia’s i-Pedal 3.0 system for one-pedal driving with regenerative braking, which will work in reverse and feature a memory function.

The standard-range battery pack will charge from 10 to 80 percent in an estimated 29 minutes, while its long-range counterpart will do the same in approximately 31 minutes. All EV3s will come with a native NACS port, and Kia Plug and Charge through the Kia Access app will provide seamless connection to charging stations. The available Vehicle-to-Load feature will allow drivers to power external equipment with the EV3, and available Vehicle-to-Home bidirectional charging can be used to provide electricity to homes during outages or to manage home energy use during peak-demand hours.

Design and Features

Kia’s subcompact EV3 will stylistically mirror its three-row SUV counterpart, the EV9, adopting the proprietary “Opposites United” look with a smaller footprint. Aerodynamic styling will take center stage, with flush door handles, short overhangs, low-profile roof rails, and good-sized wheels (17-inch or 19-inch). The “Tiger Face” front-end design will be dominated by angular LED daytime running lights with vertical and horizontal lines, with the same digital cube-patterned LED projector headlights seen on the other Kia EVs. The combination taillights will echo that design. The top-of-the-line GT will show off distinctive style cues, including neon green accents, green-painted brake calipers, and special 19-inch wheels. There will be an optional Nightfall Package to give select trims a blacked-out appearance, with black wheels, badging, and exterior accents, as well as raised roof rails and a dark-gray interior.

Every EV3 will be equipped for comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control and rear vents, while higher trims will add heated and ventilated front seats and multi-color ambient mood lighting. The GT-Line and GT will go with two-tone upholstery, metal pedals, and three-spoke steering wheels, while the GT will further distinguish itself with sport bucket seats and neon green accents to match its eye-catching exterior. A versatile center console will offer both open and covered compartments, along with retractable beverage holders for added flexibility. The EV3 is expected to provide 26.1 cubic feet of storage space with all five seats in use and up to 56.5 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded; the cargo area will be accessed by a programmable power liftgate in the higher trims. A multi-level cargo system will incorporate a two-position luggage platform and underfloor bin, while a front trunk (frunk) will add 0.9 cubic feet of room under the hood.

Driver-Assistance and Safety

According to Kia, the EV3 will be equipped with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite. While information on the other features in the suite hadn’t been specified by the time of this writing, drivers can expect the likes of adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning and avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping and following assist, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic warning and avoidance assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist. Highway Driving Assist 2, forward collision avoidance assist with junction crossing, reverse parking collision avoidance assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, a blind-spot view monitor, and 360-degree surround view monitor will be available on higher trims.

Infotainment and Other Technology

We expect the EV3’s technology suite to be both elegant and functional, starting with Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit, which debuted in the EV9. The panoramic display will house a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate-control panel. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth smartphone and audio connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, over-the-air software updates, and a voice-recognition-based AI assistant will all come standard. Kia’s Entertainment and Data Services will offer Netflix, YouTube, and other apps through the Kia Connect Store. Drivers will also be able to personalize their screen with custom themes, such as sports teams, National Geographic imagery, Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney characters. Select trims will get a 12-inch head-up display, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, the intuitive MyQ Connected Garage remote, and Kia’s Digital Key 2.0.