The EV3 is finally almost here. With its US launch just around the corner, Kia’s electric SUV was captured driving around New York.
Kia prepares to launch the EV3 in the US
After production began at Kia’s Pesquería, Nuevo León, manufacturing plant in Mexico on August 4, the EV3 (which we already got to test-drive) is expected to go on sale in the US any day now.
The EV3 is an “entry-level EV SUV that offers many of the advanced amenities of the EV9,” Kia said after it made its North American debut in April, just in a smaller, more affordable package.
With sales set to begin by the end of 2026, the electric SUV was captured driving in public in New York. Images sent to Electrek show the EV3 driving in Rochester and on the Thruway in Guilderland.
It will be available later this year in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The standard Light model uses a 58.3 kWh battery that Kia estimates will provide up to 220 miles of range under EPA conditions.
An extended-range 81.4-kWh battery will be available on the Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT trims, offering an estimated EPA range of up to 320 miles for front-wheel-drive (FWD) variants.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the GT-Line and GT trims and optional on the Wind and Land models, delivering a combined output of 261 hp. The EV3 GT adds a bit more power, with up to 288 hp.
With DC fast charging, the standard 58.3 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes. The 81.4 kWh battery takes around 31 minutes. All versions come with a native NACS charge port.
The interior is based on Kia’s new cabin design, which includes its latest ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The setup provides nearly 30″ of screen space, including a 12.3″ instrument cluster, a 12.3″ infotainment screen, plus a 5″ climate display. With OTA updates, the system will continue to add new features and improve existing ones, such as EV route planning.
For an added cost, there’s an optional 12″ head-up display (HUD) and premium 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system available.
Kia has yet to announce prices, but the 2027 EV3 is expected to start at around $35,000, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles in the US.
Electrek’s Take
The EV3 is already among the most popular EVs in Europe and the UK. In the first year, the EV3 was the third-best-selling EV in the UK and ranked 10th in Europe.
With plenty of driving range, fast charging, modern tech and features, and an affordable price, the EV3 will likely find its market in the US as well.
It will offer a slightly larger, longer-range option to the new Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF. On top of that, a wave of two- and three-year EV leases is ending in 2026, which could make the EV3 a good fit for their next vehicle.
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