Kia’s electric SUV offers it all: more than enough driving range, a practical interior, and modern tech at an affordable price. The Kia EV3 is a hit in Europe, the UK, and several other parts of the world, and it will finally go on sale in the US soon.
Kia EV3 wins over buyers ahead of US launch
After the EV3 went on sale in Europe in late 2024, the compact electric SUV quickly became one of the most popular electric vehicles, offering a segment-leading range of up to 375 miles and an affordable price starting at around 36,000 euros ($$42,000).
In its first year, the EV3 was the third top-selling EV in the UK, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, and ranked 10th in Europe.
Through the first few months of 2026, it remains one of the most popular EVs in several regions, including Germany, the heart of Europe’s auto market.
Kia announced on Thursday that the EV3 ranked first in Auto Zeitung’s Electric Vehicle Comparison Test, beating four other EV crossovers, including the Renault 4 E-Tech, BYD Atto 2, Suzuki e-Vitara, and the Ford Puma Gen-E.
The Kia EV3 swept every category, placing first place with a total of 3,039 points, followed by the Renault 4 (2,936) in second and the BYD Atto 2 (2,928) in third. The comparison test looked at five key factors:
- Space, practicality, and quality: front and rear seating space, visibility, ease of operation, trunk capacity, safety equipment, quality, and finish.
- Ride comfort: front and rear seat comfort, ergonomics, interior noise levels, and climate control performance.
- Powertrain: acceleration, top speed, transmission setup, energy efficiency, driving range, and charging convenience.
- Driving performance: handling, slalom test, steering performance, straight-line stability, braking control, and driving safety.
- Cost efficiency: vehicle price, depreciation, warranty conditions, taxes, insurance, and emissions.
During Auto Zeitung’s real-world testing, the EV3 achieved a driving range of 335 km (208 miles), the highest among the vehicles tested.
The publication praised Kia’s electric SUV for its “comfortable seating, balanced ride comfort and responsive 150 kW electric powertrain.” With practical connectivity features available through Kia Connect, the EV3 offers a blend of “everyday usability and driving refinement.”
Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, Auto Zeitung also credited the Korean engineering, saying the EV3 combines “a well-tuned suspension that effectively absorbs rough German roads with excellent ride comfort for long journeys.”
When is the EV3 launching in the US?
After drawing in buyers across Europe, the UK, Australia, and other key regions, Kia is finally launching the EV3 in the US later this year.
After making its North American debut in April, Kia said the EV3 is an “entry-level EV SUV that offers many of the advanced amenities of the EV9,” but as a smaller, more affordable option.
The compact electric SUV will be available in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The entry-level Light model uses a 58.3 kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor, which Kia said provides a driving range of up to 220 miles.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, the higher-priced Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT trims will be available with a large 81.4 kWh battery, delivering an estimated range of up to 320 miles.
That’s for front-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive will be optional on Wind and Land trims and standard on the GT-Line and GT variants.
Based on a 400V architecture, the EV3 Light with the 58.3 kWh battery can fast-charge from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes. The larger 81.4 kWh battery takes slightly longer, at around 31 minutes.
We will learn prices closer to its official launch, set for late 2026, but the Kia EV3 is expected to start at about $35,000 or less, making it one of the most affordable EVs in the US alongside the new Chevy Bolt, Nissan LEAF, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Toyota bZ.
At around $35,000, Kia’s electric SUV might hit the sweet spot of the market, with eight out of the top 10 best-selling EVs in the first quarter in the US being SUVs.
Will the EV3 see the same demand in the US? Would you buy one over the new Chevy Bolt EV or Nissan LEAF? Let us know your pick in the comments.
With the EV3 set to go on sale later this year, Kia is offering a $10,000 bonus cash discount and 0% APR financing on all current EV models. Check out the links below to see local offers or book a test drive near you today.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
