2025 Kia EV3 Review: A Compact EV with Big Ambitions
The electric vehicle (EV) market has been expanding rapidly, with automakers racing to deliver affordable, versatile, and efficient EVs. Kia, a brand that has already proven its commitment to electrification with the EV6 and EV9, is now making waves in the compact EV segment with the 2025 Kia EV3. Designed to compete with models like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Tesla Model Y, the EV3 offers impressive tech, a practical design, and great value for the price.
Let’s dive into what makes the Kia EV3 a standout in the growing world of compact electric SUVs.
Design: Bold, Modern, and Eye-Catching
The Kia EV3 brings a fresh aesthetic to the compact EV market. It embraces Kia’s signature “Opposites United” design language but adapts it for a smaller footprint. Up front, the EV3 features a closed-off grille with LED lights forming an intricate geometric pattern that doubles as the daytime running lights.
From the side, the EV3’s sharp character lines and floating roof design give it a sporty and futuristic vibe. Kia also incorporated a clamshell hood and flush door handles, further improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics and overall sleekness. The rear is equally striking, with a light bar spanning the tailgate and an integrated spoiler that emphasizes the EV3’s dynamic appeal.
Measuring slightly smaller than the EV6, the EV3 fits perfectly in the urban crossover category, making it easy to navigate tight city streets while still offering the presence of a larger SUV. Kia offers multiple wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches, along with two-tone paint options to enhance its visual appeal.
Interior: Smart, Spacious, and Sustainable
Inside, the EV3 delivers a clean, high-tech cabin that prioritizes functionality and sustainability. The minimalist dashboard is dominated by a dual 12.3-inch display setup—one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system, both seamlessly integrated into a single curved panel.
Kia has used eco-friendly materials throughout the interior, including recycled plastics and plant-based leather, which aligns with the EV3’s green ethos. The seats are ergonomically designed, offering great comfort even on long drives, and the cabin is surprisingly roomy for a compact vehicle. Thanks to the flat floor design enabled by its dedicated EV platform, the EV3 boasts ample legroom in both rows.
Cargo space is generous for a small SUV, with 22 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 50 cubic feet with the second row folded. Additionally, a small front trunk (frunk) provides extra storage for charging cables or smaller items.
Powertrain: Performance Meets Efficiency
The Kia EV3 is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced E-GMP platform, which underpins other successful EVs like the EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It offers a choice of two powertrains:
- Standard Range: A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup with 215 horsepower and an estimated range of 250 miles.
- Long Range: A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration delivering 320 horsepower and an estimated range of 300 miles.
Both versions offer smooth acceleration, with the Long Range model capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The EV3’s low center of gravity, thanks to its battery placement, ensures a planted and confident driving experience. Kia has also tuned the suspension for a good balance between comfort and agility, making it a joy to drive both in the city and on winding roads.
Charging and Range: Convenient and Fast
The EV3 benefits from the 800-volt charging architecture of the E-GMP platform, which means ultra-fast charging capabilities. When connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger, the EV3 can go from 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes—one of the fastest charging times in its class.
For home charging, the EV3 supports Level 2 charging at 11 kW, allowing a full recharge in about 7 hours. Kia also includes two years of complimentary access to Electrify America’s fast-charging network, giving EV3 owners easy access to public chargers.
Technology: Packed with Features
Kia has loaded the EV3 with advanced technology to enhance convenience, safety, and entertainment. Key features include:
- Infotainment: The EV3’s infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, and over-the-air updates. The UI is intuitive, with customizable widgets for easy access to frequently used functions.
- Driver Assistance: Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) comes standard, offering semi-autonomous driving features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic lane changes. The EV3 also includes features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera.
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): The EV3 can power external devices, making it perfect for camping trips or powering tools in an emergency.
Efficiency: Affordable to Own and Operate
With its impressive efficiency, the EV3 makes EV ownership more affordable than ever. The Standard Range model achieves an estimated 4.0 miles per kWh, while the Long Range version offers about 3.8 miles per kWh. Combined with competitive pricing and potential tax incentives, the EV3 provides excellent value for the money.
Pricing and Trims: Accessible for All
Kia is making the EV3 accessible to a broad audience with a starting price of $35,000 for the Standard Range model. The Long Range variant begins at $42,000, with fully loaded models topping out around $48,000. This pricing makes the EV3 one of the most affordable options in its class, especially considering its technology and performance.
Trims include:
- EV3 Light: Base model with the Standard Range powertrain, a smaller 12.3-inch display, and cloth seating.
- EV3 Wind: Adds premium materials, the Long Range powertrain, and more advanced safety features.
- EV3 GT-Line: The range-topping trim with sportier styling, dual motors, and advanced driver-assistance features.
Verdict: A Compact EV Worth Considering
The 2025 Kia EV3 proves that compact EVs don’t have to compromise on performance, range, or features. With its bold design, spacious interior, efficient powertrain, and cutting-edge technology, the EV3 is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the EV market without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a city commuter, a weekend adventurer, or someone looking to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, the Kia EV3 offers a compelling blend of practicality and excitement. Its combination of affordability and innovation makes it one of the most well-rounded EVs in its class—and a strong contender for the best compact EV of 2025.
Leave a Reply