Kia EV3 Review: The 2025 Best Compact SUV?

This is the Kia EV3, the smallest electric car that Kia makes. But don’t think of it as a tiny car. The Kia EV3 is a very practical small SUV. It has a great range between charges. If you pick the right version, it can also be a great value for money. In this review, we will explore everything you need to know about the new EV3.

Size and Class

The Kia EV3 is just over 4.3 meters long. This makes it about 11 cm shorter than the Niro EV. We classify the EV3 as a small SUV. Its main rivals are cars like the Smart #1 and the Volvo EX30. However, because of its price and type, you might also think about the Skoda Enyaq or the Renault Scénic. Both of these cars are larger family SUVs.

Trim Levels and Features

When you go for the entry-level Air trim, your EV3 will come with 17-inch alloys. It will have gray plastic on the wheel arches. You can choose from five different paint colors. The sunset orange color is the only one that does not cost extra. If you choose the GT-Line or GT-Line S, you will get larger 19-inch wheels. The plastic on the wheel arches, bumper, and sills will be painted black. You will also have extra paint colors to choose from, including pistachio green.

Battery Options and Range

There are two battery options for the EV3. If you choose the smaller 55 kWh standard range battery, it is only available in the entry-level Air trim. The official range is 270 miles. However, in real-world driving, especially on a cold day, you might only get about 200 miles. If you opt for the long-range battery, it has a capacity of 78 kWh and an official range of 375 miles. This is slightly less than the long-range version of the Renault Scénic.

With the long-range battery, you can choose any trim level you want. However, the price will be higher, which we will discuss later. One downside is that to get a heat pump, you must pick the GT-Line trim and pay an extra £900. Many cheaper electric cars, like the new Renault 5, come with a heat pump as standard.

Charging Capabilities

The EV3 does not have the 800-volt architecture of the more expensive EV6 and EV9. This means it charges slower. For the smaller battery version, the peak charging rate is 100 kW. In ideal conditions, it takes about 29 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. The long-range version can charge at up to 135 kW, but it will take a few more minutes because of the bigger battery. The Volvo EX30 and Skoda Enyaq can charge a bit quicker, but the difference is small.

Boot Space

The boot space in the EV3 is pretty big for a small SUV. There is officially 460 liters of space under the load cover. We even managed to fit six carry-on suitcases in there! This is more space than the Volvo EX30 or Smart #1, and even the Skoda Enyaq. All versions come with a height-adjustable boot floor. If you put it in its lowest setting, there is still space under the floor for the charging cable. There is also a small 25-liter boot under the bonnet for stowing the charging cable.

Interior Space and Comfort

Now, let’s talk about the space inside. I’m just over 6 feet tall, and the front seat is set up for my driving position. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom for a family of four. My head brushes the ceiling only if I sit up straight. The seats do not slide back and forth like in the Smart #1, and there is no ski hatch for longer items. If you regularly carry adults in the back, the Renault Scénic or Skoda Enyaq offer even more space.

Driver’s Position

In the front of the EV3, you feel high up and away from the road. This is a good thing for an SUV. The driving position is comfortable, with plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel. The view down the road and at junctions is excellent thanks to the upright pillars. However, if you choose the entry-level Air trim, you won’t get adjustable lumbar support. But the lower back support is still good.

One small problem is that the start button is hidden behind the steering wheel on the gear selector. You need to use this to turn the car on and off. The air conditioning panel is also partly blocked by the steering wheel, but you can still see it well enough to use.

Technology and Infotainment

The touchscreen in the EV3 is 12.3 inches big and comes in all versions. It is easy to use, with good graphics and a quick response. All versions come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, you need the GT-Line trim to get the upgraded sound system, which isn’t that impressive.

Storage space inside the EV3 is decent. There is a large open tray below the center console, but it can get messy without a lid. The door pockets are narrow, but there is enough space for a small drink bottle. The entry-level Air trim has some storage under the armrest, while the GT-Line has a sliding tray that acts like a laptop stand.

Driving Experience

Both battery versions have the same 201 brake horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels. This means there is no difference in performance. Both can go from 0 to 62 mph in around 7.5 seconds. The EV3 is fast enough for everyday driving. While it may not be as quick as a Tesla Model Y, it has ample power for most drivers.

Kia has not tried to make the EV3 sporty. It has a comfortable ride, with soft suspension that smooths over bumps well. The EV3 is also quiet, even at highway speeds. The brakes are smoother than in the Renault Scénic or Smart #1.

Pricing

The price of the EV3 varies depending on the version. The entry-level standard range Air costs just under £33,000. This is a great price considering the range and features you get, like climate control, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control. If you choose the long-range battery, the price increases by £3,000.

If you want the GT-Line trim, available only with the long-range battery, the price goes up to £39,500. This is similar to a mid-spec Volvo EX30 but a bit more than the Skoda Enyaq. However, the price climbs to nearly £43,000 for the range-topping GT-Line S. At this price, you could get a well-equipped Renault Scénic long-range.

Overall, if you buy one of the cheaper versions, the EV3 is a fantastic choice. It is practical, fun to drive, and comes with Kia’s 7-year warranty as standard.

FAQs

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