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The Kia EV3 has achieved the highest possible “Very Good” rating in the latest Euro NCAP evaluations for its assisted driving systems. This distinction specifically recognizes the performance of the vehicle’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) technology, marking a significant safety milestone for the brand.
Key Highlights:
- The Kia EV3 received a “Very Good” rating in Euro NCAP’s assisted driving assessment.
- Its Highway Driving Assist 2 system excelled in both “assistance competence” and “safety backup.”
- This is the first Kia model to achieve the top grade in this specific Euro NCAP evaluation.
- The EV3 scored 74 out of 100 points for assistance competence and 88 out of 100 points for safety backup.
Euro NCAP’s rigorous testing assessed the EV3’s HDA 2 system across two primary categories: ‘assistance competence’ and ‘safety backup’. The electric compact SUV scored impressively in both, achieving 74 out of 100 points for assistance competence and a strong 88 out of 100 points for safety backup. This resulted in a total score of 162 points, securing the coveted top rating. Notably, this achievement makes the EV3 the first model from Kia, and indeed the wider Hyundai Motor Group, to attain this premier grade in the assisted driving evaluation.
The European New Car Assessment Programme praised the Kia EV3’s Highway Driving Assist 2 for its sophisticated balance of vehicle assistance and driver engagement. The system effectively supports drivers in various real-world highway scenarios, such as executing lane changes, maintaining consistent lane positioning across different speeds, and safely bringing the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive. Euro NCAP concluded that, combined with its excellent safety backup features, the EV3 offers “very good” motorway assistance.
“This excellent outcome reflects Kia’s commitment to delivering advanced technologies that enhance driver convenience and passenger safety,” stated Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe and COO of Kia Connect Europe. “The EV3’s performance in the Euro NCAP assisted driving test draws attention to the capabilities of Highway Driving Assist 2 and serves as a milestone for Hyundai Motor Group.”
The Kia EV3 is positioned as a dedicated, high-volume electric vehicle for the competitive compact SUV market. It aims to provide the versatility and affordability required to serve as a primary household vehicle. The model has already garnered significant recognition, including being named the 2025 World Car of the Year at the 2025 World Car Awards. In the United Kingdom, it has received accolades such as ‘Best EV Crossover’ at the TopGear.com Electric Awards 2025 and ‘UK Car of the Year 2025’.
Currently available in Europe, the EV3 boasts a segment-leading estimated range of up to 375 miles and features an innovative interior designed to maximize space, comfort, and accessibility. Kia also plans to introduce an all-wheel-drive variant to further broaden customer choice.
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