Kia America unveiled the 2027 EV3 at the New York International Auto Show on April 1. The compact electric SUV sits below the EV6 and EV9 in the automaker’s battery-electric lineup. Built on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 offers up to an estimated 320 miles of range and DC fast charging. It goes on sale in late 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Highlights
- The EV3 offers two battery options — a 58.3 kWh standard-range pack and an 81.4 kWh long-range pack — with DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 29 minutes.
- A manufacturer-estimated 320 miles of range is possible on certain front-wheel-drive trims equipped with the larger battery. These are not official EPA figures.
- Five trim levels are available: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The GT model produces 288 horsepower and includes sport-tuned suspension and steering.
- A native NACS charging port and standard Plug and Charge capability come standard across the lineup.
Powertrain and Charging
The EV3’s base Light trim pairs the 58.3 kWh battery with a front-wheel-drive configuration. Kia estimates 220 miles of range for this setup. The remaining four trims use the larger 81.4 kWh battery, which enables available all-wheel drive on Wind and Land trims and standard AWD on GT-Line and GT.
The GT model outputs 288 horsepower, up from 261 hp on other AWD variants. It also features Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) and Active Sound Design (ASD) to enhance driving engagement.
DC fast charging times are estimated at 29 minutes (10–80 percent) for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger pack. All trims feature a native NACS port on the front passenger side with standard Plug and Charge (PnC) through Kia Charge Pass in the Kia Access app.
Efficiency and Chassis
Kia targeted a drag coefficient of 0.275 Cd through expanded use of lightweight body materials, aero wheels, an active front air flap, and a full underbody cover. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut layout, while the rear employs a multi-link geometry. The GT receives sport-tuned suspension and steering calibrations.
Engineers also focused on NVH reduction. Sound absorption materials were added throughout the body, and damping treatments were applied for quieter highway and urban driving.
Regenerative Braking and V2L
Kia’s i-Pedal 3.0 system allows one-pedal driving and works with the adaptive Smart Regeneration System to recapture energy during deceleration. The updated i-Pedal now functions in reverse and retains the driver’s last-used setting on restart.
Available Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality lets the EV3 power external devices such as laptops and e-bikes directly from its battery. Additionally, available Vehicle to Home (V2H) capability — requiring a Wallbox bidirectional charger — can feed stored energy back to a residence during peak usage or outages.
Interior, Technology, and ADAS
The cabin features a standard panoramic display setup with nearly 30 inches of combined screen area: dual 12.3-inch displays and a 5-inch climate screen. This is the same connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system found in the EV9.
Available Entertainment and Data Services (EDS) add Netflix and YouTube video streaming — usable only while parked — along with gaming and productivity apps. Other available features include a 12-inch head-up display, Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 360-degree Surround-View Monitor.
Cargo capacity measures 56.5 cubic feet behind the first row and 26.1 cubic feet behind the second row. A 0.9-cubic-foot frunk adds additional storage, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats are standard.
On the safety side, eight airbags are standard. The ADAS suite includes standard Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability, along with available Highway Driving Assist 2, Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Executive Commentary
“The Kia EV3 represents a bold step forward in our commitment to making electric mobility accessible to more Americans,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “With its striking geometric design inspired by EV9, advanced technology, and spacious interior, the EV3 brings the innovation of our EV lineup into an entry EV SUV tailored for the way U.S. customers live, work, and travel.”
Design and Trim Differentiation
The EV3 follows Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy and shares visual DNA with the EV6 and EV9. Signature star map daytime running lights anchor the front end, and hidden rear door handles contribute to a clean side profile.
Standard wheels are 17-inch alloys. The GT-Line and GT add exclusive design elements, and the GT gets unique 19-inch wheels with green brake caliper covers. A U.S.-exclusive Nightfall black appearance package is available on certain trims, adding gloss black wheels, black emblems, bridge-type roof rails, and a dark gray interior.
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