The Kia EV3 is the smallest electric vehicle in Kia’s lineup, but don’t let that fool you—it’s not just a compact city car. Instead, the EV3 is a well-designed, practical small SUV that offers excellent range, impressive comfort, and competitive pricing. If you’re considering making the switch to an electric SUV, this detailed review will help you decide if the Kia EV3 is the right choice for you.

Size, Design, and Rivals


At just over 4.3 meters in length, the Kia EV3 is shorter than the Kia Niro EV by about 11 centimeters. That makes it a true small SUV, competing directly with the Smart #1 and the Volvo EX30. However, because of its pricing and overall design, the EV3 could also be compared to larger family SUVs like the Skoda Elroq and Renault Scenic.

For those opting for the entry-level ‘Air’ trim, the EV3 comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and gray plastic cladding around the wheel arches. There are five color choices, with Sunset Orange being the only no-cost option. Higher trims like GT-Line and GT-Line S upgrade to 19-inch wheels and replace the plastic trim with a gloss black finish, along with additional paint color choices, including Pistachio Green.

Battery, Range, and Charging

The Kia EV3 offers two battery options: a 55 kWh standard-range battery and a 78 kWh long-range battery.

  • The standard-range model has an official range of 270 miles, though real-world conditions, especially in cold weather, will likely reduce this to around 200 miles.

  • The long-range version increases the usable capacity to 78 kWh, delivering an official range of up to 375 miles—putting it close to competitors like the Renault Scenic Long Range.

Charging speeds are not as fast as Kia’s larger EV6 and EV9 models, as the EV3 lacks an 800V charging system. Here’s what to expect:

  • The standard-range version supports 100 kW DC fast charging, allowing for a 10-80% charge in about 29 minutes.

  • The long-range version increases that to 135 kW, which shaves off a couple of minutes but requires more power due to the larger battery.

Compared to the Volvo EX30 and Skoda Elroq, the EV3’s charging time is slightly longer, though the difference isn’t drastic enough to be a deal-breaker.

Interior Space and Practicality



Despite being a small SUV, the Kia EV3 offers impressive practicality. The boot has a capacity of 460 liters, making it larger than the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1. We tested it and found that six carry-on suitcases could fit comfortably. Additionally, a small 25-liter front trunk (frunk) under the hood provides extra storage, perfect for keeping charging cables.

For added convenience, the boot floor is height-adjustable, allowing flexibility in storage. However, it’s disappointing that a powered tailgate is only available on the top GT-Line S trim.

In the rear seats, passengers enjoy decent space. With a driver over 6 feet tall, the legroom remains ample, and headroom is sufficient unless sitting completely upright. However, unlike some rivals, the EV3’s rear seats do not slide forward or backward for additional cargo flexibility, and there is no ski hatch for loading longer items.

Technology and Infotainment

The front cabin of the EV3 feels premium and spacious. The driving position is high, giving it a true SUV feel, unlike competitors like the Volvo EX30 or Renault Scenic, which feel more like hatchbacks.

The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is:

  • Quick to respond

  • Easy to use

  • Well laid out, with decent graphics

The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, but you’ll need the GT-Line S trim for the upgraded Harman Kardon sound system. One downside is that some climate controls are positioned awkwardly, making them hard to see behind the steering wheel. However, physical temperature adjustment buttons are available.

Storage solutions include a large open tray beneath the center console, though it lacks a lid for security. Door pockets are fairly small, but the GT-Line trims introduce a laptop stand that slides out from the center console—perfect for those who work while charging their EV.

Performance and Driving Comfort

Regardless of the battery choice, all Kia EV3 models use a 201-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels. This translates to a 0-62 mph time of 7.5 seconds, making it fast enough for daily driving but not as quick as some competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Skoda Elroq 85.

Instead of prioritizing sporty handling, Kia has tuned the EV3 for comfort. The soft suspension provides a smooth ride, even at high speeds and on rough city roads. While body roll is noticeable when cornering, this trade-off results in excellent ride quality compared to many rivals.

Another strong point is quietness—even at 70 mph on the highway, road and wind noise are minimal. The brakes are also smoother than those found in the Renault Scenic or even the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Pricing and Trim Options

The Kia EV3’s price depends heavily on the trim and battery option you choose:

  • Standard Range ‘Air’ Trim: Starts at just under £33,000, offering strong value with standard features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and adaptive cruise control.

  • Long Range Model: Adds £3,000 to the price but increases range significantly.

  • GT-Line Trim: Available only with the long-range battery, priced at £39,500.

  • GT-Line S (Top Trim): Reaches nearly £43,000, making it more expensive than a well-equipped Renault Scenic Long Range.

While the base and mid-level trims offer fantastic value, the top-spec GT-Line S might not be worth the extra cost unless you want every premium feature available.

Final Verdict

The Kia EV3 is a strong contender in the small electric SUV market. It offers: ✅ Practical design with ample space ✅ Good driving comfort and ride quality ✅ Respectable range and competitive pricing ✅ 7-year Kia warranty for peace of mind

However, charging speeds could be better, and some premium features are locked behind expensive trims. Despite that, if you stick to the entry-level or mid-range models, the EV3 offers fantastic value and practicality, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable small electric SUV.

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