The Kia EV3 proves that an electric car doesn't need to cost a fortune to deliver class-leading range and technology. With 600 km WLTP range, a price under €40,000, the World Car of the Year 2025 award, and an interior that rivals much more expensive vehicles, the EV3 is a game-changer in the compact electric SUV segment.
What Is the Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 is a compact electric crossover SUV in the B-segment, the successor to the Kia Soul EV and the fourth model in Kia's “EV” lineup after the EV6, EV9, and EV5. It was first unveiled as a concept in October 2023 at Kia EV Day, while the production version was revealed on May 23, 2024. It launched in Europe in November 2024, targeting sales of 60,000 units per year.
At just 4,300 mm long, the EV3 is similar in size to the Ford Explorer and Volvo EX30. However, thanks to its 2,680 mm wheelbase and the E-GMP platform (400V architecture), it offers interior space comparable to larger-class vehicles. The trunk capacity is 460 liters with an adjustable two-level floor (+140mm flexibility), plus a 25-liter frunk.
Design — “Opposites United”
The design follows Kia's "Opposites United" philosophy, featuring the signature “Digital Tiger Face” front end and “Star Map” vertical signature lights at the front and rear. It shares design elements with the larger EV9, giving it a boxy, futuristic moon buggy aesthetic. Thanks to the rectangular wheels and chunky fenders, it manages to stand out without resorting to fake grilles.
Battery & Range
The 600 km WLTP range in the long-range version is class-leading — matching or surpassing much larger and more expensive cars. The smaller 58.3 kWh battery achieves approximately 435 km, which is very respectable for a car in this segment. The E-GMP platform with 400V architecture, inherited from the EV6 and Ioniq 5, provides a reliable and proven foundation.
Technology & Interior
Despite its compact size, the interior impresses with three screens: a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment, and a separate 5-inch screen for the climate controls. The 12-inch Head-Up Display projects onto the windshield, while the center console features a sliding table and storage compartment.
The interior materials use recycled PET materials — a conscious sustainability choice that doesn't compromise on quality. According to TopGear: "the build quality feels solid even in the base trim — packed with screens, buttons, and solid build quality". The front seats offer a “fold-back relaxation mode” for comfort during charging stops. However, there are hard plastics on the door panels and uncarpeted bins — expected at this price point.
Safety & ADAS
The EV3 comes with a full Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) package including Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (eDTVC), Digital Key 2.0 (using your smartphone instead of a key), Remote Smart Parking Assist, and it is the first Kia with i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology.
In ANCAP testing (Australia/New Zealand), the EV3 achieved 5 stars, while in European Euro NCAP it received 4 stars — a slight drop due to a lower Safety Assist score (67% in the initial test), which was later improved to 81% in subsequent testing.
Awards & Recognition
The EV3 has already won two prestigious awards: Korea Car of the Year 2025 and the highly coveted World Car of the Year 2025 at the World Car Awards. In Germany, it was named "the best car under €40,000″ at automotive awards. These accolades confirm the model's exceptional value proposition.
EV3 GT — The Sport Edition (2026)
In January 2026, Kia unveiled the EV3 GT — a high-performance version that transforms the calm compact SUV into a pocket dynamite. With an upgraded AWD drivetrain (230 kW / 308 hp) replacing the single FWD motor, the EV3 GT joins Kia's sport model lineup alongside the EV4 GT and EV5 GT. The sport suspension, larger brakes, and GT-line aesthetic are expected to attract the most enthusiastic drivers.
Driving Experience
According to TopGear (rated 8/10): "The EV3 is so utterly, overwhelmingly competent in the same way the Golf once was". The driving experience is described as easy-going and comfortable, with enough space for families without being too large for city parking.
The performance won't leave petrolheads speechless — it's not chasing Civic Type Rs or Focus STs. But the electric torque is more than enough to feel confident in everyday driving. The suspension on the base Air trim (17″) is more forgiving over potholes compared to the GT-Line (19″).
Note on Driver Alerts
One point of criticism is the excessive safety alerts. The bings and bongs can become annoying, forcing many drivers to disable them — which defeats their purpose. This needs improvement through a software update.
Trim Levels & European Pricing
In Europe, the EV3 is available in two main trims: Standard and GT-Line. The base Air starts at approximately €33,000 (£32,995 in the UK), while the top-spec GT-Line S reaches ~€43,000. The GT-Line/GT-Line S trims include the larger 81.4 kWh battery as standard, 19″ alloy wheels, faux leather seats, tinted windows, and LED lighting.
In Greece, while official prices have not been announced yet, prices are expected to range between €35,000 - €47,000 depending on the trim. With potential EV subsidies, the price becomes extremely competitive.
Comparison with Competitors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✅ Class-leading 600 km range
- ✅ Excellent value for money
- ✅ World Car of the Year 2025
- ✅ Practical and spacious interior
- ✅ 3 screens + 12″ HUD in a compact SUV
- ✅ Proven E-GMP platform
- ✅ i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking
- ✅ EV3 GT (2026) with AWD 308 hp
Cons
- ❌ FWD only (until now — GT changes this)
- ❌ Excessive safety alert sounds
- ❌ Hard plastics in some areas
- ❌ Mediocre performance (not thrilling)
- ❌ 4-star Euro NCAP (instead of 5)
- ❌ Fiddly touchscreen menus
- ❌ 19″ wheels (GT-Line) on rough roads
Our Verdict
The Kia EV3 is what we'd call “the complete package” in the world of compact electric SUVs. With 600 km of range, a price around €35,000, practical space, and technology that cars twice the price would envy, it's no surprise it won World Car of the Year. Kia, together with Hyundai, has arguably built the strongest electric lineup on the market today. If you're looking for your first electric car and want something practical, reliable, with great range and without an outrageous price tag — the EV3 should be on your shortlist.