Kia has introduced the 2027 EV3 to the US market, positioning it as the brand’s most affordable electric vehicle. With a starting price of $29,890 (~AUD 41,637), the EV3 is nearly $10,000 (~AUD 13,930) less expensive than the outgoing Niro EV, while offering updated technology and a dedicated EV platform.
EV3 Pricing and Model Lineup
The 2027 Kia EV3 is now available in the US, starting at $29,890 (~AUD 41,637). This makes it not only Kia’s most affordable EV, but also one of the most competitively priced electric vehicles in the country.
The EV3 is offered in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. Kia’s pricing strategy places the EV3 at the same starting price as the refreshed 2027 Niro Hybrid, while the 2026 Niro EV starts at $39,700 (~AUD 55,302).
Performance, Range, and Charging
The standard EV3 Light FWD is equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery, providing an EPA-estimated range of up to 221 miles (~356 km). Higher trims—Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT—feature an 81.4 kWh battery, extending range to 321 miles (~517 km) on a single charge.
Front-wheel drive variants use a single front-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available on all trims except the Light, for an additional $3,200 (~AUD 4,458), and delivers a combined 261 horsepower. The range-topping EV3 GT increases output to 288 horsepower.
Charging is streamlined with a native NACS port on all trims, allowing direct access to Tesla Superchargers. Using a 350 kW DC fast charger, the standard battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes, while the larger battery takes around 31 minutes.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the EV3 features Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system. The cabin includes nearly 30 inches of screen space, with two 12.3-inch displays in a panoramic curved layout and a dedicated 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls.
The EV3 measures 169.3 inches (~4,301 mm) long, 72.8 inches (~1,849 mm) wide, and 62 inches (~1,575 mm) high, with a 105.5-inch (~2,680 mm) wheelbase. Despite being 4.7 inches shorter and 1 inch wider than the Niro EV, it offers up to 99.7 cubic feet (~2,825 liters) of total interior volume, thanks to its dedicated E-GMP EV platform.
Why this matters
The arrival of the Kia EV3 at a significantly lower price point than the Niro EV makes electric vehicles more accessible to US buyers. With its combination of range, technology, and affordability, the EV3 is positioned to attract customers who may have previously considered hybrid or plug-in hybrid options.
Kia’s decision to offer the 2027 Niro exclusively as a hybrid reflects a shift in its electrification strategy, focusing on dedicated EV platforms for future models.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers considering a compact electric SUV, the Kia EV3 offers a compelling mix of price, range, and features. Its lower starting price compared to the Niro EV and direct compatibility with Tesla Superchargers make it a strong contender in the segment.
Buyers looking for an affordable EV with modern technology and fast charging should consider the EV3, especially as the Niro EV is phased out and the Niro line transitions to hybrid-only for 2027.
Key Specs
- Base Price: $29,890 (~AUD 41,637)
- Battery (Standard): 58.3 kWh
- Battery (Extended Range): 81.4 kWh
- EPA Range (Standard): 221 miles (~356 km)
- EPA Range (Extended): 321 miles (~517 km)
- Motor Output (FWD): 201 hp
- Motor Output (AWD): 261 hp
- Motor Output (GT): 288 hp
- Charging (10-80%, Standard): 29 minutes (350 kW DC)
- Charging (10-80%, Extended): 31 minutes (350 kW DC)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 169.3 x 72.8 x 62 inches (~4,301 x 1,849 x 1,575 mm)
- Wheelbase: 105.5 inches (~2,680 mm)
- Interior Volume: 99.7 cu ft (~2,825 liters)
Source
Images sourced from: arenaev.com, electrek.co
