Kia has officially announced U.S. pricing for the long-awaited EV3 electric crossover, making it the brand’s most affordable EV in the country. The EV3 will be offered in five trims, with prices starting at $31,385 (~AUD 44,463) including destination charges.
Kia EV3 Pricing and Trims
The 2027 Kia EV3 will be available in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. Pricing ranges from $31,385 (~AUD 44,463) for the entry-level Light trim up to $47,385 (~AUD 67,130) for the top-spec GT. This makes the EV3 the most affordable electric vehicle in Kia’s U.S. lineup.
Kia’s decision to assemble the EV3 in Mexico has enabled its U.S. launch after previous delays related to tariffs and federal EV tax credit changes.
Powertrain, Range, and Charging
The EV3 will be offered in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD Light trim features a 58.3 kWh battery, delivering an EPA-estimated 221 miles (~356 km) of range. All other trims come with an 81.4 kWh Extended Range battery, offering up to 321 miles (~517 km) of range in FWD and 280 miles (~451 km) in AWD.
Charging is supported by a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) port from the factory. At a 350 kW public fast-charging station, the EV3 can charge from 10-80% in 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger pack. Using a 240 volt, 11 kW Level 2 charger, the same charge takes about 5 hours for the smaller pack and 7 hours for the larger one.
Performance and Features
The range-topping EV3 GT trim introduces virtual gear shifts and active sound design to simulate the experience of a manual gasoline car. The EV3 GT delivers 288 horsepower and 345 pound-feet (468 Nm) of torque. Other AWD trims provide 261 hp and 284 lb-ft (385 Nm), while the FWD version outputs 201 hp and 209 lb-ft (283 Nm).
Kia’s U.S. EV Sales Context
Kia sold 8,685 units of the three-row EV9 and 4,717 units of the EV6 in the U.S. during the first six months of this year. The EV3, which has been available in Europe and other overseas markets for nearly two years, is expected to broaden Kia’s electric vehicle appeal in the U.S. market.
Kia will discontinue the Niro EV starting with the 2027 model year.
Why this matters
The introduction of the EV3 at a starting price of $31,385 (~AUD 44,463) positions Kia to compete more aggressively in the affordable electric crossover segment. With multiple trims, two battery options, and both FWD and AWD configurations, the EV3 expands choices for U.S. buyers seeking an accessible entry point to electric vehicles.
Kia’s move to assemble the EV3 in Mexico addresses previous barriers to U.S. availability and could help the brand increase its EV market share.
What this means for buyers
Buyers looking for an affordable electric crossover will find the EV3 offers a range of configurations and features at a lower starting price than Kia’s other EVs. With both FWD and AWD options, as well as fast-charging capability and a choice of battery sizes, the EV3 is positioned to meet a variety of needs.
Those interested in the Niro EV should note its discontinuation after the 2026 model year, making the EV3 Kia’s primary entry-level electric vehicle moving forward.
Key Specs
- Starting Price: $31,385 (~AUD 44,463)
- Top Trim Price: $47,385 (~AUD 67,130)
- Battery Capacity (Light trim): 58.3 kWh
- Battery Capacity (Extended Range): 81.4 kWh
- EPA Range (Light FWD): 221 miles (~356 km)
- EPA Range (Extended Range FWD): 321 miles (~517 km)
- EPA Range (Extended Range AWD): 280 miles (~451 km)
- Max Charging Speed: 350 kW (10-80% in 29–31 min)
Source
Images sourced from: autoblog.com, arenaev.com, motortrend.com
