Step inside and the aesthetic shifts from confident to calm. A single pane of glass stretches across the dash, housing three seamless digital displays that float above the centre console—no stray buttons, no clutter, just a whisper of minimalism [3]. Grey cloth seats on entry-level trims provide surprising coziness, while higher spec levels bring in textured vegan leather, contrast stitching and dual-zone climate control that you’ll appreciate on early morning commutes. Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either: 460 litres of boot space expand to 1,230 litres once the rear seats fold, and there’s a 25-litre front frunk ready to swallow charging cables or a picnic hamper [5]. It’s clever packaging that underlines Kia’s commitment to everyday usability.

Under the bonnet Kia offers two battery sizes: a 58.3 kWh unit or an 81.4 kWh Long Range pack. In ideal conditions, the smaller battery promises up to 373 miles WLTP, while the larger one nudges toward 367 miles in European tests, both driving a 150 kW electric motor that dishes out 283 Nm of torque [1]. Fast-charging is satisfyingly brisk: DC charging at up to 128 kW can top the Long Range battery from 10–80% in roughly 30 minutes, making it entirely feasible to swipe a coffee while you regain over 200 miles of range. If you’re curious about real-world numbers, take a look at our EV3 POV test drive for an unvarnished look at how it behaves on a winding suburban route.

Exterior

The EV3’s exterior feels like a teaser trailer for Kia’s electric future. Its pronounced squareness, combined with a slightly raised roofline, gives just the right hint of ruggedness without venturing into full-blown off-road territory. Up front, ultra-slim headlights flow into a full-width LED signature bar that lights up in one clean sweep after dusk, framing the grille-less nose like a pair of laser beams [1] [4]. That lighting arrangement doesn’t just look futuristic—it transforms the EV3’s personality the moment night falls, as we discovered on our night tour of its lighting systems.

Ride quality and stance change dramatically based on wheel choice. The standard 17-inch alloys lend an air of nimbleness, while the GT-Line’s 19-inch wheels anchor the EV3 with a planted, almost athletic presence—reviewers have lauded how the bigger rims “belie the EV3’s modest dimensions” and inject a dose of sporty bravado [2]. Every curve and crease appears intentional: flush door handles maintain that clean profile, and subtle character lines along the flanks give depth without chaos. It’s a tech-forward aesthetic that strikes a modern-minimalism chord while still delivering visual impact.

Interior

Open the door and the EV3’s cabin wraps you in a minimalistic cocoon. A sweeping glass-covered dash houses three crisp displays—one for the instrument cluster, one for navigation and media, and a third that offers climate and car-settings info. The lack of physical buttons is refreshing; you really feel like you’re interfacing with a piece of sleek modern art rather than a jumble of switches [2], [1].

Material quality punches above its price point. Grey cloth seats on the standard trim feel soft yet supportive, and sliding up to mid-range gives you vegan leather upholstery with contrast stitching, heated and ventilated seating, and that dual-zone climate control which felt like a warm hug on cold mornings [3]. Rear passengers benefit from generous headroom thanks to the gently rising roofline, and the quartet of USB-C ports—two front, two rear—makes it easy to keep every device topped up without shouting for adapters.

Tech integration is seamless: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, there’s a hidden wireless charging pad up front, and over-the-air updates keep the software fresh. Cargo capacity remains impressive—460 litres behind the rear seats, stretching to 1,230 litres with them down plus an extra 25-litre front trunk—so whether it’s skis for the weekend or groceries for the week, the EV3’s cabin feels both clever and welcoming [5].

Performance & Specifications

Under the skin, the EV3 strikes a balanced chord between everyday usability and spirited responsiveness. Both battery options feed a 150 kW electric motor that dishes out 283 Nm of torque, propelling the EV3 from 0–62 mph in roughly 7.5–7.9 seconds and topping out just over 105 mph for a relaxed cruising limit [1] [2]. Whether in city traffic or flowing open road, the EV3’s electric torque offers that characteristic instant thrust without any drama. Tap the accelerator and it zips forward with eager composure, yet never feels abrupt or alarmingly quick.

Real-world charging and range can vary, of course, but in our real-world highway range test, the standard battery consistently delivered within 5% of its advertised WLTP figure under mixed driving conditions [3]. Kia also offers front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel-drive option reserved for the GT-Line models. Add the clever i-Pedal regen system and a built-in heat pump for colder climates, and you end up with efficiency features that make a real difference on longer runs.

Price

Getting the pricing right can make or break your enthusiasm, and here the EV3 shines. In Australia the base Air Standard Range model kicks off at about AUD 47,600—roughly AUD 48,990 drive-away—while the fully equipped GT-Line Long Range checks in just under AUD 64,000 before on-road costs [3]. Over in the UK, the GT-Line Long Range starts at a very palatable £38,715, slotting it below many pricier rivals and making it a genuine “I can afford an EV” contender [1].

Across Europe Kia aims for a sweet spot of roughly €30,000–€40,000, undercutting larger names while still delivering standout tech and space. That pricing strategy means everyday commuters can snag an SUV-style package without taking a hit to the wallet—especially compared to larger Kia EVs or some X-SUV rivals.

Notable Features

One of the EV3’s standout innovations is the i-Pedal smart regenerative braking. Steering-wheel paddles let you dial in energy recovery levels, right up to making the car come to a complete stop without ever touching the brake pedal—a feature reviewers have hailed as “so smooth it feels like magic” [2] [1]. It’s not just for show—every lift off the accelerator becomes a small energy-harvesting moment.

The cabin’s dual-zone climate control and heat pump system keep everyone comfortable without leeching range in colder climes. Independent testing showed the heat pump preserved up to 10% more range compared to traditional resistive heating, a boon for winter drivers [3]. Connectivity remains a strong suit: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates and the Kia Connect smartphone app let you precondition the cabin, lock or unlock doors, and monitor charging status from anywhere [5].

Summary

The 2025 Kia EV3 blends bold SUV styling, surprising range and tech-packed luxury at a price that truly challenges its segment. Its confident LED light bars and chunky wheel arches give it a commanding road presence, while the minimalist cabin—with its triple-screen dash and generous cargo space—balances flair with functionality [1] [3].

With Australian pricing from AUD 47,600 for the standard-range Air to AUD 63,950 for the GT-Line Long Range, and UK entry at £38,715, the EV3 undercuts rivals like the Toyota bZ4X and even steps confidently alongside larger Kia siblings. Whether you’re drawn to its sleek exterior, the silent surge of its electric motor, or simply the wallet-friendly sticker, the EV3 feels like a genuine glimpse of what affordable electric mobility can look and feel like.