2026 Kia EV3 First Drive Review: This Is How A Family Car Is Done

The most recent electrical Kia, the EV3, is among the most anticipated new electrical vehicles shortly, because it’s an ideal mix of dimension, seems, and efficiency. This electrical crossover intends to struggle with vehicles just like the Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo EX30, Kia Niro EV – which the corporate expects to falter in gross sales when the EV3 makes its approach over to the US. Kia tells us it is their fastest-selling car in Europe, so can its big vary and daring styling do the identical right here?

We took the Kia EV3 on a brief drive in blended street situations to check its paces within the UK. Kia hasn’t confirmed the pricing and specs for a US launch, however we all know it is coming subsequent yr and anticipate it to begin across the $40,000 mark with a variety of 270 to 373 miles, relying in your trim selection. Kia says these numbers are class-leading, however is that sufficient to fulfill consumers?

First Drive occasions present our preliminary impressions of a car in a restricted setting underneath sure time constraints. Control DrivingOnRoad for our complete Take a look at Drive overview which is able to observe quickly.The Kia EV3 we overview here’s a Euro-spec mannequin and will not have the identical specs as fashions coming to the US in 2026.

Exterior: A Pint-Sized EV9

For those who’ve ever seen a Kia EV9, you will be acquainted with the EV3, as they’re very related. It sits on the E-GMP platform shared by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, however it has a wheelbase of 105 inches and an exterior size of 169 inches, making it fairly a bit smaller than the massive EV9. Whereas Kia says it is a crossover, we would actually name it a hatchback – it is small and quirky, and the blocky, black wheel arches (gloss black on the GT-Line) make it appear extra rugged than it truly is.

It is a great-looking automotive, as you’d anticipate for a contemporary electrical Kia. Its boxy form makes it really feel smaller than it really is, which is nice for maneuverability at low speeds. The 19-inch aero wheels (17-inch on the bottom Air trim within the UK) are equally funky, and the flush door handles are automated on the higher trims. The rear door handles are behind the rear window, which is not significantly user-friendly and may be annoying for younger passengers who have to get within the again. There’s additionally LED lighting all-round and an electrical sunroof as an elective additional.

We do not suppose it is significantly stunning, however it’s a purposeful automotive with an enormous exterior persona that is unashamedly Kia. We checked out it subsequent to a Kia EV9, which fully dwarfs it. However Kia’s essential attraction is to be discovered on the within.

Inside Design: Sufficient Consolation For The Complete Household

Like the outside, the EV3’s inside feels just like the EV9, however not a lot smaller. It is dominated by a large display screen which, from left to proper, encompasses the multimedia, then the HVAC controls, then the instrument cluster; this might be reversed on US spec vehicles. The system is quick and responsive, however what’s odd is that the HVAC controls are hidden, completely, behind the left facet of the steering wheel on a right-hand drive automotive. It is annoying, however there are bodily switches under the middle of the display screen for temperature and fan velocity.

It is also a cushty inside with a number of performance, akin to a laptop computer tray that may be prolonged from the armrest. As a substitute of this tray, the Air trim will get a number of storage beneath the armrest that we personally suppose is extra helpful. Sadly, solely the Air trim will get the hidden cubby, which is annoying. Kia tells us it is as a result of prospects in South Korea discover it helpful to eat on whereas they cost, however the selection can be good to have elsewhere within the vary.

Talking of the Air trim, it feels noticeably cheaper than the GT-Line and GT-Line S trims. The artificial leather-based and material-lined dashboards on the costlier trims are good to the touch and work together with, however you solely get material seats (that are good and tender) and onerous plastic throughout the cabin of the Air. Nonetheless, you get heated entrance seats and steering wheel on the bottom trim and choices for ventilated seats, a sunroof and a heads-up show within the higher fashions.

Inside Area And Cargo: Not An EV9, However Extra Than Sufficient

Legroom is completely satisfactory within the entrance and rear, and the tall proportions of the EV3 imply that headroom should not be an issue. Our check reviewer may sit behind his 5’11 driving place and getting in was simple because of the wide-opening doorways. The lacking transmission tunnel makes it really feel larger within the entrance, and the large seats might not maintain you underneath quick driving, however they appear to be snug for lengthy drives.

Cargo area additionally should not be an issue, with 16.2 cubic toes within the rear trunk. There is a tiny frunk, however it’s barely large enough to carry a backpack. The rear seats are 60:40 folding and there is a complete of 44.1 cu. ft. while you fold them down. The area throughout the cabin makes it really feel ethereal but cosy, and there is sufficient area throughout for the household and even 5 adults to sit down.

How It Drives: A Large Softie With A Killer Vary

This Kia does not conceal that it isn’t a sporty automotive, in the easiest way doable. The suspension is about up very tender and has a wonderful trip over all of the bumps we encountered on our check route. Do not anticipate this automotive to be particularly thrilling to drive – however that is not what it is constructed for. We’re certain that household cruiser consumers would like the additional compliance over imperfections to an particularly sporty trip. Apparently, the Korean variations of the automotive get a good softer set-up, however we’re anticipating the marginally stiffer Euro-spec mannequin to come back to the US.

The slippy aero profile and electrical powertrain make it quiet and wind-noise-free at freeway speeds. Its single motor places out 201 horsepower, which is sweet sufficient for a sub-8 second 0-60 time – a lot for day-to-day driving – whereas the additional one-pedal driving mode makes it very simple to function. There are three ranges of regenerative braking, and it is managed by paddles in the back of the wheel, however the icon might be onerous to seek out.

The steering wheel is snug and controls the driving modes, however there actually is not a lot distinction between them. The flat battery pack beneath provides it compliance and nice grip via corners, even when it is not particularly interesting to drive. The brakes and throttle are effectively weighted, supplying you with confidence within the change from motor to disc braking.

One factor we did not like was the driving force help notifications, which might be annoying, and there are various to have in mind. They’re simple to show off, however the driver consideration checker kicks in particularly aggressively if you happen to’re utilizing the central display screen, greater than different automobiles we’re tried. It is annoying while you’re merely attempting to vary the radio or car settings.

Vary and Effectivity: The place The Kia Shines

There are two battery sizes to select from. The smaller 58.3 kWh battery will get a mixed vary of 270 WLTP miles, whereas the larger 81.4 kWh will get an enormous 375 claimed miles. We did not have sufficient time to confirm these claims, however we would not be stunned if you happen to get 300 miles simply from the bigger battery. Consumers ought to be conscious that the Air will get a selection of both battery, however the GT-Line and GT-Line S fashions get solely the bigger one. Vary figures for the US might be decrease on the extra strenuous EPA cycles.

The charging energy additionally varies, however not a lot. Each batteries are capable of cost from 10-80% inside 31 minutes with powers of 102 kW (smaller battery) and 128 kW (larger battery). As talked about, we could not check the effectivity, however we would heard a few 4 mile/kWh end result from different check drivers, which will get it simply over 300 miles.

Pricing and Verdict: America’s Subsequent Favourite Small Household Cruiser?

It is onerous to say unhealthy issues concerning the Kia EV3, because it nails the basics and has a trip adequate to rival costlier SUVs. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed but, however it begins at £33,000 within the UK, which is round $43,000 at present charges, and is on par with the Volkswagen ID.4. The larger battery within the base trim prices just a few thousand extra, which is a hefty however worthwhile value to pay. We would suggest going for the center GT-Line mannequin, nevertheless, as the additional plush inside feels rather more premium.

One factor we did not like concerning the pricing is that to get the warmth pump, you need to pay additional on high of getting the highest GT Line S trim, which begins on the equal of $57,000. It is fairly an enormous value to pay, particularly when the GT-Line S does not offer you a lot over the common GT-Line fashions. We’ll should see how this performs out within the US market, nevertheless. Total, although, the Kia EV3 is an excellent bundle and the correct mix of favor, perform and household credentials. The trip prioritizes softness and compliance, which is a pleasant change from some stiff-riding heavy EVs. It may not blow you away by way of driving prowess, however you will come to find it irresistible over these powerful velocity bumps. We’re certain that American consumers will leap at this automotive, identical to Europe has.