Kia has revealed full details of the new Kia EV3, the company’s dedicated compact EV SUV. With its combination of bold design, innovative technology, and groundbreaking features, the EV3 sets new standards never before seen in the compact EV SUV sector.
Drawing on Kia’s advanced technology and customer-focused values of the brand’s larger, multi-award-winning EV9 SUV, the EV3 carves out its own identity. It brings a unique, immersive experience to the compact EV SUV sector. By significantly exceeding customers’ expectations, the EV3 will broaden the appeal and elevate the perception of EV SUVs.
“By providing groundbreaking design, an industry-leading electric drivetrain, and practical, innovative lifestyle solutions, the EV3 aims to extend Kia’s exceptional EV SUV experience to a wider audience. With a WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles. It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead the mass adoption of EVs,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.
Exterior Design: Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which harnesses the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole, was central to the formation of the Kia EV3’s progressive, dynamic, and dramatic design. The philosophy’s influence elevates the EV3’s emotional feel and ambience, seamlessly combining dynamic aesthetics with thoughtful functionality.
“The EV3 embodies our design philosophy perfectly – a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality. Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasizes restorative relaxation for every journey. Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colors; inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness,” commented Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
The EV3 exudes a highly assertive presence. At the front, vertical headlamps positioned at the extremes of the clean-surface facial area contribute to the creation of a wide, ultra-confident stance. A sense of ample spatial volume combines with differentiated graphics and a muscular appearance that harmonizes with the entire body.
A new, robust interpretation of Kia’s iconic Tiger Face design incorporates the brand’s latest Star Map signature lighting concept. Arranged vertically, the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) further emphasize the Tiger Face design to project a highly confident character.
In profile, the EV3 projects an aura of exceptional strength, combined with a powerful impression of agility and dynamism. The long, sloping, sleek roofline seamlessly transitions into a hatchback-style tailgate, further portraying the highly technical body design. The dynamic silhouette and voluminous cabin deliver a spacious interior, while the unique interlocking volumes and graphics further accentuate its innovative nature.
The rear aspect completes the EV3’s high-tech form language and purposeful stance. The thick black trim line emphasizing the connection between the SUV’s sturdy C-pillar design and the dynamic roofline further enhances the vehicle’s sense of strength. The simplified, geometric rear lamp design seamlessly integrates with the rear glass, framing a futuristic tailgate design with a wide, technical, and sleek appearance inspired by the Tiger Face Star Map front lighting signature.
Kia offers the EV3 in nine body colors – two of which have been created exclusively for the new model: Aventurine Green and Terracotta.
The EV3 GT-line expresses an even more rugged and adventurous appearance. At the front, the car’s contrasting lower body trim further enhances the dynamic design, while the integrated lower bumper creates a sportier, more refined look. Technical vertical and horizontal graphics express a bolder image in contrast with the car’s large black-clad areas. This treatment is also reflected at the rear, with a characteristic triangle wing configuration on the lower bumper, creating a similarly aggressive effect.
Interior design: The EV3’s interior design offers a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates five people. Kia has created a highly functional and effective cabin that exudes an appealing living space-like ambience, designed to be enjoyed by occupants on every journey and when the vehicle is charging.
An elegant center console incorporates a sliding table and storage area. The lower area can store drinks, snacks, and even small backpacks, while personal electronic items – such as laptops and tablets – can be placed on the table when the vehicle is stationary.
Along with multi-adjustable ambient lighting and ultra-comfortable seats, which incorporate a fold-back relaxation mode, the sliding table enables occupants to enjoy maximum relaxation when parked. With a 25-liter frunk and a 460-liter rear load capacity, the EV3 offers the largest luggage space in its class. The adjustable two-tier luggage board provides over 140mm of load height flexibility, making it practical for activities like family camping trips.
A near-30-inch widescreen display – including a 12.3-inch cluster, a five-inch air-conditioning panel, and another 12.3-inch AVN display – incorporates seamless touch operation of the climate control functionality and provides clear graphics and intuitive information to the driver. The screen also extends to the center of the dashboard, giving the front-seat passenger access to entertainment and navigation features.
Many of the EV3’s functions, including drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation, can be accessed and controlled by a simple touch of the steering wheel buttons. A seamless row of buttons below the central screen intuitively operates various functions like mapping, media, and vehicle system configuration.
Customers have a wide selection of interior colors, materials, and trim finishes inspired by Air, Earth, and Water elements. Options include Subtle Grey, Warm Grey, Blue, while Onyx Black is available exclusively on GT-line trim.
As with every new Kia, the EV3 incorporates various sustainable items to accelerate sustainability at scale. Recycled fabric is applied to the dashboard and door trims to create an intimate and home-like ambience. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is among the most easily recycled plastics in the world, features in numerous areas of the interior, including the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board.
Power and battery capacity: Built on the E-GMP platform, the Kia EV3 offers two battery choices. The standard version is equipped with a 58.3kWh battery pack, while the Long-Range edition comes with an 81.4kWh battery pack. Both the models feature a front-axle mounted electric motor delivering 201hp and 283Nm of torque, resulting in a claimed 0-100kph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3 achieves a top speed of 170kph.
Kia has disclosed that the Long-Range variant can cover up to 600km on the WLTP cycle. The batteries, sourced from LG Chem and operating on a 400V architecture, can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes. On the other hand, the flagship EV9 boasts of an 800V EV architecture, along with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities and paddle shifters for regenerative braking.
“The Kia EV3 has been designed and engineered to meet the needs of customers who want a car that matches their sustainability values but do not want to compromise their practical everyday needs. It provides one of the best living and luggage sizes in its class, while our flexible E-GMP architecture delivers a best-in-class AER driving range. With the EV3, Kia has redefined the EV SUV segment to create a compact model that is comprehensively equipped with innovative technology and features,” said Spencer Cho, Vice President and Head of Global Business Planning.
