The 2027 Kia EV3 is now in U.S. showrooms, Kia America said on Oct. 1, and it becomes the least expensive way into a Kia electric vehicle. The small SUV starts at $29,890 for the Light FWD and tops out at $45,890 for the GT AWD, both before a $1,495 destination charge. Kia first published the full price list on Aug. 12.
Kia positions the EV3 below the EV6 and EV9 and borrows heavily from the larger EV9, including its design themes and its roughly 30 inches of combined dashboard displays. The company says the EV3 rides on its 400-volt E-GMP electric platform.
Two batteries, seven trims
The entry Light trim uses a 58.3-kWh battery and front-wheel drive and carries an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles. Every other trim gets an 81.4-kWh pack, rated at up to 321 miles with front drive or 280 miles with dual-motor all-wheel drive. AWD is optional on Wind and Land and standard on GT-Line and GT. AWD models make 261 hp, and the GT raises that to 288 hp with sport-tuned suspension and steering, 19-inch wheels and neon green accents. Kia did not list output for the front-drive models.
2027 Kia EV3 lineup
| Trim | Battery | EPA-est. range | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light FWD | 58.3 kWh | 221 mi | $29,890 |
| Wind FWD | 81.4 kWh | 321 mi | $34,990 |
| Wind AWD | 81.4 kWh | 280 mi | $38,690 |
| Land FWD | 81.4 kWh | 321 mi | $38,490 |
| Land AWD | 81.4 kWh | 280 mi | $41,690 |
| GT-Line AWD | 81.4 kWh | 280 mi | $43,490 |
| GT AWD | 81.4 kWh | 280 mi | $45,890 |
MSRP excludes the $1,495 destination charge.
Charging and efficiency
A native NACS port sits on the front passenger side, so owners can plug into NACS fast chargers without an adapter, and standard Plug and Charge works through Kia Charge Pass in the Kia Access app. Kia estimates a 10 to 80 percent DC fast charge takes about 29 minutes on the Light and 31 minutes on the long-range trims. EPA-estimated efficiency is 115 MPGe combined for the Light, 117 MPGe for front-drive Wind and Land models, and 103 MPGe for the AWD versions, including the GT.
Practicality is a strong suit for the size. Kia quotes 26.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, 56.5 cubic feet with them folded and a 0.9-cubic-foot front trunk. The rear seatbacks recline up to 39 degrees. Vehicle-to-load power is available, and Kia says vehicle-to-home backup is possible with a Wallbox bidirectional charger.
Tech and safety
Every EV3 gets dual 12.3-inch screens, a 5-inch climate display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Options include a 12-inch head-up display, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 360-degree camera and Highway Driving Assist 2. Eight airbags and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with junction-turning detection are standard. A U.S.-only Nightfall black appearance package is optional on Wind and standard on Land.
What it means for buyers
The Light FWD's sub-$30,000 sticker is the headline, but its 221-mile rating will limit it to commuters with home charging. For most shoppers the Wind FWD looks like the sweet spot: $5,100 more buys the bigger battery and 100 extra miles of rated range. AWD costs $3,700 on the Wind and $3,200 on the Land and cuts the rating to 280 miles.