Kia introduces the EV3 for 2027 as its new compact electric crossover SUV. The entry-level model to the brand’s EV lineup, it takes on the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt.
2027 Kia EV3 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Kia EV3
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Kia EV3
All-new for 2027, the compact Kia EV3 joins the brand’s crossover EV lineup that includes the EV6 and the three-row EV9. It’s built on the brand’s E-GMP platform and uses a 400-volt electrical architecture. It offers front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD), a choice of two batteries, power figures ranging up to 288 horsepower, and up to 320 miles of Kia-estimated range.
Design
The EV3 employs Kia’s "Opposites United" design theme that combines forms found in nature with those from the human and industrial worlds. It uses geometric and angular shapes in an upright design with short overhangs. The nose features V-shaped LED light strips and small cube LED headlights. The face has very little grille space and what little there is has an active air flap.
The geometric lines are more obvious along the sides, where you find angular wheel arches and a bit of a Coke-bottle shape. The roof looks like it’s floating above the body and is available (or possibly standard) in black. The rear features a standard spoiler, vertical taillights, and a black lower section that reflects the front grille. It all sits on standard 17-inch alloy wheels, and the GT trim uses 19s that cover green brake calipers to match other green exterior accents.
The design is aerodynamically efficient, with a 0.275 coefficient of drag thanks to an underbody cover, an aerodynamic wheel design, and the front air flap.
A Nightfall black appearance package will come with black emblems and unique gloss-black wheels, as well as a dark gray interior.
Powertrain
Kia will offer the EV3 with a 58.3- or 81.4-kWh battery. The small battery will come only with FWD and get up to 220 miles of range. With the large battery, range will increase to as much as 320 miles with FWD, according to Kia, though the big battery will also be available with AWD. Kia hasn’t shared a horsepower rating for the FWD EV3, but the company says it makes 261 hp with AWD and 288 hp in the AWD GT model. Virtual gearshifts and synthetic sounds for the powertrain will be available.
A 400-volt electrical architecture (rather than the faster-charging 800-volt architecture in the EV9 and other Kia/Hyundai EVs) will enable DC fast charging from 10-80 percent in 29 minutes for the small battery and 31 minutes for the large battery. A Tesla-compatible NACS charging port will come standard. The EV3 will offer Vehicle-to-Infrastructure and Vehicle-to-Home charging capability, the latter with an available Wallbox bidirectional home charging system.
Interior
The EV3 will seat five on two rows of seats. Kia hasn’t said what upholstery will be used on the front seats or if they will be power-adjustable, but pictures of the GT-Line interior appear to show synthetic leather upholstery. The company did say the front seats will have standard heating and ventilation, the back seats will recline up to 39 degrees, and dual-zone automatic climate control will come standard.
The GT-Line will get a three-spoke steering wheel, metal pedals, and off-white two-tone seats, while the GT will feature front sport seats and neon-green accents on the seat belts, steering wheel, and other bits of interior trim.
The cargo area has 26.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 56.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split second row folded flat. A 0.9 cubic foot trunk will add an extra bit of cargo space up front. An available liftgate will open via a Smart Key.
Technology
Kia will outfit the EV3 with a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one a digital instrument cluster and the other an infotainment touchscreen, as well as a 5-inch climate panel display. Numerous display themes will be offered for the screens, including all of the NBA teams, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney. The so-called “connected car Navigation Cockpit” will have cloud-based navigation, a wi-fi hotspot, music streaming, and video streaming through Netflix and YouTube.
There will also be a voice-activated AI assistant and Kia myQ Connected Garage, which allows drivers to control their garage doors through the touchscreen. Expect Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to come standard as well. A head-up display, a digital key, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system will be available.
Safety
Kia hasn’t outlined the complete set of driver-assist technology for the EV3 as of this writing, but the company did note that forward collision warning with intersection warning and automatic emergency braking will come standard.
The EV3 will also offer intersection braking, rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, remote automatic parking, a blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view camera system, and Highway Driving Assist 2. Highway Driving Assist 2 controls the brakes and throttle on the freeway while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane. It requires the driver’s hands to stay on the wheel, but it can perform lane changes and provide evasive steering assist.
A complete set of active safety features will be announced closer to launch.
Pricing and Release Date
Kia will offer the 2027 EV3 in Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT trim levels. The Light will come with the small battery, and the other models will use the bigger battery. The GT will get sport tuning for its steering and suspension, as well as more power. Prices aren’t yet available and will be announced closer to launch.
The 2027 Kia EV3 is set to hit dealers in late 2026.
