Kia EV3 Review 2024

Considering how crowded the field of play is in the electric small SUV market, new contenders have to offer something different to be in with a chance of being noticed. Given its successes with larger EVs, the compact Kia EV3 looks set to be another hit.

Few brands have enjoyed the image metamorphosis that Kia has. Okay, Skoda comes close but bear in mind it entered the UK market in the 1960s — Kia’s done all of this since the early 1990s.

Successive generations of improved models such as the Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento added desirability to the brand’s appeal, while the transition to full electrification has opened up the potential for an even wider audience.

That allure has been amplified with the sleek and sophisticated Kia EV6 and Tonka-tough styling of the Kia EV9 ranges but their prices ensure they remain the preserve of more affluent customers. That’s about to change with the Kia EV3.

Serving as a replacement for the Kia Soul EV, not only is the EV3 one of the least-expensive electrically powered small SUVs, with a starting price of £32,995, its impressive driving range and boot space also trump its rivals.

Listing all of the EV3’s competitors would be a significant feat in itself given how many there are, so we’ll stick to the main core of them — their names alone further illustrating how far Kia has come.

Newest of them is the pleasantly spritely Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica, which majors on driver appeal, although its underpinnings are very similar to a slew of other models, with the rugged-looking Jeep Avenger being a popular choice.

Also new to the compact electric SUV scene is the MINI Aceman, the first of the new-era models from the marque that trades almost entirely on modernity rather than retro charm.

Two more alternative choices to Kia EV3 both tread new ground for their respective brands and have been co-developed to reduce costs — the Smart #1 was, when launched, the largest model from that marque, sharing much of its hidden hardware with the Volvo EX30, the Swedish brand’s smallest offering in modern times.

So, how can the Kia EV3 compete? Firstly, just look at it! Fresh, bold and quirky without being divisive on the outside, slick, modern and impressively spacious inside. At the back is a 460-litre boot that extends to 1250 litres when the seats are folded, while under the bonnet is a further 25-litre storage space despite the motor also nestling under there.

It’s a punchy performer as all EV3s feature a 204PS motor powering the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the wheel and battery size, the 0-62mph sprint takes 7.5 to 7.9 seconds, with all versions’ top speed capped to 105mph.

Two battery sizes are offered, although the smaller 58.3kWh version is only available with entry-level Air specification. It offers a WLTP Combined range of 267 miles — very impressive for a relatively modest battery — and thanks to its 102kW on-board DC charger can be zapped from 10%-80% battery capacity in 29 minutes.

Also available in Air guise, plus the more upscale GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels, is the 81.4kWh battery, which requires 31 minutes of plug in time for the same 10%-80% recharge thanks to a quicker 128kW on-board DC charger. Stick to Air specification with its 17-inch wheels and the Combined cycle range is 372 miles, dropping to 347 miles on the pricier versions thanks to their 19-inch rims.

Inside, the Kia EV3’s has an ultra-wide digital display that stretches almost 30 inches end-to-end, including a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 5.0-inch climate control panel and a 12.3-inch multimedia  touchscreen. This includes LG’s Web OS including streaming technology, meaning users can play arcade games inside the new Kia EV3, which the kids (of all ages) will love.

The digital display can run various themes which can be purchased through the online Kia Connect Store. The first ones are NBA team-themed and expect many more display themes to follow in the future.

Another first for the brand, the EV3 uses Kia’s AI Assistant technology. This uses generative artificial intelligence to comprehend complex voice commands through natural language understanding. Kia says it will be able to ‘converse naturally with users’.

For those who are not so keen to chat with their car, the new Kia EV3 also includes a row of physical buttons, while the digital climate control display is prominent too.

Another neat detail inside the Kia EV3 is a clever centre armrest that includes a slide-out table — ideal for tapping away on the laptop while the car’s charging. There’s stowage space below it that’s big enough to take a small backpack.

Rear seat space in the new Kia EV3 should be ample, while those in the front can sit back while they charge up thanks to seats that include a fold-back relaxation mode.

Available to order since August 2024, the Kia EV3 is now available in showrooms.