Our opinion on the Kia EV3
Kia’s purpose-built electric cars are named in multiples of three, but it doesn’t mean that the Kia EV3 is one-third the car of the flagship Kia EV9. And while it doesn’t get the 800-volt architecture of the seven-seat SUV (or the Kia EV6 that sits between them), it doesn’t skimp on battery capacity or in-car tech.
In terms of price and size, the Kia EV3 looks similar to Kia’s existing entry-level electric car, the Kia Niro EV. The Niro will continue in all three of its powertrain forms (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric), but in the case of the latter, most buyers will find the EV3 the more attractive option in most areas, especially in terms of overall range and cost – both qualities that contributed to the EV3 being named our best small company car choice in the 2025 new car awards..
About the Kia EV3
The EV3 is part of an ever-growing line-up of electric cars, showcasing Kia as a specialist in EV technology. Its more affordable price compared with the EV6 and EV9 is reflected in slower charging times, and it offers greater practicality than the Kia EV4 hatchback and its fastback sibling. Oddly, the EV3 rather treads on the toes of the Kia Niro EV, which has a slightly bigger boot and offers similar space inside to the EV3, but has a much smaller battery and, therefore, less range, and it costs more to buy.
At a later date, Kia will introduce the Kia EV3 GT, a high-performance variant that is likely to have a twin-motor set-up for four-wheel drive, and will most probably have a shorter range than the launch models. At the moment, the current line-up is all front-wheel drive.
We’ve tested the Kia EV3 against its key rival, the Cupra Born, and found the EV3 wins out over the Born thanks to it longer real-world electric driving range, its large boot, excellent ride comfort, outstanding warranty package, and impressive value for money.
Kia EV3 prices and latest deals
How much does the Kia EV3 cost? Well, official ‘on the road’ prices range from £32,995 to £42,995 but you can currently save an average of £2,712 through the Auto Express Find A Car service, where prices start at £30,961. Don’t want to buy? You can lease a Kia EV3 from £364 per month.
Check out our latest new car deals and leasing deals for the top offers available now on Auto Express. And don’t forget we can help you sell your car, too.
Kia has kept things fairly simple with the EV3’s powertrain, with a choice of two battery capacities, both paired with the same motor.
It’s not particularly fun to drive, but that doesn’t really matter for a car such as this. Kia has instead focused on comfort for the EV3, and it’s done a solid job of delivering on its aims.
As with most new cars, the EV3 has a range of drive modes. The throttle response offers a choice of three settings and the steering comes with two, but we struggled to find a reason to use them.
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
The sole electric motor option currently available in the EV3 makes 201bhp and 283Nm of torque – not class-leading figures but more than good enough for a fairly compact family car.
The entry-level model’s smaller, lighter battery pack means it’s actually the quicker car, albeit only just; it covers the 0-62mph benchmark in 7.5 seconds compared with the long-range model’s 7.7 seconds (or 7.9 seconds when fitted with 19-inch wheels). Even driving the pair back to back, that difference in performance is negligible.