2025 Kia EV3: Small electric SUV revealed, confirmed for Australia (2024)

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The 2025 Kia EV3 electric small SUV – a rival to the Hyundai Kona, Volvo EX30, BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV – has debuted ahead of its Australian launch. Larger E-GMP electric vehicles like the EV6 and EV9 are based on a rear-biased version of the platform with an 800-volt architecture supporting ultra-rapid 350-kilowatt direct-current public charging stations. The EV3 measures 4300 millimetres long, 1850mm wide and 1560mm tall, with a 2680mm wheelbase. Mini matchup: Kia EV3 v Hyundai Kona v Volvo EX30 v BYD Atto 3 v Kia Seltos The EV3 will be available in standard or extended-range variants at launch, with the latter offering a WLTP-rated 600-kilometre driving range. It also has an energy-efficient battery management unit and cell monitoring unit to maximise driving range. Inside, there is a panoramic display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a five-inch climate control display, and a 12.3-inch CNNC infotainment system – matching other new Kia models like the EV5, EV9 and K4. There’s also support for a digital key and in-vehicle or outdoor vehicle-to-load, while owners waiting for their EV3 to charge can watch videos from streaming services like Netflix and YouTube via LG’s WebOS Automotive Content Platform. Electric dynamic torque vectoring control and updated ‘I-Pedal 3.0’ with selectable regenerative braking levels for one-pedal driving in the strongest setting have been introduced for the EV3. “We will continue to sell Niro EV together with EV3 in the market,” said Kia president Ho-Sung Song. FAQs

The 2025 Kia EV3 electric small SUV – a rival to the Hyundai Kona, Volvo EX30, BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV – has debuted ahead of its Australian launch.

Kia Australia has confirmed the EV3 will arrive in local showrooms sometime in 2025 – joining other dedicated EVs like the EV5, EV6 and EV9 – with exact timing to be confirmed closer to its launch.

The EV3 is based on the Hyundai-Kia Group’s E-GMP modular electric vehicle platform – but, like the EV5, it has a front-wheel-drive bias and a lower 400-volt charging architecture.

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Larger E-GMP electric vehicles like the EV6 and EV9 are based on a rear-biased version of the platform with an 800-volt architecture supporting ultra-rapid 350-kilowatt direct-current public charging stations.

Production of the EV3 is due to commence in South Korea soon, with a global pricing target between US$35,000 and US$50,000 (AU$52,000 to AU$75,000) – positioning it closer to Hyundai Kona Electric and Volvo EX30 than the BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV and Chery Omoda E5.

The brand was unable to confirm where Australian-market versions will be manufactured. It could follow the EV5 in being sourced from China, allowing for better price parity with its Chinese rivals.

Kia claims it did not benchmark other compact electric vehicles like the Kona or EX30 while developing the EV3 – though it bears a similar shape to its boxy, upright Volvo competitor.

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The EV3 measures 4300 millimetres long, 1850mm wide and 1560mm tall, with a 2680mm wheelbase.

It has a 430-litre boot capacity – with a two-tier storage board allowing for 140 millimetres of load height flexibility – and a 25-litre front storage compartment, which is said to be the “largest luggage space in its class” when combined.

Mini matchup: Kia EV3 v Hyundai Kona v Volvo EX30 v BYD Atto 3 v Kia Seltos

Note: List scrolls horizontally.

ModelKia EV3Hyundai Kona ElectricVolvo EX30BYD Atto 3Kia Seltos
Length4300mm4355mm4233mm4455mm4385mm
Width1850mm1825mm1836mm1875mm1800mm
Height1560mm1580mm1549mm1615mm1635mm
Wheelbase2680mm2660mm2650mm2720mm2630mm
Boot space460L434L318L440L433L
Front storage compartment (frunk)25L7L

The EV3 will be available in standard or extended-range variants at launch, with the latter offering a WLTP-rated 600-kilometre driving range.

Standard range versions have a 58.3kWh battery pack, while the extended range steps up to an 81.4kWh unit with a claimed 10 to 80 per cent charge time in around 31 minutes.

All versions have a 150kW/283Nm electric motor mounted to the front axle, allowing for a best 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds and a 170km/h top speed.

According to Kia, the EV3 has a low drag coefficient of 0.263 Cd – compared to 0.27 for a Kona Electric, 0.28 Cd for an EX30 or 0.33 for a Seltos – with a full three-dimensional undercover.

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It also has an energy-efficient battery management unit and cell monitoring unit to maximise driving range.

The EV3 follows Kia’s ‘opposite united’ design language with an overall look reminiscent of the larger EV5 and EV9.

A “little sportier [and] dynamic” EV3 GT-Line will be available at launch with body-coloured trim, different bumpers and unique alloy wheels, while a dual-motor EV3 GT will follow later.

Inside, there is a panoramic display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a five-inch climate control display, and a 12.3-inch CNNC infotainment system – matching other new Kia models like the EV5, EV9 and K4.

Unlike other electric vehicles from brands such as Tesla and Volvo, Kia has retained physical controls for key functions like cruise control, entertainment, navigation and drive mode – plus traditional stalks and a column-mounted gear selector.

Other interior highlights include configurable ambient lighting, a fold-back relaxation mode for the front seats, an available 12-inch head-up display, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

There’s also support for a digital key and in-vehicle or outdoor vehicle-to-load, while owners waiting for their EV3 to charge can watch videos from streaming services like Netflix and YouTube via LG’s WebOS Automotive Content Platform.

Kia has used recycled materials for the dashboard and door trims, as well as polyethylene terephthalate – said to be “among the most easily recycled plastics in the world” – for the seats, headliner, floor mats and luggage board.

First seen in the Cerato-replacing K4 small car, the EV3 is the next Kia model to sport a built-in generative artificial intelligence voice assistant based on a “heavily modified” version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

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Electric dynamic torque vectoring control and updated ‘I-Pedal 3.0’ with selectable regenerative braking levels for one-pedal driving in the strongest setting have been introduced for the EV3.

Active safety features include autonomous emergency braking lane-keep assist, semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Kia said that the Niro EV – based on the same combustion-first platform as the Hyundai Kona and the new Kia K4 – will continue to be sold alongside the EV3 in some markets, but there will be more focus on the Niro Hybrid.

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“We will continue to sell Niro EV together with EV3 in the market,” said Kia president Ho-Sung Song.

“Each market has different tastes or customer preferences – that’s why some markets prefer the Niro EV, but maybe some markets are going for more weight for EV3.

“The Niro has a hybrid motor and we expect there will be more weight for the Niro Hybrid model rather than the EV model when we are launching the EV3. We have focused for the EV3 more on EV-dedicated customers, and Niro will be more weighted for hybrid customers.”

Kia said it expects to sell 200,000 EV3s annually.

More details about the 2025 Kia EV3 will be confirmed when it launches in its Korean domestic market in July.

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Jordan Hickey

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Born and raised in rural Victoria, Jordan Hickey was surrounded by a car-loving family before he could even talk. His parents’ automotive workshop fuelled his strong passion for all things four wheels.
2025 Kia EV3: Small electric SUV revealed, confirmed for Australia (2024)

FAQs

2025 Kia EV3: Small electric SUV revealed, confirmed for Australia? ›

The Kia EV3 small compact SUV is expected to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2025 and will joining Kia's growing electric range which includes the award-winning EV9

EV9
The Kia EV9 is an all-electric mid-size crossover SUV produced by Kia. It is the second Kia model developed on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and the second model in the manufacturer's "EV" electric car range after the EV6.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Kia_EV9
large SUV, the sleek EV6 and the upcoming EV5 medium SUV.

How much will a Kia EV3 cost? ›

Kia introduced the EV3 during its 2023 EV Day as part of a new line-up of affordable electric vehicles. After opening orders in Korea earlier this month, we learned that the EV3's starting price is roughly $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million). The EV3 is Kia's third all-electric vehicle and the first of a new series.

How much is the Kia EV6 2025? ›

The price of the 2025 Kia EV6 is expected to start around $44,000 and go up to $63,000 depending on the trim and options.

How big is the Kia EV3? ›

What stands out is its 1.85m width, further accentuated by its wrap-around LED DRL signatures. It is 1.56m tall and has a long 2.68m wheelbase with very minimal overhangs. There is a 25L frunk under the bonnet, enough to hold the car's AC charging socket.

What is the range of the Kia EV3 WLTP? ›

600 km all-electric range. 2WD Long range model with 81.4kWh battery, WLTP-estimated.

Is the Kia EV3 available in the USA? ›

The small, square electric compact will be joining the Niro, EV6, and three-row EV9 as a 2026 model at Kia dealerships.

Is EV3 worth it? ›

If you need an easy programming environment for beginners, then there's nothing better than Lego Mindstorms EV3. Also, if you need something like programming in easy languages like Python, you can go for a Raspberry Pi. Is Lego Mindstorms EV3 going to be awesome? It already is.

How fast can the Kia EV3 charge? ›

570 km/h

Where is the Kia EV3 made? ›

Once production ramps up in the fourth quarter of 2025, Kia reportedly aims to produce up to 110,000 vehicles annually in Mexico, compared to the 100,000 target for the Gwangmyeong, South Korea, plant that launched EV3 production. That plant will serve both the Korean and European markets, according to the report.

Who are the competitors of the Kia EV3? ›

Overall, If Kia can keep the price of the base model near its $30,000 target, it'll provide ample competition for competitors like the Volvo EX30 EV and VW ID. 4. We think it will also draw the attention of buyers in the market for traditional gasoline-powered compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

When can I order a Kia EV3? ›

New Kia EV3 price and release date

Order books for the new Kia EV3 will open in the autumn, however a price hasn't been confirmed just yet.

Will the Kia EV3 be AWD? ›

Kia EV3 Motors, Range, and Charging

As standard, the EV3 will have a single-motor FWD powertrain making an estimated 201 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful dual-motor AWD system will likely become available later.

What is the expected price of Kia EV3? ›

Kia EV3 is expected to launch in India in August 2025. EV3 price is expected to start from ₹ 30 Lakh.

How much is the Kia EV3 GT? ›

The price of the 2026 Kia EV3 is expected to start around $30,000 and go up to $42,000 depending on the trim and options.

What is the range of the Kia EV3? ›

300 miles

How much is the Morgan EV3? ›

Starting price is a startlingly specific $53,937.98. After one electrical misstep with the EV3, it seems likely that whatever production vehicle results from the XP-1 experimentation, Morgan will get it right.

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