The 2027 Kia EV3 Looks To Deliver Scaled-Down Electric Excellence

Kia scales down its EV formula from the EV6 and EV9 to deliver the compact yet appealing EV3.

2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line

Photo by: Kia

Jeff Glucker

By: Jeff Glucker

Apr 1, at 9:25am ET

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The Breakdown

The 2027 Kia EV3 is a compact electric crossover that promises up to 320 miles of driving range.
The AWD models deliver 261 horsepower, while the sporty EV3 GT produces 288 hp.
This seems like a scaled-down version of the equally great Kia EVs, the EV6 and EV9.

Kia continues to crank out strong electric vehicle offerings, even as other automakers scale back their EV efforts. The latest to join the lineup is the all-new 2027 Kia EV3. It aims to deliver the same quality experience as the EV6 and EV9, but in a much smaller package.

While Europe and Asia have enjoyed the EV3 for a couple of years now, it's our turn to check out this compact electric crossover.

Gallery: 2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line

2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line

Source: Kia

Standard Features Galore

The 2027 EV3 arrives jam-packed with standard features. Kia has stuffed this thing with the sort of tech and amenities you expect to find on the EV9, not on a smaller, far less expensive vehicle.

Even on the base model, the EV3 features almost 30 inches of total dash display. You have a pair of 12.3-inch displays combined into a single panel. Below that lives the 5.0-inch climate control panel. Your front passenger will thank you for the dual-zone auto climate control, while your rear passengers will enjoy reclining the back seats.

But if you want to step things up, you can outfit the EV3 with a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, multicolor ambient lighting, and a 360-degree surround view monitor.

Power, Range, and Charging Speed

The 2027 Kia EV3 rides on the E-GMP platform. This is a 400-volt system available with either a standard-range 58.3-kWh battery pack or a long-range 81.4-kWh pack. The standard range pack is only offered on the Light trim, which only arrives with FWD. The other four trims (Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT) are fitted with the larger pack, and you can go from 10-80 percent state of charge in around 31 minutes on a DC Fast Charger.

2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line

Photo by: Kia

Wind and Land models come standard with FWD, but AWD is available. Meanwhile, both the GT-Line and GT are AWD only. All versions, however, feature a native NACS charging port.

Kia doesn't quote a power output for any of the FWD models. It does, however, have estimated driving ranges. The standard-range Light should be good for 220 miles, while the long-range FWD EV3 offerings are good for up to 320 miles. As for power, the EV3 doles out 261 horsepower in the AWD models. That figure bumps up to 288 hp on the EV3 GT.

Plenty of Style In A Small Package

Short overhangs are a given for most EVs these days. The EV3 wears them well, as it does the familiar Kia front fascia and daytime running lights. The standard wheel size is a 17.0-inch hoop, but you can spec up to a 19.0-inch wheel depending on the trim.

Inside, Kia has managed to provide plenty of space in such a small package. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split, there's underfloor storage in the back, a small frunk in the nose, and room for stuff ahead of the center console since you can retract the cupholders.

2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line

Photo by: Kia

The Sportiest EV3—The GT

The EV3 GT won't be as raucous as the EV6 GT. That 576-hp electric rocket is a true blast to play with, even if you'll quickly ruin your tire budget. The EV3 GT, meanwhile, presents a more sane level of power coupled with style upgrades to set it apart from the rest of the lineup.

All models get a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, but the EV3 GT gets a sportier tune. Kia engineers also dial in a different tune for the steering setup. A unique set of 19.0-inch wheels is standard, as are the green brake caliper covers.

Inside, Kia fits the GT with sport bucket front seats, a different steering wheel, and neon green trim accents.

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Price And On-Sale Date

Kia is currently still mum on pricing details. The automaker says it will share more as we get closer to the EV3's on-sale date, which is targeted for later in 2026.

If we had to speculate, however, there's no reason to believe the base model won't land in the mid-$30,000 range, with the top-tier GT coming in under the $50k mark.

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