Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 offers a more SUV design language rather than an edgier crossover look. The height of EV3 is pegged at 1560 mm whihc is similar to that of EV6 but offers a taller stance due to the high angle of the windshield.

At the front, Kia has introduced its new design language with sleek LED DRLs and minimal lines. Its proportions are compact, roughly 4,300 mm in length and 1,850 mm in width, but the SUV stance and high ride height deliver confidence in traffic.

At the rear, L-shaped LED taillights, a clean bumper and a shark-fin antenna add to the electric character without overwhelming the design. Practical touches like a panoramic sunroof and nine colour options also add visual appeal.

Moving inside the EV3, you are welcomed by a sleek dashboard sporting a dual-screen setup. Out of these dual 12.3-inch digital high definition displays, one is the instrument cluster, and the other is for infotainment. Being a futuristic electric SUV, there is also a heads-up display which projects key information onto the windscreen for distraction-free driving.

The centre console is clean and minimalistic and comes with capacitive touch controls with haptic feedback and ambient lighting. A Harman Kardon audio system, electric sunroof and wireless charging enhance comfort. EV3 is made to feel spacious with a mostly flat cabin floor and practical for passengers.

The Kia EV3 boot space is large at 460 litres, along with an additional 25-litre front trunk (frunk). In electric vehicles, frunks are usually utilised to store a portable charger and the cable.

The battery pack on the Kia EV3 is fitted underneath the cabin floor. In the international markets, the electric SUV comes with two battery capacity options - 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. It is expected that Kia will launch variants of both these capacities in India. Kia EV3 has a WLTP range of about 600 km, and the real-world range could be around 450 km forthe  81.4 kWh variant.

The EV3 is powered by a 204 PS motor and 283 Nm of torque with a 0 to 100 kmph acceleration in about 7.5 seconds, making it pretty quick. The suspension is adequately stiff for high-speed stability, but for Indian road conditions, the brand might re-tune the suspension to tackle Indian road conditions.

The Kia EV3 has a 400 V electrical architecture which also supports DC fast-charging. The charging speed differs at every charging machine, but Kia claims that it can take the battery from 10 % to 80 % in about 31 minutes. This speed of charging can make this car a good highway munching machine. 

The Kia EV3 electric SUV comes packed with modern tech, including all of the following.

• Kia AI Assistant is a voice-controlled system for navigation and features

• Level-2 ADAS suite offering active safety with forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control

• Ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control for enhanced comfort.

• i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability provide modern EV usability.

Safety and convenience features like 360-degree cameras, rear parking sensors and a robust stability control system further add confidence behind the wheel.

When the EV3 arrives in India, it’s expected to compete with existing electric SUVs like the MG ZS EV and the BYD Atto 3. Both of these cars have established their presence in the Indian market for quite some time now.

On the other hand, EV3 is also expected to face the competition from Indian electric SUVs like Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9E. These Indian electric SUVs are also equipped with modern features that are hard to beat when it comes to pricing.

The EV3 aims to set itself apart with modern Kia design, long WLTP-claimed range and advanced digital experience.

Here are some essential pros and cons of the Kia EV3 to consider before shortlisting.

The Kia EV3 could be the best electric SUV for buyers who want an EV that feels advanced, practical and future-ready without the size and cost of larger EVs. It’s ideal for:

• Urban families seeking long-range EV capability

• Tech-oriented buyers who appreciate infotainment, connected features and ADAS

• Daily commuters and highway travellers are looking for quick charging and usable interiors

If you want an EV that blends range, smart tech, and premium feel in a compact SUV format, the Kia EV3 could be a compelling choice when it launches in India.