We were among the first to drive the Kia EV3—Kia’s compact EV with big 2025 ambitions. Several days at the wheel confirm it deserves attention from anyone shopping accessible electric SUVs. Romanian list price starts at €32,940; range and tech make it a serious segment player.
Exterior design
Geometry borrowed from the EV9 reads clearly on a smaller canvas: straight lines, crisp surfacing, signature LED lighting. 17-inch wheels on Air (€32,940) look practical; 19-inch GT-Line (€36,440) add presence but can trim comfort and range slightly. Reactions in traffic were mixed—some admire the bold shape, others find it boxy. After a few days it feels distinctive without gimmicks.
Interior
E-GMP architecture delivers generous space (1,850 mm width, 1,570 mm height)—more elbow room than Niro. Air uses cloth; GT-Line grades offer two-tone eco-leather. Twin 12.3-inch displays flank a 5.3-inch climate strip (partly blocked by the wheel, but physical temp/fan keys remain). Sliding centre console on GT-Line is clever; the GT-Line S mini-table feels too small versus extra storage on Air.
Boot 460 litres (to 1,250 litres folded), plus 25-litre frunk; beats ID.3/EX30 for luggage.
Tech
Infotainment is clear if conservative. GT-Line S adds Harman Kardon audio (€42,940). Digital Key 2, OTA updates, nav with DAB, wireless charging on upper trims. Driver-assist menus scatter sub-items around a car graphic—annoying. Attention monitor and lane keep felt over-eager in our test; a wheel button disables lane assist, which helps.
Batteries and range
58.3 kWh (Air) and 81.4 kWh (GT-Line / GT-Line S). On a Portugal launch test with the large pack in winter heating, we saw about 2.9 mi/kWh (~4.6 km/kWh)—real-world range above 450 km in that context. Smaller battery official efficiency ~5.6 km/kWh implies roughly 330+ km in favourable seasons. Min/max range readout on the cluster is genuinely useful.
0–100 km/h: 7.7 s (small battery, lighter) to just under 8 s with 81.4 kWh; 204 hp, 283 Nm, 169 km/h capped. Front drive only at launch; GT AWD promised later.
Safety
Highway Driving Assist 2 standard; extensive ADAS on all trims. Calibration needs polish but hardware is comprehensive—BCA, junction assist, adaptive cruise, parking sensors and camera; 360° and auto park on GT-Line S.
Prices (Romania)
- Air — €32,940 (17″ wheels, heated seats, HDA 2, 58.3 kWh)
- GT-Line — €36,440 (19″, black accents, sliding console, digital key, large battery option)
- GT-Line S — €42,940 (81.4 kWh, ventilated fronts, heated rears, power tailgate, HUD, Harman Kardon, 360°)
Air is the value sweet spot; GT-Line is the rational long-range pick without S luxuries.
Verdict
EV3 combines standout design, class-leading space efficiency, strong real range and competitive pricing. Assist systems can irritate until tuned, but the package is complete. Air suits urban buyers; GT-Line balances equipment and the big battery. It has the ingredients to be a segment success in 2025.
