Up Close With the All-New 2027 Kia EV3: Remarkably Comfortable

Key Takeaways

• The 2027 Kia EV3 is the brand’s smallest and most affordable all-electric SUV.
• Up to 320 miles of range
• 400-volt architecture isn’t as powerful as the 800-volt EV6, EV9
• Pricing expected in the mid-$30,000 range

The 2027 Kia EV3 is the newest, smallest and (likely) most affordable electric vehicle in the automaker’s lineup, and we got an up-close look at the new EV at the 2026 New York International Auto Show.

Related: More 2026 New York Auto Show Coverage

Family Resemblance

In my eyes, this certainly looks like a three-row EV9 accidentally left in a junkyard compactor, right down to the larger three-row’s signature angularity and techy motifs that have come to define both the brand and its EV efforts. In person, it’s smaller than you might expect; it looks to be a good foot down on the mid-size EV6 and far closer to compact electric SUVs like the Chevrolet Bolt and Volvo EX30, though the EX30 has been discontinued and the 2027 Bolt only has a limited production run.

It’s a tough class of vehicles. This projected price of roughly $35,000 isn’t that cheap in context against its gas-powered counterparts in the low-to-mid-$20,000 range, and once you add some options and push it closer to the $40,000 mark, its value begins to decline in context with its (relatively) tiny footprint. Still, whether it’s here for the long or short run, expect an initial surge of popularity as it fills the needs of a core group of customers waiting for a Kia (or Hyundai) EV of this size.

Interior Style and Comfort

I like the interior quite a bit, mostly because it’s a conglomerate of Kia’s design language shared with the existing EV6 and EV9. I like the blocky steering wheel, squared-off controls and cyberish motifs spread throughout the cabin. It has good standard tech, too, with a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the driver and the center touch infotainment display that includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical toggles for climate and volume control are welcome inclusions, as are the numerous clever storage areas and compartments.

It might look small, but occupants in all seats will be remarkably comfortable. When set to my rather comfortable driving position up front, my 5-foot-11 frame slots in with impressive legroom behind “myself,” with oodles of head- and hip room to boot. Rear cargo is commensurate with the class, with underfloor storage and a fold-flat 60/40 second row allowing for meaningful haulin’ capacity.

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Performance and Range

I’m quite interested in the performance-minded GT trim and its 288 horsepower, but less so about its 400-volt architecture that is halved over the 800-volt EV6 and EV9. No word yet on peak charge rates, but the 10%-80% charge speed can be achieved as low as 29 minutes on the smallest battery, rising slightly to 31 minutes for the big pack. A 320-mile max range is solid for the larger battery and front-wheel drive, though dual-motor examples will likely dip beneath the 300-mile waterline.

The EV3 is a neat little electric crossover and exactly what you’d expect from both brand and segment. Time will tell if it’ll stick around to be the sales superstar it should be.

More on Kia From Cars.com:

• Kia Introduces Entry-Level EV3 Electric SUV With Up to 320 Miles of Range
• The 2025 Kia EV3 Won World Car of the Year, But What Is It?
• How Much Is the 2026 Kia EV9?
• Is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV a Good Electric SUV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
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