Much like Eddie Murphy in 1988, the 2027 Kia EV3 is officially Coming to America. The compact electric SUV has been available overseas since 2024, and Kia has now debuted its North American specification ahead of the model's U.S. arrival later this year.
The subcompact EV will be offered in five trim levels: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. American buyers will also have access to an exclusive Nightfall appearance package that applies gloss black exterior accents. We had the opportunity to drive a well-optioned EV3 GT-Line back in 2024 and came away impressed with the platform's potential.
The entry-level Light trim is equipped with a 58-kWh battery pack that Kia estimates can deliver up to 220 miles of range. All remaining trims step up to an 81-kWh battery capable of up to 320 miles on front-wheel-drive variants — Kia has not released range figures for all-wheel-drive configurations.
Where the larger EV6 and EV9 utilize an 800-volt charging architecture, the EV3 runs on a 400-volt system. Even so, Kia says the smaller 58-kWh battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes, with the bigger 81-kWh unit needing only two additional minutes to accomplish the same. All EV3 models are fitted with a standard NACS charging port.
The Light trim is exclusively front-wheel drive due to its smaller battery. Wind and Land trims come standard with front-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option, while GT-Line and GT trims come with dual-motor all-wheel drive as standard. The GT distinguishes itself further with 288 horsepower versus the 261 ponies in the other all-wheel-drive variants. Power outputs for front-drive models have not been announced.
The EV3's cabin is straightforward and practically oriented. It seats five and features twin 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard — the same setup found in the larger EV9 — and offers an available head-up display that's uncommon in this class.
Kia has yet to announce U.S. pricing for the EV3, but we anticipate the entry-level Light trim will start near $35,000.
