The New Kia EV3: A Compact EV With Big Features – Will It Come to the U.S.? | Cars & Bikes | Forbes

The new Kia EV3 is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market, building on the success of its larger sibling, the Kia EV9. Designed to cater to the growing demand for compact electric vehicles, the EV3 offers a blend of affordability and advanced technology. With a price range of about $35,000 to $45,000 USD in Europe, this model is set to attract a wide range of consumers looking for a cost-effective yet feature-rich electric car. The EV3's design closely mirrors that of the EV9, featuring sleek lines and flush door handles that enhance its aerodynamic profile.

Under the hood, the Kia EV3 shares the same powertrain as the EV9, ensuring robust performance and quick charging capabilities. The vehicle can charge up to 80% in just 18 minutes using a DC fast charger, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and long-distance travel alike. Inside, the EV3 is equipped with the latest technology, including the innovative steering wheel shape, customizable driver display, and multiple drive modes such as eco, normal, sport, custom, and snow. These features not only enhance the driving experience but also provide a high level of convenience and safety.

The interior of the EV3 is designed with both functionality and comfort in mind. The center console includes useful features like downhill descent control, a parking camera, and auto hold. Additionally, a slide-out table provides extra workspace, making it ideal for those who need to work on the go or enjoy a meal in their car. The EV3's driving experience has proven to be fun and responsive, with excellent torque and smooth electric power. As Kia continues to innovate in the electric vehicle space, the EV3 stands out as a promising option for those seeking a compact, efficient, and technologically advanced electric car. The question remains: will it hit the road in the US?

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Three words you don’t often hear strung together are subcompact electric SUV, but those three words are the lynchpin to Kia’s electric strategy and ultimately the future of the brand’s market. It hinges on creating cars that people love and then sizing them for the needs of each customer. This has been a winning strategy for Mercedes-Benz and VW, among others, finding that adjusting the size and features of a popular design allows buyers to find what they want within the brand family.

We recently took a spin in a Kia EV3 model built for the European market and found out how the company downsized the Kia EV9, what was advanced and what to expect when this compact cutie makes its way to the US in 2026.

The Kia EV9 is currently sold in Europe and Asia in a single motor front wheel drive configuration that generates 201 hp, which is ample power for a car this size and the same as the Kia EV9 Light, the least expensive option of the three-row SUV.

While the EV3 does not yet offer AWD, it’s expected that will be among the offerings in the US, as well as a zippy and more powerful GT model; if and when it does, it’ll likely produce about 379 hp, which is the power output of the Kia EV9 GT.