The compact-sized SUV will be positioned as Kia’s entry-level EV in the U.S. market
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Heavily camouflaged prototypes of the Kia EV3 were spotted during cold weather testing in Sweden, confirming that the production model will look a lot like the concept.
Our spy photographers caught two prototypes of the EV3, in silver and blue exterior shades wearing different sets of alloy wheels. Both vehicles look ready for production, hinting at an imminent debut. The high-riding EV is set to debut sometime in 2024, adopting modern design and high-tech features for the segment.
The proportions are largely carried over from the concept, as with the vertically arranged LEDs and the sculpted profile. Toned-down features include slightly smaller wheels, larger mirror caps, the more conventional plastic cladding around the wheel arches, and the production-spec greenhouse with thicker pillars and visible door handles.
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Thankfully, we also got a glimpse of the interior, revealing a dual-screen digital cockpit and a minimalist design for the dashboard. The gearbox selector is mounted on the steering column, just like the EV9 does. We can also see a bunch of shortcuts below the infotainment display, toggle switches for the climate controls, and more buttons on the “floating” center console. Judging from Kia’s strategy, we expect the use of sustainable materials around the cabin.
As with all electric models from Hyundai and Kia, the EV3 will ride on the E-GMP platform. However, to keep the costs down, the company will likely equip it with 400V tech instead of the more expensive 800V architecture found in its larger siblings. Chances are that the entry-level EV3 will feature a single electric motor and a 58 kWh battery pack. We also know there will be a hotter version, as Kia has officially confirmed it will offer GT trims for its entire EV lineup.
Unlike the compact-sized EV5 that won’t make it stateside, the smaller EV3 will, as the brand’s entry-level EV model, likely in 2025. Things will be different in Europe, where this role will be occupied by the even smaller EV2 which is set to follow in 2026.
Kia has announced a targetted price range between $30,000 and $80,000 for its zero-emission models, with the EV3 expected to sit close to the lower bracket. Rivals in Europe will include the likes of the Peugeot E-2008 and Ford Puma-E, although the EV-dedicated architecture of the Kia may give it the edge in terms of packaging.
