2026 Kia EV3 review

Kia has delivered one of the most compelling affordable electric cars on the market with the new EV3 – a compact five-seat SUV that combines over 400km of driving range, a high-tech and cleverly designed interior, and a refined locally tuned ride, all at a drive-away price from under $50k.

The EV3 is Kia’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV to date, but it doesn’t feel entry-level. Drawing heavily from the design language and technology of the larger EV6 and EV9, it brings those ideas into a city-friendly SUV roughly the size of a Kia Seltos.

With a choice of 58.3kWh Standard Range or 81.4kWh Long Range batteries driving a single 150kW motor, the EV3 is aimed at Australian buyers looking to transition to electric from a well-established brand.

On test here is the most affordable variant, the Kia EV3 Air Standard Range.

What does the Kia EV3 look like?

The EV3 adopts a blocky, upright design clearly inspired by Kia’s larger electric SUVs. Often described as a mini EV9, it features squared wheel arches, short overhangs and distinctive LED lighting that give it a modern, confident stance.

Details such as flush-fitting door handles (with hidden rear handles mounted high on the C-pillar) and aerodynamic wheels contribute to a clean profile. While the styling may divide opinion, it’s undeniably contemporary and aligns with Kia’s current EV identity that stands out on the road.

What is the interior of the Kia EV3 like?

Inside is where the EV3 stands out. A wide panoramic display houses twin 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment, paired with a dedicated 5-inch climate control touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Kia Connect services and over-the-air updates.

Despite its compact footprint, space utilisation is excellent. A flat floor and boxy proportions translate into strong practicality, with 460 litres of boot capacity – more than some medium SUVs. The rear seats fold 60/40, and the adjustable boot floor allows either deeper storage or a flat load area. There’s also a small front storage compartment for charging cables.

Storage throughout the cabin is thoughtfully executed, including a large open tray beneath the floating centre console, generous door bins, multiple USB-C ports and a 240V household outlet in the rear. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability adds further flexibility, allowing the car to power external devices.

Material quality is solid for the price, with durable cloth trim in this base Air grade. Overall, the cabin feels modern, airy and thoughtfully resolved.

How does the Kia EV3 drive?

On the road, the EV3 focuses on comfort and ease of use. The single electric motor produces 150kW and 283Nm, delivering brisk performance without feeling overly aggressive, making it well suited to daily city and suburban driving.

Local suspension tuning makes a noticeable difference on Australian roads. The EV3 absorbs bumps and broken surfaces effectively while remaining composed at highway speeds. Steering is light and predictable, and the low centre of gravity helps control body roll.

Strong regenerative braking and Kia’s adjustable i-Pedal system, controlled via steering wheel paddles, allow for smooth one-pedal driving in traffic.

Energy efficiency is solid. On test, the EV3 Standard Range returned 16.6kWh/100km during an extended highway run, suggesting even better efficiency is achievable in urban conditions.

How safe is the Kia EV3?

Safety is a strong point, with the EV3 achieving a five-star ANCAP rating under 2025 testing protocols. This places it among the safest small electric SUVs available.

All variants include seven airbags, including a front-centre airbag designed to reduce head contact between front occupants. Standard active safety features include autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection), lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with braking.

Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 combines adaptive cruise and lane centring to reduce driver workload on freeways, while driver attention monitoring and intelligent speed assist add further support.

One downside is that some driver assistance systems can be intrusive, with frequent audible alerts that may frustrate some drivers.

More: Research and compare Kia electric vehicles

Should I buy the Kia EV3?

The Kia EV3 makes a compelling case as one of the best-value electric SUVs in Australia. It may not be the cheapest option, but it delivers a strong balance of range, space, technology and refinement.

With its smart interior design, user-friendly driving experience and strong ownership backing, the EV3 Air Standard Range is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a practical electric SUV under $50k.

More: Research and compare family cars and SUVs

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