Kia EV3 Finally Hits the US: Affordable Electric SUV Details

The Kia EV3 is finally crossing the ocean. After its initial debut overseas, Kia confirmed at the New York International Auto Show that the 2027 EV3 subcompact SUV will land in the US later this year. While we don't have the final MSRP just yet, Kia is still whispering about a $35,000 starting price. This could be a game-changer for those of us looking for an EV that doesn't cost as much as a luxury mansion.

For many American drivers, the EV3 fills a significant hole in the market. Since Volvo pulled the plug on the EX30 in the US, finding a compact, affordable electric SUV has been a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. The EV3 is roughly the size of the popular Kia Sportage, making it a familiar footprint for many families who want to switch to electric without driving a giant tank.

Under the floor, you'll find two battery options. The standard 58.3 kWh pack offers about 220 miles of range, while the 81.4 kWh long-range version bumps that up to a very respectable 320 miles. It uses a 400-volt architecture, so while it won't charge quite as lightning-fast as its big brother, the EV9, it still holds its own. Kia claims you can go from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a DC fast charger.

One cool detail for the tech-savvy: the EV3 features a native NACS (Tesla-style) charging port located on the front passenger side. There’s also an optional Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) feature, which means your car could potentially keep your lights on during a power outage. It seems like Kia is really trying to pack high-end tech into a more accessible package. We’ll be keeping a close eye on those final pricing numbers as the launch date approaches later this year.