2027 Kia EV3 launches in US with up to 321 miles of range

The 2027 Kia EV3 is now on sale in the US, marking the arrival of the brand's entry-level electric SUV. Kia positions the EV3 as an entry-level EV SUV that offers many of the advanced amenities of the EV9 in a smaller and affordable package.

The lineup starts with the Light FWD trim at $29,890, which is powered by a 58.3 kWh battery and carries an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles. Kia had originally estimated 220 miles for this version. Stepping up to the long-range FWD with an 81.4 kWh battery boosts the EPA range to up to 321 miles, while AWD models with the same battery achieve 280 miles.

The EV3 is offered in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The Wind starts at $34,990, the Land at $38,490, the GT-Line at $43,490, and the flagship GT at $45,890. Adding AWD costs an extra $3,200. All US prices exclude a $1,495 destination fee.

Front-wheel-drive models use a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower, while AWD variants deliver a combined 261 horsepower. The GT trim tops the range with up to 288 horsepower.

Built on the E-GMP platform, the EV3 supports DC fast charging. With the standard 58.3 kWh battery, Kia says a 10-to-80 percent charge takes 29 minutes. For the GT models, one source reports around 31 minutes.

All North American EV3 models come with a built-in NACS charge port, and the interior features a ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Combined screen space totals nearly 30 inches, including a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5-inch climate display.

The entry-level Light model undercuts several competitors: it is about $10,000 less than the discontinued Niro EV (which started at $39,600) and cheaper than the Volvo EX30 ($40,345), Chevrolet Equinox EV ($34,995), Hyundai Kona Electric ($32,975), and Nissan Leaf ($29,990). At the top end, the GT's $45,890 price overlaps with entry-level RWD versions of the Tesla Model Y ($39,990) and Ford Mustang Mach-E ($37,795).

Standard equipment includes i-Pedal 3.0 one-pedal driving, vehicle-to-load (V2L), and Smart Cruise Control. Optional features include a 12-inch head-up display and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wind trim adds a battery heater, SynTex upholstery, heated seats, and a 10-way power driver's seat. The Land trim includes 19-inch wheels, ventilated seats, taller roof rails, a power sunroof, and a smart tailgate. The GT-Line and GT are visually distinguished by different bumpers, with the GT featuring machined 19-inch wheels with Neon Green brake calipers, a 12-inch head-up display, and sport seats with suede inserts. Kia also offers a Nightfall Package with black 19-inch alloys, matching exterior accents, bridge-type roof rails, and a dark gray interior.