Kia EV3 review and family road test reveals the small all-electric EV has big potential

While slotting into the compact SUV line-up, the new Kia EV3 still packs some punch.

Post Covid the rush toward electric vehicles was unprecedented in Australia.

Now it seems early adopters have made the leap of faith, and now most new car buyers are hedging their bets with hybrid or traditional internal combustion engines.

Electric vehicles sales sunk to their lowest point in Australia in two years during the first three months of 2025, which accounted for just above six per cent of the overall market.

It comes at a time when competition has never been more fierce in the EV market, as Tesla sales have plummeted BYD has gone gangbusters, while Leapmotor, Zeekr, Xpeng, Smart and Deepal have all entered the market.

For established brands like Kia, that sets a challenging task for its latest showroom addition – the EV3.

Pricing puts it right in the value mix, starting from less than $50,000 the base model EV3 has a range of about 430km and undercuts the likes of Tesla’s Model 3 ($54,990 and 520km) and the premium Volvo EX40 ($83,200 and 485km), while it’s also up against the BYD Atto 3 ($41,500 and 420km), MGS5 ($40,490 and 410km), Geely EX5 ($43,200 and 430km) and larger Leapmotor C10 ($48,500 and 480km).

The EV3 base-level ‘Air’ model comes with a 58.3kWh battery, with the option of upsizing to a 81.4kWh unit which bolsters the range to more than 600km for an extra $7500.

Our family tested the range-topping GT-Line version with the larger battery, which has a drive-away price of $68,490.

What do you get?

As expected, Kia has loaded the GT-Line with some of the best equipment available. That comes at a range cost of about 40km compared to the low-spec Air long range model as the additional functions can chew more power, while it’s also wider and sits higher.

For those who appreciate luxuries, the sacrifice is exchanged for a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, man-made leather, 19-inch alloys, heated and cooled front seats and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The GT-Line also has “relaxation front seats” which fully recline, as well as an extendible tabletop so you can kick back, work or eat in the car while charging or during a stop-off.

Also standard is the now quintessential Kia dash which links together a 12.3-inch digital driver screen, 5-inch climate monitor and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen.

Only a flat white point job is complimentary, with silver, black, pearl white, grey, blue, green and terracotta all costing an extra $550. Inside, the only option for GT-Line is grey.

There is also an ability to charge or run small items, like laptops, e-bikes or scooters.

Compared to all other Kia EVs, this model is the least expensive to service. Pre-paid packs are available for three ($674), five ($1285) or seven ($1897) years.

Using the portable 10-amp charger and a standard power point, it will take more than 32 hours to reach full capacity from 10 per cent. The at-home wall charger does the job in about seven hours. Most public chargers are 50kW, and from 10-80 per cent takes about 80 minutes, or just over half an hour if you find a super fast 350kW facility.

Interior features of the Kia EV3 GT-Line include heated and cooled front seats, the expansive digital dash and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

How was the drive?

Competent and predictable, the EV3 performs well without setting new benchmarks or inspiring the race driver within.

An agreeable daily commuter, the steering feels well weighted while the cornering remains flat even when carrying some speed into the bends.

Typically zesty from takeoff, the official time is 7.9 seconds for the zero to 100km/h sprint but it feels quicker from the pilot’s seat. Pile on the power and the front wheels can struggle for traction.

Urban confines is where the EV3 does some of its finest work with a compact 10.4m turning circle. It made easy work of some of the tightest shopping centre carparks.

An all-wheel-drive version we’ve seen overseas, which generates serious power and speed, could be in the works, but this bread and butter version would be the pick for most buyers in this market.

Drive modes are available via the steering wheel where ‘sport’ can dial up the acceleration response and steering weight.

With more than 400L of boot space, the Kia EV3 is surprisingly spacious.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Throughout the drive I was getting Genesis vibes, which is a good thing given they produce some of my favourite cars. I can see the family lineage and I loved the shade of green on our test car. With good cabin space, reasonable range and ample boot space, I’d happily own an EV3 … although I could probably survive with the mid-spec to lower the price.

Grant: Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, but I think the EV3 is the best proportioned of the latest Kia EV SUV range (the EV6 aside as it’s a crossover that would still probably win on the catwalk). The test car received plaudits from men and women alike. While technically a compact SUV it feels bigger, and collectively it performs above par in all genres. It’s a frontrunner for price, size and performance.