2025 Kia EV3 Australian first drive
Having gone after the Tesla Model Y, Kia has undercut America’s EV giant with a compelling new option.
Cheeky marketing in Europe for Kia’s latest electric car played on the backlash against Tesla sweeping the globe.
A close-up photo of the Kia’s “EV3” badge was accompanied by a bumper sticker saying “I bought this after Elon went crazy”, a sentiment playing out on the vehicles of disgruntled Tesla owners around the globe.
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You won’t find Kia doing that in Australia.
But you might find customers moving toward Kia in the stormy conditions that represent the electric car scene today.
Folks who want to give Tesla a miss and are wary of the myriad new brands reaching Aussie roads are heading for the sanctuary of Kia showrooms.
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Kia’s EV5 electric car, a rival to the Tesla Model Y, is the most test-driven car in its network. So there is plenty of potential surrounding the smaller EV3.
Priced from $47,600 plus on-road costs (about $49,000 drive-away), the compact EV3 undercuts the likes of Tesla and takes aim at models such as the BYD Atto 3, Geely EX5 and Leapmotor C10.
The entry-level model, known as the Air, is available with a choice of two batteries. The standard unit claims 58.3kWh of capacity which returns 436km of driving range.
Pay an extra $7500 (or $56,490 drive-away) and you get a much larger 81.4kWh battery with 604km of range.
Those are impressive numbers.
Folks who want more equipment can pay for a mid-spec EV3 Earth ($62,690 drive-away) or EV3 GT-Line ($68,490 drive-away).
They’ll trade extra kit such as a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloys, heated and cooled seats for about 40 kilometres less driving range and a slightly slower sprint to 100km/h.
It’s a compromise that makes sense in the EV3, which isn’t a particularly athletic car.
Every model is powered by a 150kW/283Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels. Those sort of figures are par for the course in the world of SUVs, but a little on the low side for a modern EV. Folks who want more performance can hold out for an all-wheel-drive version with 230kW already offered overseas, or wait longer for a rumoured high-performance “GT” version that could pack 300kW of punch.
Until then, the Kia EV3 is a perfectly adequate performer able to reach 100km/h in less than eight seconds.
Though it doesn’t have a particularly sporty nature, the Kia EV3 is better to drive than most electric cars at this price point. While rival machines can feel a little too soggy, or roly-poly in the bends, the Kia’s accurate steering and well-judged suspension make for easy progress in corners.
It rides reasonably well, without the waterbed sensation you might find in softer alternatives.
That said, the EV3’s front-drive layout limits full-throttle acceleration from low speed – the tyres relinquish grip when you ask too much of them.
And as we’ve said before, you shouldn’t look for driving thrills in this corner of the market.
Instead, think of this as a high-tech alternative to something like a Subaru Crosstrek or Honda ZR-V.
It’s a sensible pick for day-to-day life.
There are clever touches throughout, including myriad storage spaces and cubby holes, a clever little tray upfront that you can use to prop up a laptop during charging breaks, and even a household power point to keep gadgets on the go.
The standard car’s plain plastics are a little underwhelming – particularly considered alongside all-singing, all-dancing Chinese alternatives available for this price – but fundamental points such as the driving position and seat quality are sound.
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And you can ramp up its appeal by plumping for higher grade models that replace plastic with interesting fabric-like finishes made from recycled materials, along with other features that are nice to have.
As with all Kias, the EV3 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and a comprehensive sales and servicing network that fresh alternatives struggle to match.
VERDICT
Kia’s EV3 is anything but crazy – it’s a sensible electric option. 4 stars.
KIA EV3
PRICE: From $48,990 drive-away
MOTOR: 150kW/283Nm electric motor
WARRANTY/SERVICE: 7-yr/unlimited km
SAFETY: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring
RANGE: 436km
BOOT: 460L
SPARE: Repair kit
Originally published as 2025 Kia EV3 Australian first drive
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