The Kia EV3 is the Subcompact EV We Need
After cleaning up during awards season with the EV9, Kia is keeping its foot on the pedal when it comes to its EV lineup. Following the success of the EV9 and EV6, Kia has confirmed the Kia EV3 – an electric, subcompact SUV – will make its way to American dealerships in early 2026.
Preserving the magic of the top-rated EV9, including its signature design aesthetic, the EV3 is set to become one of the most budget-friendly EVs in its class. Raceway Kia of Freehold has your preview of the newest and most charming addition to Kia’s EV lineup.
Compact EV, Massive Potential
To be the best, you might as well borrow from the best. Fittingly, think of the Kia EV3 as a diminutive version of the EV9. Keeping in line with Kia’s tradition of naming their EVs based on their respective sizes, the EV3 isn’t exactly one-third of an EV9… though it does give a hint of what to anticipate from Kia’s most compact EV yet.
The EV3 isn’t quite production-ready, but we do have a glimpse of what Kia’s newest electric vehicle will offer. Although inspired by the EV9, the EV3’s exterior is decidedly more structured, with vertical lines and upright light fixtures adding a degree of visual heft. The EV3 appears larger than it truly is – positioned somewhere between a subcompact and compact SUV. And despite its ground clearance being lower than some crossovers, Kia ensures that this contributes to enhancing aerodynamic performance and efficiency.
Sporting a suspended roof design, wheels strategically positioned at the corners of the frame, and extended doors, the EV3 offers a refreshingly contemporary spin on the subcompact segment. Additionally, its top-end GT-Line model will feature glossy body panels and more robust front and rear bumpers.
The base EV3 boasts a 58.3kWh battery, delivering 201 bhp and 209 lb-ft of torque. The GT-Line version boosts the battery capacity to 81.4kW, with an impressive estimated range of 373 miles. Initially, the EV3 will be available only with a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup. Amidst these preliminary specs, Kia’s target U.S. pricing range starting at a mere $35,000 could be the most crucial factor. The EV3 is potentially set to establish itself as the budget-friendly EV the market is sorely lacking.
A Sneak Peek Inside
As its blocky exterior implies, the interior of the Kia EV3 provides ample space and luggage capacity. With towering ceilings and flat floorboards, you and your family will have plenty of room to stretch out. Whether you’re heading south on your summer road trip to the shore or traveling north towards Old Bridge, there’ll be no complaining about cramped quarters in the EV3. We only hope the adaptable two-step floor design for its luggage compartment makes it to the U.S. version.
Venturing into the internal space and infotainment system, the EV3 once again draws heavily from the EV9. You’ll discover the same 30-inch driver information and infotainment screen division, along with physical buttons and dials for volume and climate adjustments. The five-seat arrangement is versatile, but in the spirit of sustainability, you won’t find any leather in this EV.
The EV3 can double as a power source for smaller electric appliances. Essentially functioning as a massive battery, the EV3 can charge smaller electrically powered vehicles. Moreover, once the EV3 is parked, it’s engineered to quickly charge small electrical appliances like coffee makers or hair dryers.
Go Green at Raceway Kia of Freehold
It seems that as EVs themselves get smaller, the EV revolutions only grows larger. The Kia EV3 may only accommodate five passengers, but it has the potential to inspire millions to take action. Visit Raceway Kia today and check out the EV9 and EV6 before their compact counterpart hits the U.S. market. And if you’re a present Kia owner, schedule an appointment with our Service Center for your summer maintenance, including oil changes, battery service, and more.
With the EV3, Kia is continuing its crusade towards reducing and eventually eradicating carbon emissions. This Memorial Day, we’ll help you minimize your own carbon footprint in a practical but affordable manner here at Raceway Kia of Freehold.
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