NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 made its North American debut today at the New York International Auto Show, setting a new benchmark as the most attainable model in Kia's growing electric vehicle lineup, which includes the popular EV6 and EV9 models. The EV3 is an entry EV SUV that offers many of the advanced amenities of an EV9 in a smart and approachable package. Ultimately, it is designed to deliver efficient, all-electric performance with a compact footprint.
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"The Kia EV3 represents a bold step forward in our commitment to making electric mobility accessible to more Americans," said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. "With its striking geometric design inspired by EV9, advanced technology, and spacious interior, the EV3 brings the innovation of our EV lineup into an entry EV SUV tailored for the way U.S. customers live, work, and travel."
The EV3 is tailored to meet the lifestyle and usage of both younger and older buyers, from millennials to baby boomers, centered on universally appealing attributes such as affordability, utility, and maneuverability. Based on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 features an energy-dense battery allowing up to a Kia-estimated2 320 miles of range on certain trims with fast charging capabilities.
Right-sized for those who welcome the invitation to go electric, the 2027 Kia EV3 will be available in five trim levels: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. It will go on sale in late 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to the EV3's on-sale date.
Engaging on the Outside
Guided by Kia's global Opposites United design philosophy, the EV3 juxtaposes contrasts found in nature with those of the human and industrial world. As such, it shares the same fundamental design language as Kia's pioneering EV6 and EV9 models.
Upon approach, the first thing to catch the eye is the star map DRL design, Kia's signature lighting concept with standard small cube LED projector head lamps. The vertically arranged lights emphasize the EV3's broad front-end, while the horizontally configured lights underscore the latest interpretation of Kia's Tiger Face, giving the EV3 an expressive and futuristic look. Overall, the EV3's front-facing persona exudes EV9 like boldness and confidence in a concisely wrapped package.
The aerodynamic profile combines short overhangs and a sloping roof that gives the illusion that it's floating as it moves rearward. Flush-type roof rails are standard (bridge-type roof rails are optional). The roofline leads back to the combination taillamps that reflect the Star Map lighting design found up front. The hidden rear door handles lend to the EV3's clean side view similar to EV9.
The EV3's planted stance meets the pavement with either standard 17-inch or available 19-inch alloy wheels wearing all-season tires. Compared to the base trims, the EV3 GT-Line and GT bring exclusive design elements to create more visually striking packages. The GT gets unique 19-inch wheels and eye-catching green brake caliper covers that match other exterior and interior neon green accents.
And on certain trims, a special Nightfall black appearance package, specifically imagined for the U.S., will be available. Nightfall will include unique gloss black wheels, black emblems, bridge-type roof rails, and a unique dark gray interior color to exude a more serious character.
Space, Comfort and Utility Inside
In the same way that 'Opposites United' defines the exterior of the EV3, Kia's unique design language brings nature and humanity together on the inside. Here, designers applied durable materials while still achieving a rich look and feel.
The home-like cabin is headlined by an expansive standard panoramic display consisting of dual 12.3-inch displays and a 5-inch climate display. GT-Line includes a three-spoke steering wheel, metal pedals, and off-white 2-tone seats, while the GT model also gets sport bucket front seats and neon green accented seatbelts, steering wheel, and interior trim.
The driver and front passenger area features a clean and open layout appealing to those who value simplicity and practicality. An open center console with retractable cupholders allows for flexible storage for larger items and features both open and covered storage compartments for the flexibility to meet customer needs.
The cabin experience is further elevated with standard dual-zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC), optional heated17 and ventilated front seats, and optional multicolor ambient mood lighting. Rear seat passengers can enjoy standard features such as seat backs that recline up to 39 degrees and air vents that provide a restful atmosphere.
In the cargo area, EV3 delivers on roominess and utility thanks to 60/40 flat folding rear seats, a generously sized cargo area with 56.5 cubic feet of capacity behind the first row and 26.1 cubic feet of capacity behind the second row, a standard two-position luggage board with underfloor storage, and a 0.9 cubic foot frunk, a feature not commonly found in this class. An optional Smart Power Liftgate is also available, which automatically opens by way of Smart Key for easy load-in of groceries or gear. Opening height and speed of the liftgate can be set through the infotainment system.
Electrified Power and Performance
Underpinned by Kia's dedicated 400V E-GMP platform, the Kia EV3 is powered by a choice of two batteries options: a standard-range 58.3 kWh battery (Light) or a long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT). The smaller of the two batteries provides power to the front-wheels only, while the larger battery makes all-wheel-drive (AWD) possible (optional on Wind and Land; standard on GT-Line and GT). As far as all-electric range goes, the 58.3 kWh battery allows up to a Kia-estimated2 220 miles and the 81.4 kWh battery allows up to a Kia-estimated2 320 miles (FWD).
On the performance side, the EV3 GT outputs 288 horsepower (up from 261 hp on AWD EV3 models). Available Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) and Active Sound Design (ASD) further enhance driving engagement and help deliver a more spirited on-road experience.
The EV3's driving stability, ride comfort and responsiveness are the result of a Macpherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link geometry at the rear. The EV3 GT benefits from a sport-tuned suspension and steering. Aside from ride and handling prowess, advanced chassis development was aimed at reducing NVH. Engineers added sound absorption throughout the body and applied damping materials to increase quietness for highway and around-town driving.
To further enhance efficiency and performance, the EV3's aerodynamics have been improved. Kia expanded use of lightweight body materials, employed aero wheels, integrated a front bumper active air flap and installed a full underbody cover. The result is a drag coefficient of 0.275 Cd.
When it comes to DC fast charging, the EV3's battery can power up from 10 to 80 percent charge in an estimated 29 minutes1 for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes1 for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT) battery.
For ease of use, there's a native NACS charging port on the front passenger side of the EV3. And with the standard Kia Plug and Charge (PnC)3 feature, the EV3 can now charge seamlessly by pulling up to a compatible charging station and plugging in. This process only requires a one-time login and setup through Kia Charge Pass in the Kia Access app.
Kia's innovative i-Pedal 3.06 system helps drivers to smoothly control the speed of the vehicle and can bring it to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. This feature works in tandem with EV3's adaptive Smart Regeneration System7 function to help recapture energy otherwise lost when brakes are applied. The i-Pedal 3.0 system also now works in reverse and the EV3's i-Pedal memory function reverts to the last-used i-Pedal setting when the car restarts.
Taking practicality to new heights, the EV3 brings available Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality,8 allowing the vehicle to provide power from its battery to compatible external devices. This can mean everything from powering a laptop, brewing coffee, charging up an e-bike and countless other applications. V2L opens the door to activities and projects that may otherwise require a cumbersome external power source.
Beyond V2L, EV3 also brings available Vehicle to Home (V2H)18 functionality via a Wallbox bidirectional charging system,19 which can reduce utility costs by providing power back to the home during peak energy usage times. V2H can also help keep parts of the home powered during outages (requires power recovery unit in addition to bidirectional charger).
Packed with Convenience, Tech and Connectivity Features
The EV3 brings together smart and innovative content to elevate the everyday user experience. This starts with Kia's available Digital Key 2.0.20 This feature transforms your compatible smartphone or mobile device into a virtual car key, enabling locking/unlocking doors, powering the vehicle on, and sharing vehicle access with others remotely via text.
The EV3 features a standard panoramic display comprised of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 5-inch climate display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Together, these elements form the core of Kia's connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). Setting a new benchmark for in-car content, the Kia-pioneered system which first arrived with the EV9, offers robust connectivity and entertainment features that can be enhanced remotely through over-the-air (OTA) software updates.21 Available through the Kia Connect store, Entertainment and Data Services (EDS)15 is an enhancement to Kia's existing music streaming and Wi-Fi hotspot services and now includes available video streaming through Netflix and YouTube,16 in addition to gaming and productivity apps.
The ccNC system also allows drivers to personalize the cockpit with available themed dashboard functions and captivating graphics22 representing some of their favorite sports and entertainment brands, including Disney,23 Marvel,24 National Geographic,25 Pixar,26 Star Wars,27 FIFA World Cup 2026,28 and the NBA,29 with more on the way. Wireless Apple CarPlay30 and Android Auto31 come standard and connect seamlessly to the infotainment system using the smartphone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
The EV3 owner can enjoy a more immersive experience with their vehicle by way of Kia's highly intuitive, voice-recognition-based AI Assistant.32 This system uses machine learning to achieve a higher level of organic interaction between driver and vehicle, which can deepen the human-to-machine interaction over time.
Other available convenience, tech and connectivity features include a 12-inch head-up display (HUD),12 a premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon33 audio system, wireless smartphone charging, 360° Surround-View Monitor (SVM),13 and MyQ Connected Garage,34 an intuitive garage door management system that brings peace of mind by addressing the question, "Did I close my garage door?"
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Driving Convenience
Aside from eight standard airbags,9 including rear side airbags, the EV3 offers an impressive suite of ADAS systems10 that support driving and collision avoidance. Of those, Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) Assist11 is among the most noteworthy, capable of applying automatic emergency braking in certain circumstances to help avoid a collision or reduce the impact of a crash.
Two applications of FCA are standard FCA Junction Turning (FCA-JT) and available FCA Junction Crossing (FCA-JC). FCA-JT can help avoid a collision with a detected oncoming vehicle when turning left at an intersection with the turn signal active. FCA-JC monitors the roadway when driving straight across an intersection and is designed to detect vehicles approaching on the left or right side. Both systems are designed to initiate audible and visual alerts followed by automatic emergency braking, in certain circumstances.
Other key driving convenience systems available on the EV3 include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2),35 Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA-R)36 and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).37
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
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* Select trims of the all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Charge time based on Kia Corporation testing with 800v DC fast charger and approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit battery temperature. Actual charge will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle's condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging.
2 Electric range shown is not an official EPA estimate and is based on preliminary manufacturer estimates on a vehicle with a full charge. Range will vary and depends on a number of factors, including battery age, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, weather, road/traffic conditions, ambient temperature, driving habits, options, and cargo. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use.
3 To participate in the Plug & Charge program, you must have an active Kia Connect subscription, be signed up for the Kia Charge Pass Program and have a default payment method to cover the costs associated with your vehicle's charging sessions. Only certain stations offer Plug & Charge services, see https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/kia-electrify.html for more details.
4 Purchase/lease of a 2026 Kia with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 3-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 3-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate, or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so. Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for some Model Year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Connect Terms of Service for more information. Kia Access App is available from the Apple® App Store® or Google Play Store™. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit https://www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple® and App Store® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
5 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
6 The i-Pedal system is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on the system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.
7 Regenerative braking is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on regenerative braking to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.
8 V2L requires the purchase of separately sold additional equipment and may not be compatible with all devices. V2L can be used until a 20 percent battery state of charge. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.
9 For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. Please refer to your vehicle's Owner's Manual for additional important safety information regarding airbags, including additional cautions and warnings.
10 When engaged, ADAS systems are not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
11 When engaged, Forward Collision Avoidance is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
12 Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
13 When engaged, 360° Surround-View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
14 Comprised of a 12.3-in. instrument display, 5-in. climate display, and 12.3-in. touchscreen infotainment display.
15 Additional subscriptions may be required for streaming services. Vehicle must be parked for video streaming and gaming features.Entertainment and Data Services is available only in eligible vehicles. A Kia Connect subscription is required. Use of Entertainment and Data Services is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (Privacy Policy) and Terms of Service (Terms of Use & Service | Kia). Verizon is the network provider for Entertainment and Data Services, which uses Verizon's 4G LTE network to transmit data. Data usage applies, and data speed and storage depend on package purchased. Entertainment and Data Services may require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal; certain services may collect location information. Coverage not available everywhere. See https://www.verizon.com/coverage-map/ for coverage map. Use of Entertainment and Data Services is subject to Verizon Wireless's Customer Agreement https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/overview.
16 YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC. Netflix is a trademark of Netflix Inc.
17 Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more safety information.
18 Vehicle to home (V2H) charging requires purchase of separately sold additional equipment. V2H may not be compatible with all devices and homes. Permits and special permissions may be required and may not be available in certain areas. V2H can be used until the battery's charge falls to 20 percent. V2H requires an active Kia Connect subscription.
19 Wallbox Power Recovery Unit is required for Backup Power functionality; Quasar 2 charger alone cannot power home in the event of electrical grid blackout. Quasar 2 and Power Recovery Unit may not be compatible with all devices and homes. Backup Power feature is projected to provide up to 2.5 days of power in areas of a home, based on an average 25 kWh daily usage and 81.4 kWh battery with 100% charge at start, when the home is properly equipped. Results, including time it takes to charge, may vary depending on your actual energy consumption, vehicle usage and maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, size of home or area, battery's state of charge, and other factors. Backup Power feature can be used until a 20% battery state of charge. Quasar 2 and Power Recovery Unit must be in a residential garage or carport with shade and ventilation.
20Kia Digital Key 2.0 requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.
21 Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
22 Display Themes are only available on models that have the latest ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) based infotainment system. An active Kia Connect subscription is required to utilize Display Themes. Without an active Kia Connect subscription, Display Themes will not be operational. Once purchased, Display Themes are limited to use on the specific vehicle tied to purchase and cannot be transferred to other vehicles.
23 ©Disney
24 © Marvel
25 © National Geographic Partners, LLC.
26 © Disney/Pixar
27 © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
28 FIFA World Cup 2026 ™
29 © 2026 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.
30 Apple CarPlay®: Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply.
31 Android Auto™: Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android-compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
32 Kia Connect subscription required. Use of the feature is subject to the Kia Connect Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. May be currently unavailable for vehicles purchased or sold in Massachusetts that are not eligible for Kia Connect. Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information provided. Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
33 Harman/Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
34 Kia myQ Connected Garage is available only on vehicles with a ccNC head unit. Kia Connect and myQ accounts are required to activate your myQ-enabled garage door opener. This feature depends on various other factors in the vehicle such as LTE network coverage to transmit data. Coverage not available everywhere. Certain services may collect location information and data usage applies. Kia Connect terms and conditions apply. Kia myQ Connected Garage is subject to a functioning link between Kia Connect and myQ accounts, as well as myQ systems availability. Speed of the network communication is dependent on the systems and LTE network coverage.
35 When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle,and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
36 When engaged, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objectsbehind the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
37 Remote Smart Parking Assist requires driver engagement and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Please see the Owner's Manual for limitations, warnings, and instructions.
SOURCE Kia America
