Kia’s EV3 Compact Electric Vehicle Set to Launch in the US This Year with 320-Mile Range

At the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, Kia revealed that its compact electric SUV, the EV3, is set to hit the US market in late 2026. This model has been available internationally since 2024, debuting in South Korea and Europe. The upcoming 2027 version for the US retains the slightly boxy aesthetic of the current 2026 model, but it looks like Kia has revamped the center console, ditching the much-criticized “chopping board” armrest from the original design. Additionally, the North American variant will feature a new glossy black “Nightfall” appearance package.

The EV3 will come in both standard and long-range configurations, providing 220 and 320 miles per charge, respectively. The long-range models will also offer an all-wheel drive option. Kia claims that the EV3’s DC fast charging can boost the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes for the standard range and 31 minutes for the long range.

The EV3 is equipped with Kia’s i-Pedal 3.0, enabling drivers to manage their speed using only the accelerator pedal, with the option to toggle it on or off via shifters on the steering wheel. Inside, it boasts a panoramic dash display featuring dual 12.3-inch screens alongside a 5-inch climate display.

Moreover, the EV3 includes features that allow it to power other devices through Vehicle to Load (V2L) and Vehicle to Home (V2H) capabilities. V2L can charge anything from laptops to e-bikes, while V2H, which requires a Wallbox bidirectional charging system, enables the EV3 to supply power to parts of a home. With a power recovery unit, V2H can even serve as a backup power source during outages.

Kia plans to announce pricing for the US version of the EV3 as the launch date approaches later this year, aiming for it to be relatively budget-friendly. However, the elimination of electric vehicle tax credits last year may pose a greater challenge to affordability compared to when the EV3 was first introduced in 2023.