Kia EV3: This Little SUV Could!
Image Credit: Kia.
Let's talk about the new Kia EV3, shall we? This little electric SUV is making a lot of noise in Europe, and it got me all kinds of curious. Kia's promising a segment-leading range at an affordable price. Well, you know me, I'm always up for a good bargain... especially when it comes with a healthy side of eco-friendly.
Kia says this thing has been tested on everything from highways to winding country roads, and it can go up to 375 miles on a single charge. 375 miles! That's nearly enough to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco! And if you're just puttering around town, Kia's claiming you can squeeze out up to 479 miles with their fancy i-Pedal technology and regenerative braking system. I mean, come on, that's practically a whole week of errands before you even have to think about plugging in!
This rather compact SUV can fast charge from 10% to 80% in about half an hour. I don't know about you, but that's barely enough time to grab a latte and scroll through my Instagram feed. And speaking of feeds, the EV3 is packed with all the latest tech, including dual 12.3-inch screens for navigation and driver displays, plus a 5.3-inch climate control screen sandwiched in between.
Now, as my good friend likes to say: "What's the catch?" Well, the EV3 is a compact SUV, about the size of a Volvo EX30. If your plan is to haul a whole soccer team and their equipment, you better look elsewhere. But if you need a comfy and good-looking ride for everyday tasks, it seems like this little guy should hold its own.
And the price? Oh, that's the best part. It starts at around $38,300 in Europe and $42,500 in the UK. I know, not exactly a pocket change, but it's definitely more affordable than many other EVs on the market. And if you're in Korea, you can snag one for under $30,000 with government incentives.
Of course, I'm always a little skeptical when I hear about these "game-changing" EVs. I've seen enough over-hyped electric cars to last a lifetime. But there's something intriguing about the EV3. Maybe it's the range, or the price, or the fact that it's packed with all the latest tech. Whatever it is, I'm keeping my eye on this little SUV.
And for those of us in the US, don't worry; Kia hasn't forgotten about us. They're expected to launch the EV3 here next year as a 2026 model, and it's rumored to start at around $30,000 to $35,000. So, if you're looking for an affordable, eco-friendly SUV, you may wanna hold on to your money for just a little bit longer.
