Review: Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 enters an increasingly crowded electric vehicle market, yet it stands out as one of the best small electric SUVs currently available.

You don't have to take my word for it. The EV3 was crowned both World Car of the Year 2025 and UK Car of the Year 2025, alongside a host of other industry accolades.

Kia claims the EV3 is among the most efficient EVs on the market in terms of charging, range and overall performance, with a maximum claimed range of up to 367 miles on a full charge.

Whether that figure can be achieved consistently in real-world driving remains to be seen, but 367 miles is certainly an impressive target. However, that range is only available with the larger 81kWh battery pack.

Charging times vary depending on the power source. Using a standard three-pin domestic socket, a full charge from 0-100 per cent takes an impractical 32 hours. A 16A home charger cuts that to just over seven hours.

At a public 50kW DC charger, the EV3 can be charged from 0-80 per cent in one hour and 19 minutes. Connect it to a 350kW ultra-rapid charger and that time falls to just 31 minutes.

According to Zapmap, which tracks charging points and their availability in real time, most home users pay around 25p per kWh. Those with solar panels or access to off-peak electricity tariffs can reduce that figure to as little as 8.8p per kWh, making EV ownership considerably more attractive.

On the road, the EV3 is a comfortable and relaxing car to drive, while still offering respectable performance. Our more powerful test car accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 105mph.

We were particularly impressed by the regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted through several levels of intensity. At its strongest setting, it allows one-pedal driving, bringing the car to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal.

Inside, the cabin is pleasant and well laid out, although there is perhaps a greater use of hard plastics than some rivals. Our GT-Line test car benefited from a few extra premium touches, including fabric trim on the dashboard and door panels.

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, a dedicated 5.3-inch climate-control screen and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system is intuitive and easy to use, while the physical controls for temperature and fan speed are particularly welcome in an era of increasingly touchscreen-dependent interiors.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted across the range, although wireless phone charging is reserved for GT-Line models and above.

As an SUV, the EV3 offers a higher driving position, providing excellent visibility and a commanding view of the road ahead.

Parking and manoeuvring are straightforward thanks to standard front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera across the entire range.

Kia EV3

Price: £39,455

Engine: 81.4kWh Li-ion polymer battery

Power: 201bhp

Torque: 208lb/ft

Transmission: single-speed automatic transmission

Top speed: 105mph

0-62mph: 7.7 seconds

Range 367 miles combined

CO 2 emissions:0g/km