2025 Kia EV3

In recent years, Kia has made significant improvements in its design and quality, particularly with its lineup of fully electric vehicles. As the brand aims to launch a car in every electric vehicle segment and establish itself as New Zealand's leading electric vehicle brand, this strategy is proving successful.

Crowned the World Car of the Year 2025 by the World Car Awards, the EV3 is a compact SUV and Kia’s latest addition to its expanding EV family. But don't let the compact label fool you; in terms of practicality and road presence, it feels anything but small. With its upright stance and broad proportions, Kia delivers all the prestige and appeal of their flagship EV9 but in a smaller, more affordable package. 

Kia offers the EV3 in four trim levels: Light SR, Light LR, Earth, and GT-Line. All variants are equipped with Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology, which comes in two sizes: a 58.3kWh unit for the Light SR and a larger 81.4kWh version for the other variants. Fast charging remains quick and efficient; using DC ultra-fast charging, it takes just 29 minutes (Light SR) or 31 minutes (LR, Earth, GT-Line) to charge from 10% to 80%.

We tested the Light LR (long-range) model, boasting an impressive 605km range – this went a long way in easing our range anxiety. In comparison, the Light SR offers an indicated range of 436km, which is still impressive considering its smaller battery size, especially for a car starting at $55,520. The extensive range of the LR model was more than sufficient for our week-long test drive. During our time with the EV3, the energy consumption was recorded at 14.5kWh/100 km, closely aligning with Kia's combined estimate of 14.9kWh/100 km.

As you step inside, you’re welcomed by a light grey cabin that feels both airy and inviting. The materials have a high-quality feel, and everything appears to be well-constructed, even in the base Light model. Although the higher-spec models offer features like heated seats with electric adjustments and lumbar support, the cloth seats in the Light model remain comfortable and supportive. The cabin is spacious, with a boot that provides 460 litres of storage, expanding to 1,251 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, there is a small but handy 25 litre storage compartment located under the bonnet.

Commanding attention on the dashboard is a bright panoramic display that includes a 12.3” digital instrument cluster, a 12.3” touchscreen infotainment, and a 5” air conditioning screen. While the Light models exclude wireless phone charging, the vehicle is equipped with two USB-C charging ports in the front and two additional ports in the back, conveniently located at the back of the front seats. Additionally, a handy 3-pin NZ power socket is provided for charging devices directly from the car's battery.

The start button is integrated into the steering column-mounted gear selector, which is tucked away under the steering wheel and can feel awkward at first. However, Kia’s technology package is modern and intuitive. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all included and connect seamlessly. Over-the-air (OTA) updates are supported for five years, allowing map updates and infotainment features to be updated without needing to visit a dealership.