Kia EV3 is now on sale in New Zealand

Fresh from claiming the 2025 World Car of the Year title, Kia says its new EV3 is set to be an ideal choice for Kiwi motorists.

For it is an advanced medium-size fully electric SUV capable of around 600km on a single charge. The EV3 Light LR model claims 605km, while the Earth and GT-Line aim for 563km. All three are powered by an 81kWh battery pack. The entry-level Light SR variant ($55,520) manages a claimed 436km on its 58kWh battery pack.

Read our review of the EV3 Light LR here.

Todd McDonald, the MD of Kia New Zealand says: “The new Kia EV3 has debuted to outstanding reviews all around the globe, including winning numerous awards and accolades, most notably the World Car of the Year.

“It is following in the footsteps of our flagship EV9, not just in terms of awards won, but also incorporating the same striking styling. EV3 features similar advancements in technology and connectivity. It brings cutting-edge innovation to a wider audience than ever before and setting new standards in the segment.

“Moreover, it boasts a bold, progressive exterior and an innovative, practical interior that maximises space, functionality, and comfort.

“Impressively, it is also tuned for Australian and New Zealand conditions. A team of Kia engineers conducted more than 20,000km of local testing. Their efforts have delivered a vehicle that feels right at home in our environment. That’s thanks to a unique combination of hardware and shock absorber settings, making the new EV3 the ultimate urban SUV.”

At the heart of the Long Range models (three of the four available) is a sizeable 81.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. The EV3 Light Long Range has the most range of any Kia EV model currently available for sale.

All models use a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which integrates with an inverter and reduction gearbox to form a single unit mounted at the front of the vehicle.

V2L capability

Further, all EV3 models offer two Vehicle-to-Load outlets as standard, enabling electric devices to draw on the power supplied by the car’s battery.

All models can hook up to 350kW DC fast chargers, meaning a 10-80 per cent refill in 30 minutes.

Styling borrows cues from the EV9 and the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. Smooth lines give it an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.26, contributing to an extended driving range.

Three different styles of aero alloy wheels available, in either 17-inch (Light) or 19-inch diameters (Earth and GT-Line). 

Spacious simplistic interior

The interior is also up to the minute and simple in a luxurious minimalistic manner.

Like others in the line-up the EV3 uses the E-GMP platform that optimises interior space, all within a compact exterior.

All versions feature a 29.6-inch Panoramic Display screen. The top two models sport a full colour 12-inch Head-up Display, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. They are also ventilated on the GT-Line.

Luggage capacity is 460 litres, expanding to 1251 litres with the seats down.That’s in a car just 4300mm long. A 25-litre frunk is ideal for charging cables.

EV3 has already undergone ANCAP testing and achieved a five-star crash rating. It features the same ADAS and vehicle dynamics system as the EV9.

Thanks to the Kia Connect app, there are nine different vehicle functions that can be applied to the new EV3. These include Remote Climate Control, Remote Lock, EV Charging Locations and Status as well as Real-time Vehicle Tracking. This smart technology is available for free for the first five years of ownership.

The Kia EV3 is available in six exterior colours.

A ‘Kia Confidence’ package, a feature of all EV3s, comprises a seven-year/150,000km manufacturing warranty, eight-year/ 160,000km battery warranty, five-years of roadside assistance and a five-year Kia Connect programme with Over the Air updates.

More information about the new Kia EV3 is available here.