Video: Kia’s smallest EV being treated as a big deal

Kia has officially launched the EV3 small electric SUV into the New Zealand market – and they think it is a pretty big deal.

So much so that they invited 75 representatives of major fleet operators and industry insiders to check out and drive the car at an event on the outskirts of Auckland yesterday.

The EV3 replaces the popular Niro EV in what Kia thinks is the best EV range in the market. It is arguable one of the biggest, now spanning the EV3, EV5 (our EV of the year!), EV6 and EV9 SUV range, with the EV4 sedan close to launch, and PV5 van range confirmed to land late this year.

A range of ranges

The Kia EV3 range kicks off at $55,520 for the entry-level Light SR (Standard Range), offering cloth upholstery, manual seating adjustment, and 17-inch alloys. At $62,990, the Light LR (Long Range) extends driving range and retains the same comfort features.

The $69,220 Earth LR steps up significantly, introducing composite leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, larger 19-inch wheels, privacy glass, and advanced driver assistance such as Surround View Monitor and Remote Smart Park Assist.

The range-topping GT-Line LR, priced at $75,220, adds ventilated and premium ‘relaxation; front seats, a sliding console table, ambient interior lighting, power-operated tailgate, Harman/Kardon premium sound, distinctive cube-style LED headlights, and dynamic welcome lighting.

Safety across the range is robust, with all variants featuring Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and e-Call emergency response as standard, plus Kia Connect for over-the-air software updates.

All EV3 variants come with Kia’s new seven-year, 150,000km warranty, the longest yet offered by the brand. The battery warranty runs an additional year.

Standard range

The Kia EV3 offers two battery choices: the Standard Range (SR) model features a 58.3kWh NCM lithium-ion battery delivering up to 436km range, while Long Range (LR) variants get an 81.4kWh battery providing up to 605km of range (WLTP).

Charging times vary by battery and charger type; SR models reach 10–80% in approximately 29 minutes on a 100kW DC fast charger, whereas LR versions achieve the same charge in around 31 minutes using a faster 128kW charger. AC charging at home takes about 5 hours 20 minutes (SR) or 7 hours 15 minutes (LR) on an 11kW wallbox.

All models include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability as standard, allowing power output to appliances via internal 3-pin socket at up to 16 amps. Unlike other Kias, the external adapter is included in the price.

Small yet spacious

We drove the Light LR model – check out our video below. It feels like a very spacious car for a small SUV, and ride and refinement are excellent. Built is good, though hard plastics abound. On the plus side, most interior finishes are either recycled or bio materials.

Practicality is also addressed with a small-but-handy 25-litre front storage compartment (frunk), ideal for charging cables and smaller items.

Kia highlighted the EV3 as a “baby EV9,” featuring advanced technologies from its flagship EV9 SUV, such as a panoramic display screen and selective frequency dampers to enhance ride and handling—bringing high-end technology to a broader audience at a more accessible price point.

Additional variants, including an all-wheel-drive version and a performance-oriented GT model, are expected in the near future, alongside a full specification breakdown closer to launch.

Kia expects first deliveries of the EV3 to commence in April.