Kia EV3 is a tech-packed small SUV EV, lands in Australia next month, starts at A$47,600 – techAU
Kia Australia has officially unveiled pricing for its latest all-electric offering, the Kia EV3, a compact SUV set to roll into dealerships later this month.
Starting at an enticing A$47,600 RRP for the Air Standard Range and peaking at A$63,950 RRP for the flagship GT-Line, the EV3 brings a compelling mix of range, tech, and design to the growing EV market.
If you’re in the market for an electric car, even considering the siblings, the Kia EV5 and EV9, you’ll be keen to know how it compares in terms of pricing and value?
Let’s dive in.
Pricing breakdown and comparisons
The EV3 slots into Kia’s electric lineup as the entry-level option, undercutting both the mid-sized EV5 and the larger EV9. Here’s how the range shapes up:
- EV3 Air Standard Range: A$47,600 RRP (A$48,990 drive-away, except WA)
- EV3 Air Long Range: A$53,315 RRP (A$56,490 drive-away, except WA)
- EV3 Earth Long Range: A$58,600 RRP (A$62,690 drive-away, except WA)
- EV3 GT-Line Long Range: A$63,950 RRP (A$68,490 drive-away, except WA)
For comparison, the Kia EV5 starts at A$56,100 RRP for its base Air trim, climbing to A$70,700 for the GT-Line, while the seven-seat EV9 kicks off at A$97,000 for the Air variant and tops out at A$121,000 for the GT-Line.
At A$47,600, the EV3 Air Standard Range comes in roughly A$8,500 below the EV5 Air and a whopping A$49,400 less than the EV9 Air, making it a budget-friendly entry into Kia’s electric family.
Even the top-spec EV3 GT-Line at A$63,950 sits A$6,750 below the EV5 GT-Line and A$57,050 under the EV9 GT-Line, offering a strong value proposition for a smaller footprint.
Powertrain and range: Efficiency meets flexibility
Built on Kia’s E-GMP platform (400V version), the EV3 offers two lithium-ion battery options: a 58.3 kWh Standard Range pack (436 km WLTP) and an 81.4 kWh Long Range pack (up to 604 km WLTP in the Air trim).
All models feature a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup delivering 150 kW and 283 Nm, paired with trim-specific alloy wheels (17-inch for Air, 19-inch for Earth and GT-Line).
The standout here is the Long Range Air’s class-leading 604 km range, which outpaces many rivals in the small SUV segment.
The Earth and GT-Line Long Range models drop slightly to 563 km due to added features and larger wheels, but that’s still competitive.
By contrast, the EV5 offers up to 530 km WLTP in its Long Range trims, while the EV9 stretches to 541 km—impressive for its size, but the EV3’s efficiency shines in the compact class.
A key tech highlight is the debut of iPedal 3.0, an adjustable regenerative braking system that enables one-pedal driving.
Drivers can tweak the regen level to suit their style, maximizing efficiency, and the settings persist after restarts—a thoughtful touch. It even works in reverse, adding practicality for tight maneuvers.
Design: Compact yet bold
The EV3’s exterior blends Kia’s signature Star Map lighting and Tiger Face elements with a modern, aerodynamic silhouette. The GT-Line stands out with sharper diagonals, a larger black grille, and unique lighting signatures front and rear, while all trims feature flush door handles and trim-specific wheels for a sleek, high-tech vibe.
At the rear, Star Map lighting ties the design together, with black window frames flowing into the C-pillar for a cohesive look.
Inside, Kia opts for a “home-like” minimalism with soft-touch surfaces, cloth trim on Air models, and artificial leather on Earth and GT-Line (with Subtle Grey or Light Warm Grey options for Earth).
A trio of screens dominates the dash: a 12.3-inch driver cluster, a 5.3-inch climate display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, all running Kia’s latest ccNC interface. Physical buttons for key functions complement the tech-heavy setup, striking a balance between form and usability.
Features: Tech across the range
All EV3 trims come with Kia Connect, OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system with a connector kit.
The Earth and GT-Line add a Smart Power Tailgate, while the GT-Line goes further with a Head-Up Display, wide sunroof, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Safety is robust too, with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) and a centre side airbag standard across the board.
Space-wise, the EV3 leverages the E-GMP platform for impressive interior room despite its compact exterior, offering generous legroom, shoulder room, and headroom. Cargo capacity is a solid 460L (VDA) in the rear, plus a 25L frunk—practical for its class.
Verdict: Another great option in Kia’s EV lineup
Priced from A$47,600 to A$63,950, the Kia EV3 delivers a potent mix of range, tech, and style at a lower entry point than the EV5 (A$56,100–A$70,700) and EV9 (A$97,000–A$121,000).
It’s ideal for urban buyers or small families wanting EV efficiency without the bulk—or price tag—of its siblings.
With up to 604 km of range, cutting-edge features like iPedal 3.0, and a sharp design, the EV3 looks set to shake up Australia’s small SUV market when it lands later this month.
