A brand new Korean participant has entered the aggressive market of compact electrical SUVs: the Kia EV3. Because it competes towards a sea of Chinese language rivals, will probably be fascinating to see how this mannequin performs.
The EV3 incorporates a boxy but interesting design, showcasing the challenges posed by Chinese language manufacturers to international automotive producers. This mannequin marks a powerful step for Kia, which has poured vital sources into its electrical automobile (EV) line.
Nonetheless, the EV3’s pricing doesn’t align favorably with its Chinese language opponents. Essentially the most comparable variant is the bottom Air Commonplace Vary, which is the main target of this analysis.
2025 Kia EV3 Air Commonplace Vary Value and Gear
The 2025 Kia EV3 lineup launches in Australia with costs ranging from $48,990 drive-away for the Air Commonplace Vary, rising to $68,490 drive-away for the GT-Line Lengthy Vary mannequin. This pricing positions the Air SR above opponents just like the BYD Atto 3, which begins at $39,990 plus on-road prices, presenting a $5,000 benefit for the BYD mannequin.
The newly launched and bigger Geely EX5 begins at $40,990 plus on-road prices, whereas Zeekr has simply decreased the value of the premium Zeekr X by $7,000, now set at $49,900. Clearly, Kia faces stiff competitors.
All EV3 variants come outfitted with a 150kW/283Nm motor powering the entrance wheels. They’re constructed on the superior Kia E-GMP EV platform, in contrast to the Chinese language-built EV5. Moreover, the EV3 makes use of LG lithium-ion battery packs as a substitute of the economical, lower-density LFP batteries favored by its opponents.
The Air SR is distinguished by its 58.3kWh battery, providing a claimed vary of 436km. In distinction, the Lengthy Vary Air, Earth, and GT-Line fashions declare ranges of as much as 604km and no less than 563km, respectively.
To handle prices, the EV3 makes use of a 400V structure, which limits the utmost DC quick charging fee to 100.7kW for the Air SR and 127.5kW for Lengthy Vary variants. That is notably lower than the 200kW-plus charges obtainable in fashions just like the EV6 or EV9.
The AC charging fee for the Air SR is 6.9kW, rising to 10.5kW with three-phase energy entry.
When it comes to tools, the entry-level EV3 consists of options like 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and LED headlights. The inside boasts gray fabric upholstery, dual-zone local weather management, and a large infotainment display screen that spans a good portion of the dashboard. Wi-fi compatibility for each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite tv for pc navigation, a six-speaker sound system, and an Aussie-accented voice assistant are additionally included. Wi-fi smartphone charging and 4 USB-C ports are further conveniences.
The EV3 affords the Kia Join smartphone app, enabling over-the-air updates and consists of inner and exterior vehicle-to-load (V2L) shops with a 3.6kW capability. It additionally comes outfitted with important security options akin to autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping help, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind-spot monitoring, although an ANCAP ranking is but to be assigned.
Some notable downsides embrace the $550 cost for any paint colour apart from white, the absence of a powered driver’s seat or tailgate within the Air variant, and the shortage of a spare tire, regardless of house being allotted within the boot.
Whereas Kia’s seven-year/150,000km battery guarantee is much less favorable in comparison with opponents’ choices, the mannequin does include a seven-year/limitless km guarantee for different parts. Capped servicing prices are aggressive, totaling $674 for 3 years, $1,285 for 5 years, and $1,897 for seven years.
2025 Kia EV3 Air Commonplace Vary: Our Impressions
Driving the 2025 Kia EV3 Commonplace Vary is a pleasing expertise, characterised by commendable effectivity. This turned clear throughout a drive from Coolangatta airport to the Gold Coast, the place the automobile excelled in stop-and-go situations—best for an EV. Setting the drive mode to Economic system and maximizing one-pedal braking resulted in a median consumption of 12.4kWh/100km over a 22.9km journey.
The EV3 introduces a brand new function that enables drivers to pick between three ranges of regeneration, offering a customizable driving expertise. Regardless of its weight of 1845kg, the EV3 affords a shocking stage of responsiveness and agility.
Measuring 4300mm lengthy, 1850mm huge, and 1560mm tall, the EV3 is compact and straightforward to maneuver in city settings. The steering is fast and responsive, and the suspension has been tuned for native situations, offering a cushty experience, significantly at larger speeds.
With a protracted wheelbase of 2680mm, the inside is designed to maximise house. The rear seating is appropriate for taller passengers however is best fitted to kids, who will admire options like adjustable air vents and cup holders. The motive force enjoys a spacious and well-thought-out cockpit dominated by a big infotainment display screen.
The boot offers beneficiant cargo house at 460 liters, increasing to 1251 liters with the rear seats folded down. Nonetheless, the shortage of a spare tire stays some extent of competition.
2025 Kia EV3 Air Commonplace Vary: Conclusion
The Kia EV3 Air Commonplace Vary represents a big achievement, that includes an interesting design, considerate inside execution, and an environment friendly powertrain. The lingering query is whether or not customers are prepared to take a position extra in comparison with inexpensive Chinese language options. For many who can, the standard of the EV3 makes it a worthwhile funding.
SCORE: 4.0/5
2025 Kia EV3 Air Commonplace Vary Specs
- Value: $48,990 drive-away ($49,990 in WA)
- Fundamentals: 5 seats, 5 doorways, compact SUV, FWD
- Vary: 436km (WLTP)
- Battery Capability: 58.3kWh
- Battery Guarantee: 7 years/150,000km
- Vitality Consumption: 14.9Wh/100km (WLTP)
- Motors: 1 entrance, 150kW/283Nm
- AC Charging: 6.9kW, Sort 2 plug
- DC Charging: 100.7kW, CCS combo plug
- 0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds
