Kia unveiled the new 2027 EV3 at the New York International Auto Show, introducing the compact electric SUV that will serve as the entry point to the Korean brand’s battery-electric lineup in the U.S. market. Kia expects to launch it in late 2026 and plans to offer it in five trims named Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT.
The model rides on the 400-volt E-GMP platform and stands as the most accessible electric vehicle in Kia’s range. With the EV3, Kia wants to bring battery-electric mobility to a broader group of buyers than the audience it has reached so far with the EV6 and EV9.
Kia unveils the 2027 EV3 as its new entry-level electric SUV for the U.S.
Kia will offer two battery configurations. The Light trim uses a 58.3-kWh battery pack with an estimated range of about 217 miles, while the higher trims use an 81.4-kWh pack that, according to Kia, can travel more than 317 miles on a single charge.
Kia says the EV3 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in direct current in about 29 minutes with the standard battery and about 31 minutes with the larger pack. Every version comes standard with a NACS charging port, which is becoming increasingly common in North America, along with Plug and Charge functionality that makes access to public charging infrastructure easier. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the Wind and Land trims and comes standard on the GT-Line and GT.
Among the features that help the EV3 stand out in its segment are Vehicle-to-Load, which allows the battery to power external devices, and Vehicle-to-Home, available through a bidirectional charging solution developed with Wallbox. That system lets the vehicle take part in home energy management by sending power back to the house when needed.
At the top of the range sits the EV3 GT, which produces 288 horsepower and features a sportier chassis setup. Across the lineup, Kia also includes a technology package with dual 12.3-inch screens, a dedicated 5-inch display for climate controls, and the Navigation Cockpit system with over-the-air updates.
According to Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, the EV3 brings the innovation of Kia’s electric family into a format designed to meet the daily needs of U.S. customers, from urban commuting to longer trips. In his view, the model combines a more accessible price position with enough range and technology to compete with already established rivals in the entry-level side of the North American EV market.
