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The new Kia EV3 subcompact SUV right after it was revealed at the 2026 New York International Auto Show on April 1, 2026.Kunal D’souza/The Globe and Mail
Kia is looking to change the perception that EVs are unaffordable with a lineup of new compact and subcompact vehicles that lower the price of entry for Canadians considering making the switch.
The latest to join the portfolio is the new EV3, a subcompact SUV that Kia revealed at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday and slots under the compact EV4 hatchback and the EV5 SUV as it is smaller than both.
Kia has positioned these three EVs to appeal to the majority of Canadians looking for a new vehicle. The EV4 starts at $38,995 and is currently the most affordable new EV in Canada, while the EV3 is expected to start in the low $40,000 range, though official pricing isn’t available. Kia is says the EV3 is the final model of its affordable series of EVs, that emulate the design and features of its larger and more expensive models.
The EV3 rides on Kia’s E-GMP 400-volt architecture, unlike the EV6 and EV9 which get an 800-volt system. Two battery sizes will be available: 58.3 kilowatt-hours and 81.4 in the higher trims. In ideal conditions, the company says the EV3 will be able to travel up to 482 kilometres between charges with the larger battery and up to 354 km with the smaller one.
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The interior and dash is similar to other Kias with two 12.3-inch screens and a smaller 5.3-inch screen for the climate controls.Kunal D’souza/The Globe and Mail
A base EV3, called “Light”, will be the only version to get the smaller battery paired with a single electric motor driving the front wheels. An all-wheel-drive option will be available on every other trim up from the base and standard on the top-end GT trim.
We can expect 201 horsepower for front-wheel-drive trims, 266 horsepower for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive trims and up to 288 horsepower for the GT.
The company says all versions can fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes and they will come with a standard NACS port with plug and charge technology that will allow adapter-less access to Tesla Supercharger stations across North America. There’s also a standard one-pedal braking feature that can be toggled on and off.
Aerodynamics play an important role for the efficiency of EVs and the EV3 uses lightweight materials, aero optimized wheels, active front grille shutters and fully closed underbody that allows a drag coefficient of 0.26, which is impressive for a square-ish SUV, and also contributes to its range of nearly 500 km with the larger battery.
Like its more expensive siblings, the EV3 will also feature V2L (vehicle to load) tech that turns the vehicle into a giant power bank that can power a laptop, coffee maker or even charge an e-bike.
Even with its compact footprint, the EV3 offers space for up to five with enough legroom in the back for taller adults, at least for shorter drives.
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The rear seats of the Kia EV3 are spacious enough for three adults for short drives.Kunal D’souza/The Globe and Mail
There’s 740 litres of cargo space in the trunk with additional storage under the floor and a 25-litre frunk, offering good cargo flexibility, uncommon in such a small vehicle. Much of the space can be attributed to the dedicated electric platform that has a minimal of underfloor mechanical components unlike a typical gas vehicle.
In-car tech will be similar to what we see on the EV4 and EV6, with a large panoramic display consisting of two 12.3-inch screens and a smaller 5.3-inch screen for the climate controls. A premium Harmon Kardon sound system will be optional as well as 12-inch head-up display, another feature that’s not common in this class of vehicle
In the last year we’ve had more affordable EV options enter the market such as the redesigned Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt and the new Toyota C-HR, all of which start at less than the $50,000 mark. The new EV4 compact hatchback with a starting price less than $40,000 remains the lowest price of the bunch, which means this new EV3 might be one of the cheapest new EV SUVs you can get.
The EV3 will go on sale in Canada this summer with pricing to be announced closer to that time.
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The trunk on the Kia EV3.Kunal D’souza/The Globe and Mail
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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