Kia EV3 Review UK

Meet the Kia EV3, the all-electric compact SUV that’s ready to turn heads! Think of it as the EV9’s younger, more affordable sibling -stylish, smart, and packed with features. Kia has been on a roll with its EV lineup, and the EV3 aims to bring that same magic to a smaller, more budget-friendly option. Whether you're zipping through city streets or heading out for a weekend adventure, this Kia EV promises a smooth, stress-free ride. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and see if this could be the perfect electric SUV for you.

Kia EV3 Exterior & Dimensions

The Kia EV3 isn’t just another electric SUV, it’s a statement on wheels. With its sleek, aerodynamic design, this little powerhouse grabs attention wherever it goes. The front features a stylish, minimalist grille, paired with sharp LED headlights and flush door handles that give it an ultra-modern look. Its sculpted sides and smooth curves create a dynamic profile. Its compact size also gives the EV3 an edge in manoeuvrability, making it ideal for urban environments. As well, there’s a range of vibrant and stylish exterior colour options available including Solid - Sunset Orange as the standard no cost option.

In terms of dimensions, the EV3 is the perfect balance of compact and spacious. It measures 4,310mm in length, 1,850mm in width, and 1,570mm in height, making it a great fit for the busy streets of the UK. When you compare it to its rivals, the Kia EV3 is marginally bigger than the Volkswagen ID.3 and slightly smaller than the Hyundai Kona Electric. It’s not quite as spacious as the larger Kia EV6, but it’s more than enough for those looking for a compact electric SUV that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or style.

Kia EV3 Interior & Tech

Hop inside the Kia EV3, and you’ll instantly feel the premium vibe. The interior is thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials, offering a refined touch that’s hard to miss. The dashboard is sleek and minimalist, yet functional, with everything neatly arranged to keep things simple and easy to use. It's a space that feels effortlessly stylish, where luxury meets practicality.

When it comes to comfort, the EV3 really shines. The seats are crafted for both style and support, offering plenty of cushioning to keep you relaxed on longer journeys. Despite its compact size, the cabin feels surprisingly spacious, with ample leg and headroom. Even those in the back seats will be comfortable on a trip.

Now, for the tech-savvy among up, this Kia EV won’t let you down. Its 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system is sharp, intuitive, and packed with all the latest features. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can easily sync your phone to access apps, music, and navigation. It also has a 12.3” driver display which provides all the important info in a sleek, customisable format. To add to this, there’s a 5.3” screen to display your climate controls.

Kia EV3 Boot Space & Practicality

The Kia EV3 proves that practicality doesn’t have to take a back seat to style. When it comes to boot space, this little electric SUV is surprisingly roomy. With 460 litres on offer, he EV3 gives you plenty of room for your weekend luggage, golf clubs, or a spontaneous trip. Plus, the 60:40 split rear seats fold flat, so if you need to haul larger items, just fold them down and get up to 1,250 litres. This is almost the same size as the Hyundai Kona Electric boot space. Also, there’s a small 25-litre ‘frunk’ that’s perfect for small items like your charging cables. Other features which add to the EV3’s practicality include a 12V front power socket, a centre console with underneath storage, door storage and a spacious glovebox.

Kia EV3 Electric Range, Charging & Performance

Up next, let’s talk about the heart and soul of the EV3 - its electric range, charging, and performance. First up, it’s designed to make sure you can go the distance without constantly worrying about finding a charging point. The Kia EV3 Standard Range 58.3kWh offers a range of 270 miles while the Long Range 81.4kWh has a greater range of 375 miles (WLTP – combined). This means with either option you can easily tackle daily commutes and errands. If you frequently make motorway trips, the Long Range version is the preferred option.

When it comes to charging, Kia has kept it simple and fast. With access to rapid charging stations, you can top up the battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. That’s perfect for those pit stops on a road trip or when you’ve got a limited window for charging. Plus, home charging is just as easy. Plug it in overnight, and you’ll be ready to roll with a fully charged EV3 the next morning.

As for performance, this Kia electric car is no slouch when it comes to driving fun. Thanks to its electric motor, it delivers instant torque and smooth acceleration, giving you that satisfying push you feel the moment you press the pedal. Whether you're darting through city streets or carving up winding country roads, the EV3 feels responsive and nimble. It’s the kind of car that makes driving electric feel exciting. So, in summary, this Kia electric SUV nails it with a solid electric range, lightning-fast charging, and impressive performance.

Kia EV3 Towing Capacity 

The Kia EV3 may be compact, but it still has decent potential when it comes to towing capacity. The Kia EV3 Standard Range can tow up to 500kg while the Long Range has a towing limit of 1,000kg (max. braked trailer weight). This makes it ready to handle light to moderate towing duties, plus there’s a max. roof load capacity of 80kg. While it’s not designed for heavy-duty towing like larger SUVs, the EV3 Long Range offers more than enough power for everyday towing tasks. In fact, it’s greater than the Kona Electric’s max. towing capacity of up to 750kg (braked). 

Kia EV3 Price UK

The Kia EV3 offers great value for money and is available in three trim levels: Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S. In the UK, the Kia EV3 price starts at around £33,000 (OTR) for the Air trim with the smaller battery. Some of the standard features on the Air model include heated front seats and steering wheel, multiple USB-C charging ports, drive mode select, automatic air conditioning and ample safety features. For around £1,000, you can opt for the Air trim with the larger 81.4kWh battery.

If you're after a sportier look and added features, the GT-Line trim with an 81.4kWh battery is priced from around £39,000. This comes with extra features like GT-Line interior styling, a wireless mobile phone charger, ambient lighting and privacy glass. Up from this, the top-of-the-range GT-Line S is available from roughly £43,000. For around an extra £1,000, it comes with the bigger battery which is expected to be a popular option. The Kia Ev3 GT-Line S comes with features like a smart power tailgate, outer rear heated seats, a front sunroof and an upgraded speaker system.

Kia EV3 Safety & Reliability

When it comes to safety and reliability, the Kia EV3 truly has your back. Regardless of the trim level you choose, this electric SUV is packed with features designed to keep you safe and sound. Standard features include driver attention warning, hill-start assist control, lane keep assist, a reversing camera system and a speed limiter, just to mention a few. It’s the kind of tech that makes driving safer and less stressful. If you opt for the GT-Line S, it also comes with additional features like remote smart parking assist, blind-spot view monitor and a 360° surround view monitor.

As for reliability, Kia has long been known for building cars that last, and the EV3 is no exception. Kia’s standard 7-year/100,000-mile warranty covers you for the long haul, giving you peace of mind that your EV will keep going strong for years to come. Whether it’s the electric motor or the battery, you can trust that the EV3 is designed to be durable and dependable. It also boasts a solid build quality, which adds to its overall reliability.

Kia EV Lease Deals

Kia EV3 Lease

Leasing the Kia EV3 in the UK is a fantastic way to drive this stylish and high-tech electric SUV without committing to a full purchase. With GB Vehicle Leasing, you can experience the EV3’s advanced technology and performance while enjoying fixed monthly payments and lower upfront costs. Plus, Kia EV3 leasing ensures predictable expenses, making budgeting easier.

If you're considering a Kia EV3 lease, our expert team is ready to assist you. Our offers come with a full UK manufacturer’s warranty and free vehicle delivery across UK mainland, making the process even more convenient. Get in touch today to explore our latest lease offers and find the perfect deal to suit your needs!

Our Verdict

The Kia EV3 is a fantastic addition to the compact electric SUV market, offering a winning mix of style, practicality, and cutting-edge tech. It’s also a strong contender for families and commuters alike, thanks to its spacious boot, clever storage solutions, and advanced safety features. Factor in Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty and competitive leasing options, and the EV3 becomes an appealing option. Based on this, GB Vehicle Leasing feel the latest Kia EV3 deserves an overall score of 4.2 out of 5 stars. If you enjoyed our review of this Kia EV, click here to read more blog content from our marketing team.