--- title: "The Kia EV3 Is Basically the EV9 Hit With a Shrink Ray" description: "Kia's small electric SUV will offer range over 300 miles and a design, inside and out, that borrows heavily from its much larger sibling." date: "2024-05-23" modified: "2024-05-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-kia-ev3-is-basically-the-ev9-hit-with-a-shrink-ray" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "Kia News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # The Kia EV3 Is Basically the EV9 Hit With a Shrink Ray ![]() *Kia* Kia is adding to its family of numbered EV models. The lineup started with the slick-looking [EV6 hatchback]() and then moved onto the massive but stylish [EV9]() three-row SUV. Now, a smaller, more affordable family member is here, the Kia EV3, and it certainly takes after its largest sibling. Right away, you can see the EV3's [resemblance to the EV9](), with its boxy wheel arches, upright front end, floating C-pillar, and funky headlights. However, it's a bit rounder than the EV9 and less aggressive on the whole. It looks like the mutant love child of the EV9 and [Volvo EX30](), and that's actually a compliment. Kia is clearly leaning into the futuristic aesthetic, as the EV3 looks like something from *Starfield*. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Hopefully, you aren't bored of the EV9 comparisons just yet, because the EV3's interior is almost identical. The dash is simpler, as are the door panels, but the cantilevered center console, dual-screen layout, and overall design are clearly inspired by the brand's biggest EV. The two-spoke steering wheel is slightly different, too, with an upward-swooping bottom section that gives it a sort of goofy, dead-eyed smile. A three-spoke wheel is available, which looks much different from the EV9's, but the rest of it is mostly the same—which isn't a bad thing. Under the skin lies a familiar chassis for anyone who knows their Hyundai group speak: the E-GMP. Sandwiched in that platform is one of two battery packs, rated at either 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh. Regardless of battery choice, the Kia EV3 makes do with just a single electric motor, making 201 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque. According to Kia, the EV3 hits 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, and will travel up to 372 miles on a full charge, based on testing under the WLTP criteria. WLTP trends to deliver optimistic efficiency predictions, to say the least, so 300 miles might be a safer bet. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Most customers aren't buying an EV3 for stop-light drag races, so what's more important is practicality and range. For the former, the Kia EV3 has 16 cubic feet of rear cargo space and just under a cubic foot under the frunk. There's some snazzy cabin tech to go with it, too. Hyundai's full suite of advanced autonomous safety features is available, and it even comes with something called I-Pedal 3.0, which helps the driver choose their level of regenerative braking. Kia has been on a roll lately with its all-electric offerings, and this EV3 indicates it's not slowing down. The company took its best design, the EV9, made it smaller and added tech that competitors are lacking. Customers in Korea will see the EV3 in showrooms first, in July, before the brand begins rolling it out to Europe and North America. No pricing has been announced, but the EV3 will assuredly be cheaper than both of its siblings, and the EV6 starts at $43,975 including destination. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()