KIA EV3

The latest model to join Kia's rapidly growing EV family, the EV3 compact SUV EV is positioned below the Kia EV9 electric three-row crossover and the two-row Kia EV6. Though it might appear that the EV3 is crowding the EV6's space, it's actually over 14-inches shorter, and takes its styling cues from EV9 rather than the comparatively sleek curves of the EV6. (Kia also has a mid-sized EV5 EV SUV in the works, but reports are it won’t be sold in the U.S.) Details are still emerging, but we've been up close and personal with the European version and we can confirm it has all the cute, blocky presence of the EV9 in a compact, five-passenger, five-foot-tall, 14-foot long package—but with a slightly softer and friendlier appearance. Full powertrain details are still filtering in, but we do know the standard single-motor, front-wheel drive model will utilize a 58.3-kWh battery, while a long-range variant will get a 81.4-kWh capacity battery, the latter playing into Kia's is target range of 350 miles. The interior is toned down from that of the Kia Concept EV3 we saw late last year, but the basic layout and vibe remain: a pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens, a console lid that doubles as taco table, and the use of recycled fabrics in the doors and dash. Overall, If Kia can keep the price of the base model near its $30,000 target, it'll provide ample competition for competitors like the Volvo EX30 EV and VW ID.4. We think it will also draw the attention of buyers in the market for traditional gasoline-powered compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.