Verified vehicle record
2027 Kia EV3
The 2027 Kia EV3 is a small, relatively affordable electric SUV in five trims with two batteries, up to 320 miles of range with the larger 81.4-kWh pack, and a NACS charging port. Kia's US target was about $35,000, though one analysis lists $29,890. The EPA rates it 103 to 117 MPGe, with no recalls or complaints yet.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
PowertrainSingle or dual electric motor, 58.3-kWh or 81.4-kWh battery
Output201 / 261 hp
DrivetrainFWD; standard AWD on GT-Line and GT, optional on Wind and Land
Seating5
Decision answers17Trim, ownership and verification
What the 2027 Kia EV3 is
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the EV3 is offered in Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line and GT trims with two different batteries, both plugging in through a NACS charging port, the Tesla standard. The Wind, Land, GT-Line and GT models have an 81.4 kWh battery that enables available dual-motor all-wheel drive, and when that battery is paired with front-wheel drive it gives up to 320 miles of range by Kia's estimates. The EV3 is based on the Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, so it shares battery and charging technology with the Kia EV6 and EV9, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Genesis GV60. MotorTrend also reports that Kia was aiming for a starting price of about $35,000, which could rise closer to $50,000 for high-end models, and worries the many amenities will make it hard to sell at that competitive base price.
Reliability and cost to own
EvSeekers (opens in a new tab) says the US EV3 has no recalls or NHTSA complaint history yet, so any reliability verdict is premature, and that the one formal recall on record is a UK campaign, R/2026/139, covering 4,516 EV3s built between June 24 and October 16, 2025. On costs, MotiveGrid (opens in a new tab) projects five-year ownership of about $41,619, or $694 a month at 15,000 miles a year, including about $17,934 of depreciation on a $29,890 starting price (roughly 60 percent), $2,082 a year in insurance, $650 a year to charge, $189 a year for maintenance and $410 a year for tires. Those are modeled estimates, but the charging figure agrees with the EPA's $650 to $750 a year on fueleconomy.gov (opens in a new tab).
2027 EV3 against the Toyota bZ and Hyundai Kona
The EV3's 103 to 117 MPGe compares with 109 to 131 MPGe and $550 to $700 a year for the 2027 Toyota bZ, so the bZ is the more efficient of the two small electric SUVs, while the gas 2027 Hyundai Kona rates 26 to 31 mpg and costs $2,100 to $2,500 a year to fuel, three times the EV3's charging cost. The EV3's case is its 320-mile range and E-GMP platform; the bZ's is efficiency.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
Kia's compact electric SUV spans a 58.3-kWh standard-range battery (201-hp FWD, EPA-estimated 221-mile range) up to an 81.4-kWh long-range pack (up to 321-mile FWD range); AWD models combine for 261 hp and are standard on GT-Line/GT, optional on Wind/Land.
Model-year note
U.S. availability began in late 2026 under model-year 2027 EPA certification, so 2027 is the correct current U.S. model year even though early coverage of the launch used 2026 informally. Battery size, not trim name alone, determines range, so match the exact battery and drivetrain before quoting a range figure.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Entry trim | 58.3-kWh battery and 201-hp single motor standard, FWD, EPA-estimated 221-mile range, Entry point for the EV3 lineup |
| Wind | Trim 2 of 5 | 81.4-kWh long-range battery available (up to 321-mile FWD range), AWD optional, combining for 261 hp when equipped, Upgraded equipment over Light |
| Land | Trim 3 of 5 | 81.4-kWh long-range battery available, AWD optional, combining for 261 hp when equipped, Land-specific equipment over Wind |
| GT-Line | Trim 4 of 5 | 81.4-kWh long-range battery, standard AWD, 261 hp combined, GT-Line-specific sport-appearance equipment, Highest standard-equipment level below GT |
| GT | Top trim | 81.4-kWh long-range battery, standard AWD, 261 hp combined, Range-topping trim with the most extensive standard equipment, GT-Line-level AWD powertrain carries over |
01
Entry trim
Light
- 58.3-kWh battery and 201-hp single motor standard, FWD
- EPA-estimated 221-mile range
- Entry point for the EV3 lineup
02
Trim 2 of 5
Wind
- 81.4-kWh long-range battery available (up to 321-mile FWD range)
- AWD optional, combining for 261 hp when equipped
- Upgraded equipment over Light
03
Trim 3 of 5
Land
- 81.4-kWh long-range battery available
- AWD optional, combining for 261 hp when equipped
- Land-specific equipment over Wind
04
Trim 4 of 5
GT-Line
- 81.4-kWh long-range battery, standard AWD, 261 hp combined
- GT-Line-specific sport-appearance equipment
- Highest standard-equipment level below GT
05
Top trim
GT
- 81.4-kWh long-range battery, standard AWD, 261 hp combined
- Range-topping trim with the most extensive standard equipment
- GT-Line-level AWD powertrain carries over
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2027 Kia EV3: manufacturer specifications by trim.
Figures from Kia media site specifications (kiamedia.com).
| Specification | Light | Wind (FWD) | Land (FWD) | Wind (AWD) | Land (AWD) | GT-Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $29,890 | $43,490 | ||||
| Curb weight | 3,836 lb | 4,048 lb | 4,048 lb | 4,332 lb | 4,332 lb | 4,332 lb |
| Length | 169.3 in | 169.3 in | 169.3 in | 169.3 in | 169.3 in | 169.7 in |
| Height | 62 in | 62 in | 63 in | 62 in | 63 in | 62.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.5 in | 105.5 in | 105.5 in | 105.5 in | 105.5 in | 105.5 in |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50648EV3 Long Range AWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 110 | 96 | 103 | 280 mi |
| 50649EV3 Long Range FWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 131 | 104 | 117 | 321 mi |
| 50650EV3 Long Range GT AWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 112 | 94 | 103 | 280 mi |
| 50651EV3 Standard Range FWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 127 | 103 | 115 | 221 mi |
Direct answers
17 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 EV3 come in?
The 2027 Kia EV3 (compact electric SUV) comes in 5 trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT.
Source: Kia
Q02What are the 2027 EV3 trims?
The 2027 Kia EV3 trims are Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT, listed from the entry Light up to the top GT.
Source: Kia
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 EV3 use?
The 2027 Kia EV3 is built around Single or dual electric motor, 58.3-kWh or 81.4-kWh battery, rated at 201 / 261 horsepower across its compact electric SUV body style.
Source: Kia specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 EV3?
The 2027 Kia EV3 is offered with FWD; standard AWD on GT-Line and GT, optional on Wind and Land.
Source: Kia specifications
Q05What changed for the 2027 EV3?
U.S. availability began in late 2026 under model-year 2027 EPA certification, so 2027 is the correct current U.S. model year even though early coverage of the launch used 2026 informally. Battery size, not trim name alone, determines range, so match the exact battery and drivetrain before quoting a range figure.
Source: Kia model-year information
Q06What torque do the 2027 Kia EV3's wheel nuts need?
The 2027 Kia EV3 owner's manual gives a wheel-nut tightening torque of 79–94 lb-ft. Source: 2027 Kia EV3 owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q07What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2027 Kia EV3 use?
The 2027 Kia EV3 owner's manual names R-1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant. Source: 2027 Kia EV3 owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q08How much cargo room is behind the 2027 Kia EV3's second row?
Cargo volume behind the second row is 26.1 cu ft. Documented for the 2027 Kia EV3 in Web search aggregate (Edmunds/KBB/manufacturer research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09What is the 2027 Kia EV3's maximum cargo volume?
Maximum cargo volume is 56.5 cu ft. Documented for the 2027 Kia EV3 in Web search aggregate (Edmunds/KBB/manufacturer research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q10Does the 2027 Kia EV3 come with roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is included for 5 years / 60,000 miles. Documented for the 2027 Kia EV3 in Kia USA Roadside Assistance, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q11How much does a 2027 Kia EV3 cost?
$29,890 to $45,890 across the 5 trims Kia prices: $29,890 for the Light and $45,890 for the GT. Those are starting MSRPs read 2026-09-10, before destination, options, taxes and dealer charges.
Source: kia.com (opens in a new tab)
Q12How much does the 2027 Kia EV3 cost?
The base EV3 starts at $29,890 MSRP, or $31,385 including the $1,495 destination fee.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q13What are the 2027 Kia EV3 trim levels?
Five main trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line and GT, offered with either single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q14Does all-wheel drive reduce range on the 2027 Kia EV3?
Yes. Adding all-wheel drive costs $3,700 on Wind or $3,200 on Land, but drops range to 280 miles from the rear-wheel-drive figures.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q15How long does the 2027 Kia EV3 take to charge at home?
EPA lists 6.2 to 8.8 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, depending on configuration: the EV3 Standard Range FWD is quickest and the EV3 Long Range FWD takes longest.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q16What colors does the 2027 Kia EV3 come in?
Kia lists 5 exterior colors for the 2027 Kia EV3: Interstellar Gray, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Morning Haze, Frost Blue. It also lists 2 two-tone combinations: Frost Blue with Black Roof; Snow White Pearl with Black Roof. Which colors are offered depends on the trim.
Source: kia.com (opens in a new tab)
Q17What suspension does the 2027 Kia EV3 use?
MotorTrend describes the 2027 Kia EV3's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design.
Source: kia.com (opens in a new tab)
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2027 Kia EV3.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Kia EV3 official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.