Kia EV3 2025 review
Photo: Damian B Oh (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Kia EV3 was crowned UK Car of the Year 2025, making it back-to-back victories for Kia after the EV9 took the 2024 title. Starting from £32,995, it distils everything good about the big EV9 into a compact family SUV — including a WLTP range of up to 375 miles, the longest of any Kia electric car in its most compact package.
Two battery options are offered. The 58.3kWh standard-range car claims 270 miles and covers 0–62mph in around 7.4 seconds, while the 81.4kWh long-range version stretches to 375 miles and takes 7.7 seconds. Both use a 201bhp motor driving the front wheels, top out at 106mph, and recharge from 10–80% in about 30 minutes on a DC rapid charger.
The range opened with Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S trims. Equipment includes twin 12.3-inch displays plus a 5.3-inch climate touchscreen, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, parking sensors and a rear-view camera, with 19-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio on higher trims. A 460-litre boot plus a 25-litre front storage compartment make it genuinely practical.
Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile warranty and excellent reliability reputation complete a package that sets the benchmark for affordable electric family motoring. Rivals such as the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1 struggle to match its blend of range, space and value.
Related reviews: Kia Ceed 2024 review · Kia Ev4 2025 review · Kia Ev6 2024 review
UK price from: £32,995
Specifications
| Battery | 58.3 kWh / 81.4 kWh |
| Power | 201 bhp |
| Range (WLTP) | 270 miles (standard); up to 375 miles (long range) |
| 0-62 mph | 7.4–7.5 seconds (standard); 7.7 seconds (long range) |
| Top speed | 106 mph |
| DC charging | 10–80% in around 30 minutes |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 460 litres plus 25-litre frunk |
| Seats | 5 |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
Features
- 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery; up to 375 miles of WLTP range
- 201bhp front-mounted electric motor
- 10–80% DC rapid charging in around 30 minutes
- Twin 12.3-inch displays plus 5.3-inch climate touchscreen
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Parking sensors and rear-view camera
- 19-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging and head-up display (GT-Line)
- Harman Kardon premium audio and ventilated front seats (GT-Line S)
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £23.99 | Activated carbon type |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £32.99 | Flat aero blades |
| Front brake pads (set) | £79.99 | Low wear on EVs thanks to regenerative braking |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £129.99 | |
| Replacement tyre (EV-rated) | £149.99 | Check size: 215/55 R19 on GT-Line |
| Type 2 charging cable (5m) | £139.99 | 32A single-phase |
Pros
- UK Car of the Year 2025 with up to 375 miles of range
- Seven-year/100,000-mile warranty and a strong reliability record
- Spacious, cleverly packaged cabin with a big boot and frunk
- Well-judged ride and handling on British roads
Cons
- 400V charging is slower than 800V rivals such as the EV6
- GT-Line S pushes past £42,000 — serious money
- No all-wheel-drive option at any price
- Bigger wheels make the ride fidgety on rough roads
