Unveiled earlier this year and immediately locked in for Australia, the 2025 Kia EV3 is now confirmed for a sales debut in either March or April.
Kia Australia has confirmed the local release of its new all-electric compact SUV, the EV3, with availability expected from March or April 2025.
When it arrives, the 2025 Kia EV3 will enter as a rival to the electric Hyundai Kona, Volvo EX30, BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV – or whatever its leaked successor will be named.
There’s still no details on pricing or specifications yet, however, with both on lockdown until sometime closer to the launch date.
2025 Kia EV3 powertrain and driving range
From its debut, the Kia EV3 will feature a single 150kW electric motor and a WLTP-confirmed driving range of up to 600km, powered by an 81.4kWh battery.
It will also come equipped with fast-charging capabilities, taking the battery from 10 to 80% in just 31 minutes using a 350kW DC fast charger.
In some other markets, the EV3 will also be offered with a smaller 58.3kWh battery, but it does not appear this option will come to Australia, where EV buyers tend to seek the greatest possible driving range.
Kia claims a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds and a 170km/h top speed.
The EV3 introduces Kia’s upgraded i-Pedal 3.0 technology, allowing for full one-pedal driving in all regenerative braking modes. Regenerative braking is available across four levels, from minimal braking (Level 0) to the more aggressive Level 3, suited for city traffic (or hill carving).
An upgraded Smart Regenerative System 3.0 is also included, using navigation-based data to predict road conditions. Kia says the system adjusts braking as needed for upcoming bends, speed bumps, or roundabouts.
Thanks to some slippery aerodynamics produced in part by underbody covers and optimised wheel designs, EV3’s drag coefficient is listed at a low 0.26Cd – compared to 0.27 for the Kona Electric, and 0.28 Cd for the EX30.
The EV3 also features the latest thermal management technology, with a liquid cooling system for the battery and heat pump technology to ensure charging and driving efficiency in extreme climates.
Specs: Kia EV3 v Hyundai Kona v Volvo EX30 v BYD Atto 3
| Model | Kia EV3 | Kia Niro | Hyundai Kona EV | Volvo EX30 | BYD Atto 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4300mm | 4420mm | 4355mm | 4233mm | 4455mm |
| Width | 1850mm | 1825mm | 1825mm | 1836mm | 1875mm |
| Height | 1560mm | 1585mm | 1580mm | 1549mm | 1615mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680mm | 2720mm | 2660mm | 2650mm | 2720mm |
| Boot space | 460L | 475L | 434L | 318L | 440L |
| Front storage compartment | 25L | 20L | – | 7L | – |
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability
Like the bigger EV6 and (likely) soon to be retired Kia Niro EV, the EV3 boasts a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system, which allows owners to power external devices using the car’s battery. This can power appliances like fridges or laptops, as needed.
Inside the 2025 Kia EV3
Note: The features listed below are as described with the international reveal earlier this year. Australian specs may vary.
Like all modern cars, the Kia EV3 will feature a tech-laden cabin, anchored by a panoramic display that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch main display. A separate five-inch screen manages climate controls, as seen in other new Kia models like the EV5, EV9, and K4.
Importantly for those deterred by a full-digital control system in the cabin, Kia is sticking with physical buttons for critical features like drive mode, navigation, cruise control, and entertainment, as well as traditional stalks for gear selection.
Key interior highlights include customisable ambient lighting, relaxation-mode front seats that recline, a Harman Kardon sound system, and an optional 12-inch head-up display. The EV3 also supports a digital key and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology for powering devices. Entertainment options include streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, accessible through LG’s WebOS platform while the vehicle is charging.
Recycled materials feature throughout the cabin: the seats, headliner, and floor mats use polyethylene terephthalate, which Kia notes is one of the most easily recyclable plastics.
The EV3 introduces an AI voice assistant based on a modified version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, first seen in Kia’s K4 sedan.
How much will the 2025 Kia EV3 cost in Australia?
We won’t know for sure until next year, but Kia’s own line-up and the broader market competition suggests a price somewhere around $50K to $60K.
A starting point below $50K seems unlikely, unless Kia decides to bring that smaller battery in as a price leader. The bigger, midsized EV5 is speculated to kick off from very close to $65,000 to boost its appeal against the popular Tesla Model Y.
More to come: AWD and a hero EV3 GT model
Kia has confirmed that in addition to the two-wheel-drive version, an all-wheel-drive variant and a GT model will be introduced at a later date, expanding the line-up for Australian buyers.
MORE: Kia EV5 details
