The brand new 2027 Kia EV3 SUV debuts at New York International Auto Show

• Right-sized for those who welcome the invitation to go electric, in one of the fastest growing segments in Canada
• Stand-out 'Opposites United' design with alluring proportions
• Kia's E-GMP architecture is engineered to enable 10-80 percent recharge in as little as 31 minutesⁱ with DC fast charger
• Up to a Kia-estimated 482 kilometers of all-electric range (AER)ⁱⁱ in ideal conditions
• Available all-wheel drive (AWD)ⁱⁱⁱ – providing uncommon capability among entry-subcompact SUV EVs
• Innovative i-Pedal 3.0 technology^iv and Smart Regenerative Braking^v
• The available Onboard Power Generator (V2L)^vi turns EV3 into a useful power source for a variety of devices such as laptops and campsite lighting sources
• Standard eight airbags^vii plus an impressive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)^viii including standard Forward Collision Avoidance^ix and standard Hands-on Detection (HOD)
• Spacious interior with 2,823 litres of space (estimated) providing passengers ample room. Rear passengers are treated to reclining rear seats
• More premium features enhance the experience of this entry-SUV with available: Head-up Display, Surround View Monitor (SVM)^x, Blind-spot View Monitor, Ventilated Driver's Memory Seat, LED multicolour mood lighting
• Key standard content: nearly 30-inches of combined dash display (same as EV9) with Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with dual 12.3-inch displays^xi and touch screen dual-zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)
• Expected to go on sale in Canada late Q3 2026

NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 made its North American debut today at the New York International Auto Show as the latest dedicated EV from Kia, following EV4 and EV5. The EV3 offers the advanced amenities of the award-winning EV9 in a smart and approachable package. Ultimately, it is designed to deliver efficient, all-electric performance with a compact footprint.

2027 Kia EV3 (International model shown) (CNW Group/Kia Canada Inc.)

"The EV3 is the third and final model of price accessible EVs coming to Canada in 2026 from Kia," said David Sherrard, Director, Strategic Planning at Kia Canada. "This vehicle further addresses the affordability expectation of customers when looking to transition into an EV and will offer a content-rich and intelligently packaged solution to allow Canadians to more seamlessly adopt the electric vehicle lifestyle."

As the latest dedicated EV from Kia after the EV4 and EV5 introduced this year, it will be entering one of the largest and fastest growing segments in the Canadian landscape. These new Kia EVs will appeal to the majority of Canadian automotive shoppers, across the three most significant segments in the country. The Kia EV5 as a family sized SUV, the EV4 as a compact car and now the EV3 as a sub-compact SUV.

The EV3 is tailored to meet diverse lifestyles and usages, centred on universally appealing attributes such as affordability, utility, and maneuverability. Based on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 features an energy-dense battery allowing up to a Kia-estimated 482 kilometres of range on certain trims with fast charging capabilities in ideal conditions.

Right-sized for those who welcome the invitation to go electric, the 2027 Kia EV3 will be available in six trim levels: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT-Line Limited and GT ensuring the right trim and features for customers shopping in this segment. It is expected to go on sale in Canada late Q3 of 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to the EV3's on-sale date.

Engaging on the Outside

Guided by Kia's global 'Opposites United' design philosophy, the EV3 juxtaposes contrasts found in nature with those of the human and industrial world. As such, it shares the same fundamental design language as Kia's pioneering EV6 and EV9 models.

Upon approach, the first thing to catch the eye is the star map DRL design, Kia's signature lighting concept with standard small cube LED projector head lamps. The vertically arranged lights emphasize the EV3's broad front-end, while the horizontally configured lights underscore the latest interpretation of Kia's Tiger Face, giving the EV3 an expressive and futuristic look. Overall, the EV3's front-facing persona exudes boldness and confidence in a concisely wrapped package, aligned to the styling of EV4, EV5 and EV9.

The aerodynamic profile combines short overhangs and a low, sloping roof that gives the illusion that it's floating as it moves rearward. The roofline leads back to the combination taillamps that reflect the Star Map lighting design found up front. The hidden rear door handles lend to the EV3's clean side view similar to EV5 and EV9.

The EV3's planted stance meets the pavement with either standard 17-inch or available 19-inch alloy wheels wearing all-season tires. The top line EV3 GT gets high-performance all-season tires to deliver a more spirited driving experience and exclusive design elements to create a more visually striking package.

Space, Comfort and Utility Inside

In the same way that 'Opposites United' defines the exterior of the EV3, Kia's unique design language brings nature and humanity together on the inside. Here, designers applied durable materials while still achieving a rich look and feel.

The home-like cabin is headlined by a two-spoke steering wheel (three-spoke on GT-Line and GT trims) and an expansive standard panoramic display consisting of dual 12.3-inch displays and a 5-inch climate display. The driver and front passenger area features a clean and open layout appealing to those who value simplicity and practicality. An open centre console with retractable cupholders allows for flexible storage for larger items and features both open and covered storage compartments for the flexibility to meet customer needs.

The cabin experience is further elevated with standard dual-zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC), standard heated^xii and optional ventilated front seats, and multicolour mood lighting. Rear seat passengers can enjoy standard features such as seat backs that recline up to 40 degrees and air vents that provide a restful atmosphere.

In the cargo area, EV3 delivers on roominess and utility thanks to 60/40 flat folding seats, a generously sized cargo area with 740 litres of capacity, a standard two-position luggage board with underfloor storage, and a 25 litre frunk, a feature not commonly found in this class. An optional Smart Power Tailgate is also available, which automatically opens by way of Smart Key for easy load-in of groceries or gear. Opening height and speed of the tailgate can be set through the infotainment system.

Electrified Power and Performance

Underpinned by Kia's dedicated 400V E-GMP platform, the Kia EV3 is powered by a choice of two batteries options: a standard 58.3 kWh battery (Light) or a long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT-Line Limited, GT). The smaller of the two batteries provides power to the front-wheels only, while the larger battery makes all-wheel-drive (AWD) possible (optional on Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT-Line Limited; standard on GT). As far as all-electric range goes, the 58.3 kWh battery is designed to allow up to a Kia-estimated 354 kilometres and the 81.4 kWh battery up to a Kia-estimated 482 kilometres (FWD) in ideal conditions.

The EV3's driving stability, ride comfort and responsiveness are the result of a Macpherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link geometry at the rear. Aside from ride and handling prowess, advanced chassis development was aimed at reducing NVH. Engineers added sound absorption throughout the body and applied damping materials to increase quietness for highway and around-town driving.

To benefit efficiency and performance, the EV3's aerodynamics have been carefully crafted. Kia expanded use of lightweight body materials, employed aero wheels, integrated a front bumper active air flap and installed a full underbody cover. The result is a drag coefficient of .26 Cd.

When it comes to DC fast charging, the EV3's battery is designed to power up from 10 to 80 percent charge using DC fast chargers in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT-Line Limited, GT) battery in ideal conditions.

For ease of use, there's a native NACS charging port on the front passenger side of the EV3. Kia's innovative i-Pedal 3.0 system helps drivers to smoothly control the speed of the vehicle and can bring it to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. This feature works in tandem with EV3's adaptive Smart Regenerative Braking function to help recapture energy otherwise lost when brakes are applied. The i-Pedal 3.0 system also now works in reverse and the EV3's i-Pedal Memory function reverts to the last-used i-Pedal setting when the car restarts.

Taking practicality to new heights, the EV3 brings V2L functionality, allowing the vehicle to provide power from its battery to compatible external devices ranging from driveway to campsite. This can mean everything from powering a laptop, brewing coffee, charging up an e-bike and countless other applications. V2L opens the door to activities and projects that may otherwise require a cumbersome external power source.

Packed with Convenience, Tech and Connectivity Features

The EV3 brings together smart and innovative content to elevate the everyday user experience. This starts with Kia's available Digital Key 2.0.^xiii Providing access via a compatible smartphone or mobile device, this feature allows remote functions such as door lock and unlock, from anywhere including home, office, school, or shopping.

This EV3 features a standard panoramic display comprised of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 5.3-inch HVAC display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Together, these elements form the core of Kia's connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). Setting a new benchmark for in-car content, the Kia-pioneered system which first arrived with the EV9, offers robust connectivity and entertainment features that can be enhanced remotely through over-the-air (OTA) software updates.^xiv

Other available convenience, tech and connectivity features include a 12-inch head-up display (HUD), a premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon^xv audio system, wireless smartphone charging and Surround View Monitor (SVM).

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Aside from eight standard airbags, including rear side airbags, the EV3 offers an impressive suite of ADAS systems that is engineered to support driving and collision avoidance. Of those, standard Forward Collision Avoidance is among the most noteworthy, designed to apply automatic emergency braking in certain circumstances to help avoid a collision or reduce the impact of a crash. Also standard, the EV3 is equipped with Hands-On Detection (HOD) which is engineered to sense contact between the driver's hands and the steering wheel. This system is designed to provide audible and visual alerts when it detects the driver's hands are no longer on the steering wheel.

Two applications of FCA are FCA Junction Turning (FCA-JT) and FCA Junction Crossing (FCA-JC). FCA-JT is engineered to help avoid a collision with a detected oncoming vehicle when turning left at an intersection with the turn signal active. FCA-JC monitors the roadway when driving straight across an intersection and is designed to detect vehicles approaching on the left or right side. Both systems are designed to initiate audible and visual alerts followed by automatic emergency braking, in certain circumstances.

Other key ADAS systems available on the EV3 include Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Lane Following Assist (LFA),^xvi Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)^xvii and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).^xviii

The EV3 is expected to go on sale in Canada late Q3. Visit www.kia.ca/EV3 to sign up for the latest news on specification and pricing closer to launch timing.

About Kia Canada

Kia Canada Inc., founded in 1999, is a subsidiary of Kia Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. The company employs over 200 people at its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, as well as in locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montréal, Québec. Kia offers award winning products that are dynamic, stylish and innovative and services that are meaningful and convenient through a network of nearly 200 dealers across the country. The company's brand slogan – 'Movement that inspires' reflects Kia's desire to create the space for you to get inspired and more time to bring your ideas to life. To learn more, visit kia.ca or Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

For media inquiries only, please contact [email protected]. 

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ⁱ Charge time based on Kia Corporation testing with 800v DC fast charger and approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit battery temperature. Actual charge will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle's condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging.

ⁱⁱ Electric range shown is not an official EPA estimate and is based on preliminary manufacturer estimates on a vehicle with a full charge. Range will vary and depends on a number of factors, including battery age, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, weather, road/traffic conditions, ambient temperature, driving habits, options, and cargo. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use.                                                                                                                           

ⁱⁱⁱ No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.

^iv The i-Pedal system is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on the system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.

^v Regenerative braking is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on regenerative braking to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.

^vi V2L requires the purchase of separately sold additional equipment and may not be compatible with all devices. V2L can be used until a 20 percent battery state of charge. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.

^vii For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. Please refer to your vehicle's Owner's Manual for additional important safety information regarding airbags, including additional cautions and warnings.

^viii When engaged, ADAS systems are not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

^ix When engaged, Forward Collision Avoidance is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

^x When engaged, Surround View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

^xi Comprised of a 12.3-in. instrument display, 5-in. climate display, and 12.3-in. touchscreen infotainment display.

^xii Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more safety information.

^xiii Kia Digital Key 2.0 requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.

^xiv Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.

^xv Harman/Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

^xvi When engaged, Lane Following Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

^xvii Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may only function under certain conditions. Always drive safely and use caution.

^xviii Remote Smart Parking Assist requires driver engagement and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Please see the Owner's Manual for limitations, warnings, and instructions.

SOURCE Kia Canada Inc.