Kia will bring its subcompact electric SUV, the EV3, to the US market in 2027, filling a gap for affordable compact EVs. The automaker announced the plan at the New York Auto Show, confirming the vehicle's arrival later this year after its overseas debut. Kia hasn't finalized pricing yet but previously targeted a starting price of $35,000, positioning it as a direct competitor to the discontinued Volvo EX30. The EV3 will compete with the popular Kia Sportage in size and price range.

The EV3 offers two battery options: a standard-range 58.3 kWh pack with an advertised 220-mile range and a long-range 81.4 kWh variant promising 320 miles. Charging uses Kia's 400-volt architecture, which limits DC fast charging speed compared to 800-volt models like the EV9 (29 minutes from 10-80% for standard, 31 minutes for long-range). The EV3 uniquely features a native NACS charging port on the front passenger side. A Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) feature, enabling power export to homes during peak hours, will be available as a premium option.

While Kia's 2023 target range was $35,000 to $50,000, market shifts since then mean pricing won't be confirmed until closer to the 2027 launch. The EV3 represents Kia's strategic entry into the US compact EV segment, aiming to capture buyers seeking smaller, affordable electric SUVs like the Sportage.