Tested: 2027 Kia EV3 Is a Charming Entry-Level EVMichael Simari - Car and DriverThe market for entry-level cars certainly isn't what it used to be, but we're encouraged to see that there's a growing crop of affordable new EVs at the lower end of the price spectrum. The Kia EV3 is the latest entrant, joining the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf in the sub-$32,000 crew. While we've yet to sample the EV3 in its most basic form, we were impressed with the more expensive dual-motor GT-Line variant that we tested.Michael Simari - Car and DriverThe mere existence of a dual-motor configuration in the EV3 lineup is notable in this class, as the Leaf and Bolt are both single-motor-only propositions, meaning they don't offer all-wheel drive like the Kia does. The EV3's standard setup involves a front-mounted 201-hp electric motor, while the dual-motor configuration bumps output to 261 horsepower and is a $3200 or $3700 option on mid-tier trims. It comes standard on the GT-Line tested here and on the top GT model, which ups output to 288 horses. The least expensive dual-motor EV3 is the $40,185 Wind AWD model, while our GT-Line test car stickered for $45,805, including a couple of small extras. Not so entry-level in this spec, to be sure.Michael Simari - Car and DriverBut the EV3 doesn't exactly look or feel like a budget-minded economy car. In another timeline, its squared-off exterior could have been the next-generation Soul, but the distinctive lighting elements, wheels, and color-blocked trim pieces elevate this two-box shape. Inside, the dashboard looks like it came straight out of more expensive Kias. The digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch central touchscreen look crisp, though we're tiring of Kia's insistence on placing the climate-control screen between the other two screens, where it's blocked by the steering wheel.The EV3's seating position feels natural, and its smart packaging means there's a low and flat floor that provides tons of space between the front seats. There's a multitiered center console that can fit a lot of stuff, and the rear seat is larger than you'd expect for a vehicle measuring just 169.7 inches long.Michael Simari - Car and DriverYou also might not expect much driving personality from a small electric crossover, but that's yet another area where the EV3 pleasantly surprises. The ride quality is refined, especially considering its short wheelbase, and the steering is weighted naturally. There's not a ton of grip available (just 0.83 g around the skidpad), but body control in corners is excellent. The powertrain is smooth and responsive, getting the EV3 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds at the test track. We can think of EVs costing three times as much that aren't as comfortable, eager, or cohesive as this little box.Although the more powerful dual-motor EV3 beats the single-motor Bolt and Leaf to 60 mph by around a second, a sizable 81-kWh battery pack means its range is still competitive with those models. The EPA estimates our test car's configuration for 280 miles on a charge, and it achieved a solid 250 miles of range in our real-world 75-mph highway test. That matches the Leaf's result in the same test and beats the Bolt by 20 miles.Michael Simari - Car and DriverHowever, in our DC fast-charge test, the EV3's battery needed 47 minutes to go from 10 to 90 percent full. The Kia averaged a 90-kW draw rate over that period, peaking at 129 kilowatts (slightly above its official 127-kW max). The Bolt and the Leaf, on the other hand, both recoup electrons at a rate of up to 150 kW; the Leaf completed our fast-charge test in 40 minutes, and the Bolt required only 38. Still, we remain eager to test the front-drive EV3, as all single-motor trims but the base model are rated for 321 miles of range (for $31,385, the EV3 Light has a smaller 58-kWh battery and is rated for 221 miles).Michael Simari - Car and DriverOn paper, the lesser EV3s make more sense than our well-equipped test car. The EV3 GT-Line is a great package, but its price effectively puts it in a different league from the Bolt and Leaf. Above the $40,000 mark, the EV3 starts to contend with one-class-up electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which can be had in dual-motor form for just under $43,000. That's not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, as the Hyundai isn't be as well equipped as the Kia at this price, but it does offer more power, range, and space.Michael Simari - Car and DriverEven though not every EV3 is equally affordable, the costlier versions do at least justify their price premium over the competition by offering additional features and an all-wheel-drive powertrain. So, although we're reserving full judgment on the EV3 until we get our hands on one of the more skinflint configurations, we can say that Kia has put forth a compelling entry in this new class of small and affordable EVs.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029