DRIVEN: The 2026 Kia EV3 Proves That, Sometimes, Less is More | Driving Kia’s Smallest Electric SUV

[@edmundscars]

There's a lot to like about the EV3, minus the very long wait time. What features are important for an affordable EV to have for you? Let us know in the comments below!

[@johnmcvicker6728]

Where is assembly? Is it imported?

[@eric.browning]

Needs heat pump and awd standard on all models standard. Also that center console is dumb. We need storage there.

[@BikingBadwithTC]

Always good to hear the reviewer say “I’d spend my own money to own this”, that says a lot, shows it’s special. Great job Kia!

[@eddieg6436]

Excited for the EV3 to come to the U.S.!!

[@summer-w1d]

Yesss

[@summer-w1d]

@eddieg6436 this will be a great first little suv I did like the ev6 😆 it ride like a boat 😆 very safety too

[@realNikoCousin]

96k miles on my ‘22 ev6 wind awd. Greatest car I’ve ever had. A pleasure to drive and has given zero problems!! I flat out enjoy driving it and the practicality of it is amazing!! Great job Kia! Keep doing these

[@HanmaHeiro]

I learned about this car just 2 day ago and it's shaping up to be amazing. Really hoping their long range version truly comes priced at 35k. And their base starts at 30k or under!

[@rk12968]

I'm genuinely excited about this and the Rivian R3. These 2 really make sense in terms of packaging, performance, and price: smaller form factor but still roomy inside, est 350+ mi of real life range, advanced interface, driving aids, ~$35k starting price. Can't wait for the future to be here already!

[@HumbleBearcat]

Looking really good! Pricing is crucial; if they can price it competitively, then it will steal a lot of market share from Tesla or even hybrids.

[@bmwxpicasso]

Tesla knows this is coming, so I believe they are actually working on a cheaper Tesla below the model 3 right now.

[@steverogers8163]

@@bmwxpicasso They cancelled the cheaper car to make RoboTaxi instead.

[@bmwxpicasso]

I never considered ever buying a Kia or an ev car, but this EV3 review is tempting me to test drive one.

[@prahalove1488]

I am a Korean who has been living in Canada over 8 years now. I miss the road conditions of my home country. I hope you guys were handling well under humid summer there. EV3 looks really great but they should be around 45,000 CAD.

[@NinoNlkkl]

Korea has the best roads. The only other country that comes close is japan.

[@O.K_computer]

더워서 뒤질것같아요

[@amirhaddad5025]

Looks so confortable to drive and I like the stylish look. Unfortunately have to wait till 2026 when ev3 will be available in Canada

[@Gerry090]

I can't wait for Kia to at least tell us the price range here in Canada! Unless an unforeseen event happens, it's definitely my next car!

[@andremcamara3120]

From what I have read in other Videos the 2026 will range from $35,000 to $50,000 Cnd No price on the AWD which I prefer. Only drawback that I see is the fact that it does not have a Full Centre/Front Console.

[@Molishious]

I love the boxy styling on this and I think it will do well in the US. It’s a little small for me but when they come out with an AWD version I’ll consider it if I haven’t already bought something else. It’s unfortunate that we don’t get the EV 5 as that’s the size I’d like to have.

[@4literv6]

Agree, this segment is 800,000-1,100,000 total sales across ALL models&makes in the us out of 14,000,000+average vehicle sales. 😀 Korea thinks they'll move 110,000+of these in the na market. For 35-50k per Kia themselves. And 130kw charging with no standard heat pump on a 2025 year compact fwd slow cuv is a joke. And no nacs either yet.😂

[@summer-w1d]

I would give this to a new driver honestly

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video looking forward to seeing this ev here

[@yuchan063]

I don't see any reason to choose another EV in the price range of the EV3. Thanks for taking the time to review it all the way to South Korea.

[@johnnyk6906]

EV3 will bring "life" to the Kia brand like it did back in 2009 with 2010 Soul. we became a Kia family since then with reliable and practical design and functions. we are ready for EV3 when it lands on U.S shore and a good time for me to trade in our 2019 Niro which has been a bulletproof reliable and a perfect commuter.

[@garyclark6747]

This will be fine for an occasional road trip where you only have to charge once or twice. It’ll literally will be the deal of the century for those that can charge at home or work and with that kind of range the possibilities are huge. 14:35

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

Deal of a century...? Not sure about that. I'd argue the Bolt already took that crown when it cost 27.5 and qualified for the tax credit

[@genericreference6969]

@@ayushmalpeddi2793wait for the next Bolt - if its close to that same price then wowee

[@rk12968]

The vast majority of drivers would not drive a full 350 mi without a stop or two. That'd be like driving 5 hr on the highway without a stop. Stopping 20 min for a 40 kWH recharge (half the battery) doesn't seem like a major issue to me.

[@timdsd]

I wish the EV3 were available in the U.S. this year. But if I had to buy a new EV today, I'll consider the Niro EV, along with the Hyundai Kona EV and IONIQ 5. Nothing bigger.

[@roadways5744]

I'd recommend Ioniq 5. Charging station in US is very critical, and new 2025 ioniq 5 supports NACS charging, so new option to charge at Tesla Supercharge station. While I was renting Chevy Bolt for a month, charging space was the most issue because all common spots were full in peak time.

[@VMYeahVN]

I have the 2024 Kona EV and i love it. I'm in a city where parking is tough and i can fit the Kona anywhere pretty much, it's great. I love the Ioniq 5 too, it just was out of my price range (and is a little bigger). But the 2024 Kona is basically a mini Ioniq 5 that doesn't charge as fast (because the Kona is not on the EGMP platform like the Ioniq vehicles are). I can't speak on the Niro, but it is the sister vehicle to the Kona. So they are highly similar and it largely just comes down to little Kia/Hyundai specific differences like how they tune the driving and the design of the exterior and such.

[@teddysdadcory]

I’m a fan of small EVs too. Check out the Genesis GV60. It’s 5” shorter than the Ioniq 5 and feels like a much nimbler car. The user interface is really good too.

[@hobit-j4o]

Don't buy niro ev or kona ev. Hyundai-Kia has willingly decided to accept the cannibalization of the Niro EV and Kona EV to make way for the EV3, which comes with superior technology. In terms of price, technology, and maintenance, the EV3 is the better choice in every way.

[@KoreanAmericanLawyer.NewPortBe]

Kia are killing it!

[@pbentsonable]

Other than the 2 tone interior and the huge black wheel well trim it looks really good. Long as it’s roomy enough for tall people. This will sell well.

[@kylenewberry8598]

Well aside from the EV market seemingly being pretty saturated for those that want EV.

[@antiantiderivative]

@@kylenewberry8598Well all the government subsidies for gasoline cars make it hard to switch over

[@StevenMillward]

nice review! the Smart #1 has more pizazz and is the same size (~4,300 mm), but it's good to see more affordable-ish competition.

[@Heartless_13224]

I'm glad that the charge port is on the front right. Good for curbside charging and a native position for Tesla Superchargers.

[@bawintermage8351]

For those people who are completely EV adverse, remember the naysayers said the same thing about : indoor plumbing, women's suffrage, air conditioning, pollution controls, seat belts, crumple zones,

[@1225KPH]

If you can waste time charging and planing trips around chargers, your time is worthless. If your time is worthless, you are worthless.

[@toskin6395]

@@1225KPHwatching and responding to KZbin videos on a Wednesday morning might also indicate a certain lassitude about worthwhile time usage…

[@bawintermage8351]

@@1225KPH So you never sit in traffic, wait in line, develop relationships, cook dinner, have sex or go out to lunch? Everything worth doing takes time to do. Further, truly intelligent and productive people utilize what the feeble call wasted time. Guess, I see where you stand. Don't worry, I'll take the TIME to entertain your GF, and show her that's she's chocked full of worth! Hahahahahahaha

[@woah5761]

@@1225KPHgood thing u can just charge at home! If you waste time going to gas stations then your time means nothing.

[@1225KPH]

@@woah5761 Nobody makes an extension cord long enough for me to charge on my weekly round trip between Cody and Cheyenne, Wyoming. And I can leave at the spur of the moment with a couple of gallons of gasoline in the tank.... 3 miles down the road I filled up. EVs are too expensive, not ready for prime time, self-immolators for liberal Demorat virtue signalers.

[@PoshJosey]

hope we eventually see the EV2 in the US 🤞🤞🤞

[@tastyorange]

I like the paint alot. It's like pearl white, green and yellow all mixed together.

[@jasperfai3670]

When will these be available in the US?

[@rustlebruxz0013]

Good review, I'm very interested. Shame it's 2 years before availability.

[@flottenheimer]

Fingers crossed for a Matte Green option when the EV5 hits the EU (need something a bit bigger than the otherwise excellent EV3).

[@lkrnpk]

I think this could be my first EV. I will move in a new apartment with parking place where I can charge and maybe not outright but perhaps I could buy it slightly used in 1 or 2 years... if it proves to be a really good deal. I like the range, I like the size, I like how it feels bigger than it is as everyone says. Seems like a great EV. I do with though that Tesla made a car this size as they are still kings of efficiency and technology and I am not that much about interiors and finishes.

[@jamesp5301]

Looks like a great and practical car. Probably not going to come to the US until they can build it here.

[@baoquoc3710]

7:09 EV6 Casually glide through 😂

[@craigmerkey8518]

Than you for the great review! Do we know if the EV5 is coming to the US? That seems more like the size that fits my needs!

[@genericreference6969]

No chance its Chinese

[@anthonyc8499]

Kia needs to make this in the USA for the tax credits. The EV3 seems to check a lot of boxes for a small, practical EV that is great around town and can be pressed into service as a viable road trip car if needed. Definitely a big leap forward over the Bolt EUV. The lease deals on this could be insanely good.

[@rossettivictor]

Being a Kia owner since 2008… that seems to be my next one

[@SuleBandi]

Guys, please add some metric units...

[@jossmaxwell00]

Nice review Sir. I hope this comes to the UK Motability scheme. Kia are you listening???

[@kens8903]

This is what I wanted from Tesla. Can’t wait for this stateside

[@stephengneri2136]

So we have almost twins EX30 and EV3. Hopefully one will have a useable back seat.

[@OPMDK]

What has always struck me coming traditionally from sedans is that a CUV like this easily has as much, or more, useable space in it as a full size sedan does/did

[@Zentelover]

Please release EV3 this year in Canada. Many people will buy it if it's under 45k.

[@jeffs6090]

This looks great. Though, I can't wait for the EV5! More my size.

[@didiermejia780]

I saw ome today in Los Angeles, looks sharp

[@Bajansilva]

How does this compare size wise to the shortage?

[@SSS-mp8th]

Love the look of most new Kia's including the EV's. The price of EV's just kills all of them for me. I'd love an ID Buzz and would be willing to deal with range and charging except it's $20k too expensive. With resale that's in the tank.

[@Molishious]

It will be interesting to see how this charges on Superchargers as the 800 V Kia and Hyundai cars charge slowly on the Superchargers so although this is a lot slower on non Tesla chargers it might be faster on superchargers. An 82 KWh battery in a car this size is very impressive, I don’t think any other car of this size has a battery that big.

[@nicholaskolnik6458]

EV3 isn't 800V. It's a 400V it should charge at its max rate on Tesla. That is why its max rate is so low compared to EV9 & 6.

[@Molishious]

@@nicholaskolnik6458 That was the point I was making. Although this technically charges slower than the 800 V Korean cars it may charge faster on the superchargers because the 800 V cars max out at around 100 kW on the superchargers and on some they only get about 45 kW. However, I don't know enough to say for sure that it will get the full 139 kW on the superchargers.

[@justaguy6862]

This thing will sell like hotcakes!

[@ArneAsada69]

Way to tease me with an EV I like that we won’t see here in the US until 2026. 😢

[@Evan_Land]

this looks great, but pricing wise it still is a harder sell against a civic or corolla... I have a Bolt EUV, but right now only have electric since i was able to stack many ev discounts to get a new one for 14k. I wonder if it's release is delayed because it doesn't qualify for any rebates?

[@concinnus]

Planned for production in Mexico, which is supposed to qualify it for the $7500 US credit. Likewise, the EX30 is planned for US production iirc. Also, some cars that don't qualify when bought outright do get the full rebate when leased, and some Kia dealers offer excellent lease deals.

[@Mumble-s]

I am a huge fan of my Kia ev9 but I disagree a bit about the ipedal. It feels sometimes (and I have) used the brakes when coming to complete stop. It also feels at times to not be consistent stopping with ipedal. Minor gripe to a fabulous car. On the climate screen. I have rarely used that screen, if I do, push the X to expand to the right screen. I use auto climate and just adjust the temp with the switches.

[@frankierays]

I’m getting old waiting for something like this in the U.S. It’s waayy over due. Question: Do seats fold flat for max cargo?

[@nickbothfeld0219]

How does it’s size compare to the Kia Soul?

[@kilimanjaro5595]

Am I missing something, 2026 model that's on sale in 2025. Is Korea a year ahead of us?

[@seeyuen2000]

Is this just a refresh of the Kia soul EV that they never released in the US?

[@andremcamara3120]

AWD Version will be great for North America especially in Canada.

[@aXimo]

What about OTA updates? Are there new features coming like in Teslas?

[@dallasmouzakis5192]

Does it have a frunk?

[@Jmoorelive21]

Could you say that this is a rebrand Niro EV?

[@t0dd000]

It's a 2026. But it's more or less ready to sell, right? So, in theory, it could be available in the US in January. What is your prediction for its availability in the US?

[@brokeboy87]

The range figures is pretty close to what I get with my Honda HRV. The lack of interior storage and the ac location is the 2 dislikes I have already for this car.

[@SahilMalik]

Good job Kia!

[@thismanagain]

Batista does another good review!

[@GON-lu4me]

My guess is mid-30K USD for a basic trim to mid-40K for a fully loaded trim.

[@kiskis0611]

this car optimised to the best also drives fun as golf compare to E niro

[@PaulHo]

Perfect sizes for a huge void in the stupid US market.

[@melodytalks3432]

Kia mislead public as true range is vastly different to the claimed figures.!!! I test drove GT model twice moderately in town & motorway mixed in a moderate manner. Shocking discovery was that it gave only 3.2 kwh which equates to 245 miles range instead of 370 miles claimed !!! Wow, 130 mile short of the false inflated claim!! Acceleration is subdued too, noisy with 20" tyres and backseat accommodate only 2 adults.... Test drive it for at least 3 hours motorway and town to reveal poor 245 miles vs 370 miles range before part with your hard cash.

[@BTC909]

Can it tow a Grand Cherokee 4Xe?

[@Progress-qb8oc]

EV3: (Long range model) 600km/ 373miles (Short range model) 480km/ 298miles

[@Cyborg_Auto]

Can you even see out of the back window? 😂

[@khiemthedream]

The boring grey interior panel still exists.

[@teddysdadcory]

I wish it had more power and was RWD. I hope they bring an AWD variant to North America.

[@roedevilla]

Please include metric specs. Thank you

[@greatpix]

I wish it had the interior space of the Kia Soul and the back half of the car was more like the Souls

[@danezu791]

uselessly big, looking forward for the EV2, Kia!

[@jimfilby7770]

And as the shape is similar to Hyundi Ioniq 5… same platform?

[@victorseal9047]

I didn’t watch until the end. So, did he mention that there is No Heat pump in the models on display at the present moment. 😮 That’s a real bummer for us in Canada and other countries with cold climes. 😢

[@genericreference6969]

Most car heat pumps dont deal with anything less than -5 C, so Im not sure its the dealbreaker many think for Canada

[@wrzl1675]

It will sell for north of $30k and hit $40k and for a sub compact. They’ll sell few thousand a year.

[@Dxoilxd]

Are we watching Brian Wong or Biggie Smalls? I see you with the rhymes

[@lordraiden5398]

The vehicle looks nice but those wheels would be the very first thing I would change.

[@Whyunounderstand]

It has good design and interior is great but hardly game changing plenty of Chinese EVs that have better battery tech for lower price point.

[@Steve-vg5nj]

It would be great if you can convert miles to Km's. Cheers.

[@Alex-oy6fu]

"less is more"? are you serious? That thing is huge. You dont need that. Also power consumption is very high because of the not very aerodynamic shape. I saw the car and sat in it. I'd still spend 2k more for a Tesla. But if I was going to buy a VW, it would be the better choice.

[@matthewbrown8443]

The drivers seat looks VERY inclined and intrusive to the rear passenger space

[@VishnuKamath]

This will sell in North America unless Model 2 Comes out.

[@muskistutter]

2026 🤦 a tad late there Kia

[@fenix310]

We won’t get it because of our new president Elon Musk and his First Lady Donny Trump

[@Anomander1]

Sux for you to have to wait till 2026. I have to wait till januari 2025 and that still sux for me, even though i will get mine faster.

[@stefanconstantinescu1576]

No RWD, it is a dealbreaker Very close to Model Y pricing Except dimensions for cityvdriving, is inferior to Model Y in absolutelynevery Aspect - performance, safety, tech, features etc etc

[@mjg1544]

0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds for an EV that’s supposed to have increased torque and is lighter? As much as I like Kia, that’s a joke right? The Model Y is 4.8 seconds I believe and I can’t stand Tesla vehicles.

[@nlken7175]

The KIA wheels are Cybertruck ugly but rest of the vehicle looks good.

[@Greg-k4j]

frightful & delightful….mmm sugar.

[@K9Trixx]

If only your coverage on Fisker was this mature and not childishly trollish, piggybacking on the sensationalism, contributing to killing innovation before it gets its feet on the ground. Lostso much professional respect after that....

[@frankcoffey]

EVs are advancing quickly so it's time to lease not buy.

[@Hazdazos]

Those prices are not "affordable" and claiming they are shows how out-of-touch car makers and the automotive press are. For the past decade or so both groups have been trying to normalize the overspending on car purchases. They have endlessly pushed over priced cars onto consumers and shunned more affordable models. Whenever they review a new car, it's rarely a base model and almost always a fully loaded, maxed-out trim which costs thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) more than the base model. With everyone's obsession with social media, it has only gotten worse. Well consumers seem to have finally said enough-is-enough with this shit.

[@triaxe-mmb]

They dont get to decide what spwc they test - most manufacturers want their best versions beign reviewed as its best for publicity... Also we say we want cheaper cars but the lowest spec models always make uo the lowerat sales volumes so do we really want it or do we all like to say we do but then when it comes time to pur our money where our mouths are, we seem to all get the better optioned ones?

[@thismanagain]

I feel like EVs are still too expensive and the lack of charging infrastructure and of course the long charge times compared to ICE vehicles doesn't help. It could be a bit too early for the masses to adopt to EVs. If they can improve the tech quickly and make em lighter and more affordable, and somehow make em charge fast enough without damaging the battery, EVs could well be the best option for normal people.

[@triaxe-mmb]

Almost 70% of all residences in the US are single family homes of which about 70% are owner occupied...you have a charging station...its called your home/driveway/garage...

[@thismanagain]

@@triaxe-mmb that's good, but not all families can afford EVs to begin with, let alone have a charger installed.

[@triaxe-mmb]

@@thismanagain most people park their car when they get home from work and it doesn't move again till they leave for work 9-12hrs later ...trickle charging on a 110v outlet is all it needs tbh... But if you really wanted faster charging, you could just share the 220v plug with your dryer. Many if not most homes have one of those....and if you really didn't want to swap, you could have switch to move between dryer and EV...that requires a small amount of investment to install... Only if you want a dedicated circuit to fast charge at home so you need a heavy investment in dedicated charging equipment...

[@thismanagain]

@@triaxe-mmb that makes sense, but chargers don't cost as much as EVs though, which is a huge hurdle too. And as far as I know, most American live in suburbs and have to travel into the cities for work and other things.

[@BallyBoy95]

GORGIS Car.

[@LetMeCook86]

Cargo space is garbage. Exterior design is futuristic!

[@tofu_RS]

me gusta

[@hal3137]

For the love of God can we stop using the stupid term game changer.

[@naveenthemachine]

You’re clearly jealous that Kia Hyundai are setting incredibly high bars Something you’re clearly incapable of 😂

[@wanieldong]

would be a game changer.

[@sojourner3300]

Genuine game changer

[@humanform5354]

Hyundai/Kia changing the game is most definitely a game changer...

[@Ahda108]

Arriving in 2026... Dead On arrival.

[@apexak]

Edmonds and Harris teams up to go drink some EV Kool aid (less is more and you'll be happy)

[@Radek3887]

What are you going on about now. There's no conspiracy theory here. This is an automotive channel so they're covering automobiles. Nobody made you watch this video. Watch something else.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Only in USA is a reasonable size car and not a monster truck regarded as "less" or sub compact . In Europe and SEA its a standard sized car that fits right in. This will be a very big seller in these regions. USA will continue to produce massive trucks that few can afford but many buy themselves into penury with.

[@bobbituka123]

MAGA troll. What is wrong with you loons???

[@bobbituka123]

You love paying $$$ to the oil company ripping your soulless MAGA arse off.

[@AkioWasRight]

$35k-$50k for a sub-compact Kia.

[@hacklaurent9412]

It is an ev after all

[@blackbelt2000]

If you don't like it then walk

[@AkioWasRight]

@@blackbelt2000 Why would I walk? Do you honestly think that's the dilemma, either walk or a Mercede-Benz pricing for Kias? Really, you should know there are better gas options for far, far less money. Even Kia produces small gas cars for less than 1/2 the price. $50,000 a for a tiny, sub-compact Kia isn't reasonable, it's just a new level of EV derangement. Even $35k is insanity.

[@Gerry090]

​@@AkioWasRightelectric cars are not cheap but 35$k is reasonable for a car of that type. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Enjoy your gas guzzler!

[@AkioWasRight]

@@Gerry090 Then electric cars are not reasonable.