The new Kia EV3 is essentially an upgraded version of the now-retired Niro EV, and it’s about $10,000 cheaper.
Kia EV3 undercuts Niro EV on price and adds style
After proving to be a hit in Europe, the UK, and other overseas markets, Kia’s compact electric SUV is finally on sale in the US.
The 2027 EV3 starts at $29,890, making it not only Kia’s most affordable EV, but one of America’s most affordable electric vehicles.
Kia announced on Thursday that the refreshed 2027 Niro has the same starting price of $29,890. Although the 2026 model is available in fully electric (EV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and traditional hybrid (HEV) powertrains, Kia confirmed earlier this year that the 2027 Niro will be sold exclusively as a hybrid.
Jung Won-jung, vice president of Kia Corp, said the Niro was “Kia’s first step toward an electrified future” during a media briefing (via The Korea Herald) for the refreshed Niro Hybrid in March.
2027 Kia Niro Hybrid (Source: Kia)
With more advanced, dedicated EVs, like the EV3 now on sale, the all-electric Niro is no longer needed.
The 2027 Kia EV3 is available in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT, with two battery packs.
The standard EV3 Light FWD, starting at $29,890, is powered by a 58.3 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 221 miles. The Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT use an 81.4 kWh battery that delivers up to 321 miles of range on a single charge.
2027 Kia EV3 (Source: Kia)
In comparison, the 2026 Kia Niro starts at $39,700, nearly $10,000 more than the EV3, and offers up to 253 miles of range.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) variants have a single front-mounted electric motor with 201 horsepower. You can upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD) on all variants outside of the Light model for an extra $3,200.
The dual-motor AWD system delivers a combined 261 horsepower, while the range-topping EV3 GT adds a bit more power with up to 288 horsepower.
2027 Kia EV3 TrimStarting PriceDriving RangeKia EV3 Light FWD$29,890221 milesKia EV3 Wind FWD$34,990321 milesKia EV3 Wind AWD$38,690280 milesKia EV3 Land FWD$38,490321 milesKia EV3 Land AWD$41,690280 milesKia EV3 GT-Line AWD$43,490280 milesKia EV3 GT AWD$45,890280 miles2027 Kia EV3 price and range by trim (*Prices do not include a $1,495 delivery fee)
All EV3 trims come with a native NACS port, so you don’t need a separate adapter to use Tesla Superchargers.
Using a 350 kW DC fast charger, the standard 58.2 kWh battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in roughly 29 minutes. The extended-range 81.4 kWh battery takes around 31 minutes.
2027 Kia EV3 interior (Source: Kia)
Inside, the EV3 is equipped with Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system.
The setup features nearly 30″ of screen space, including two 12.3″ screens in a panoramic curved display that combines the instrument cluster and central infotainment. Plus, there’s a dedicated 5″ climate control touchscreen below it.
2027 Kia EV3 interior (Source: Kia)
Measuring 169.3″ long, 72.8″ wide, and 62″ high, with a 105.5″ wheelbase, the EV3 is 4.7″ shorter and 1″ wider than the Niro EV.
Thanks to its dedicated EV platform (E-GMP), the EV3 offers just as much interior space as the Niro EV, with up to 99.7 cubic feet of total interior volume (SAE).
Electrek’s Take
While yes, it was sad to see the Niro EV go, Kia already has a replacement. The EV3 is essentially an enhanced version of the fully electric Niro built on a dedicated EV platform.
Will it draw in more buyers than the Niro? In its first year, the EV3 was the third most popular EV in the UK and ranked 10th in Europe.
With modern tech and features, plenty of range, fast charging, and an affordable price, the EV3 might just hit the sweet spot in the US market as well.
It offers a slightly larger option to the Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF, both of which start at about the same price.
Would you buy Kia’s compact electric SUV for $30,000? Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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