The Kia EV3 Long Range FWD marks a significant milestone in Kia’s transition to electric mobility. As the world increasingly gravitates toward sustainability, Kia has pushed the boundaries of innovation with the EV3 Long Range, ensuring it appeals to a broad audience. This model not only delivers impressive range and performance but also focuses on comfort, technology, and safety, making it one of the most compelling options in the mid-size electric vehicle market. With its sleek design and advanced features, the EV3 stands as a game-changer, providing an ideal balance between affordability and cutting-edge electric performance.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 150 kW (204 hp) |
| Torque | 283 Nm (209 lb-ft) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 7.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h (106 mph) |
| Battery Capacity | 81.4 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 563 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) | 16.2 kWh/100 km |
| Charging (AC) | Type 2, 11 kW |
| Charging (DC) | CCS, 135 kW (10-80% in 33 min) |
| Body Type | 5-door crossover, 5 seats |
| Dimensions | 4300 x 1850 x 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm |
| Weight (unladen) | 1885 kg |
| Towing Capacity | 750 kg unbraked, 1000 kg braked |
| Price | €41,400 / £36,000 / $44,500 approx. |
Performance
The Kia EV3 Long Range FWD offers a perfect balance of power, acceleration, and driving dynamics. Equipped with a front-wheel-drive configuration, this electric crossover delivers 150 kW (204 horsepower) and 283 Nm of torque. These figures translate into a smooth yet exhilarating driving experience, allowing you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds. This performance is impressive for a vehicle in its category, offering a maximum speed of 170 km/h (106 mph).
The electric motor, combined with Kia’s refined drivetrain, ensures that the vehicle handles a variety of terrains efficiently. Whether cruising in the city or taking on the highway, the EV3’s FWD setup offers sufficient traction and stability, making it a great all-rounder. It’s clear that Kia has fine-tuned the balance between speed and efficiency, ensuring that drivers can enjoy the ride without compromising on range.
Battery and Charging
At the heart of the Kia EV3 Long Range FWD lies an 81.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. This substantial battery pack provides an impressive WLTP range of 563 km, ensuring you can embark on longer journeys with minimal range anxiety. With such a range, the EV3 competes directly with other electric vehicles in the mid-size crossover segment, giving drivers the flexibility for extended trips between charging stops.
Charging the EV3 Long Range FWD is both efficient and convenient. The vehicle supports AC charging through a Type 2 connector with an 11 kW capacity, which takes approximately 8-9 hours for a full charge—ideal for overnight charging at home. For those needing faster turnaround times, the car’s DC fast-charging capability is even more appealing. Using a CCS connector, you can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 33 minutes at a maximum rate of 135 kW. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, allowing you to use the car as a power source for other electrical devices, an accessory ideal for outdoor adventures or emergencies.
Design and Dimensions
The Kia EV3 Long Range FWD is crafted with sleek, modern lines that make it stand out in the electric crossover segment. Its compact yet stylish body features clean aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.263, ensuring minimal resistance and optimal efficiency on the road. With dimensions of 4300 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and 1560 mm in height, the EV3 manages to offer a spacious cabin while maintaining its agile character.
The platform, known as E-GMP, ensures that the vehicle has an optimal balance between ride height and stability. A wheelbase of 2680 mm ensures that both front and rear passengers have ample legroom, while the SUV’s trunk offers 460 liters of cargo space, expanding to 1251 liters when the rear seats are folded. These dimensions provide a perfect combination of practicality and comfort for everyday use. The EV3 also includes a 25-liter front trunk (frunk) for additional storage, enhancing its practicality for daily driving.
Infotainment and Displays
Kia has gone all out with the infotainment and display systems in the EV3 Long Range FWD. A 12.3-inch central touchscreen provides a seamless interface for all your driving, media, and navigation needs. The system is easy to use, featuring Kia’s latest user-friendly software and integrating wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone connectivity.
Behind the steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display provides all the vital driving information in clear and sharp detail. These screens work in unison, offering an immersive digital experience for both the driver and passengers. Additionally, the EV3 features a head-up display, allowing you to see critical driving data without taking your eyes off the road, improving overall safety.
In the rear, passengers also enjoy an innovative display experience. A 5.3-inch screen is dedicated to climate control, providing rear-seat occupants with easy access to adjust their comfort settings. This level of attention to passenger comfort truly sets the EV3 apart, making it a tech-savvy vehicle that prioritizes the user experience.
Comfort and Convenience
Inside, the Kia EV3 Long Range FWD is designed for maximum comfort and convenience. The seats are ergonomically crafted, offering plenty of support for long journeys. The front seats come with both heating and cooling functions, while rear passengers enjoy heated outer seats, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions.
The panoramic glass sunroof, with tilt and slide functionality, adds to the sense of openness in the cabin, creating a spacious and airy feel. The EV3 is packed with practical features, including front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 system, allowing the vehicle to park itself in tight spaces with ease. These accessories make driving and parking in busy urban environments a breeze.
Storage options are ample, with various cubby holes, cup holders, and a decent-sized glovebox. The trunk is large enough for weekend getaways, and the vehicle’s towing capacity of 750 kg unbraked (1000 kg braked) adds versatility, making it suitable for light towing tasks.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the Kia EV3 Long Range FWD does not disappoint. Kia has integrated an advanced suite of safety features to ensure both driver and passenger protection. The car is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system that includes front, side, rear, and head airbags, providing protection in the event of a collision.
Driving aids such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0 (with capabilities for city driving, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and junction turning), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear-Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are standard. These systems actively monitor the environment around the vehicle, providing alerts and even taking control in some situations to prevent accidents.
Additionally, the EV3 comes with Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist 2.0, and a Multi-Collision Braking System, further enhancing the vehicle’s safety credentials. The Driver Attention Warning system helps prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue, while the Safe Exit Warning alerts passengers to approaching vehicles before they open their doors.
Similarly Priced Cars
In the mid-size electric crossover segment, the Kia EV3 Long Range FWD competes with some worthy rivals. The Tesla Model Y Standard Range offers slightly more futuristic features but at a higher price point, while the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range+ and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are also priced similarly, providing tough competition. Each of these vehicles offers unique advantages, but the EV3 stands out with its impressive range, safety technology, and comfort features, making it a strong contender.
Conclusion: A Step Forward in Electric Mobility
The Kia EV3 Long Range FWD represents a leap forward in electric vehicle technology, offering drivers a well-rounded experience that combines performance, range, comfort, and cutting-edge safety features. Its impressive specifications, including its 563 km WLTP range and rapid DC charging capabilities, ensure that this vehicle is built for the future. The EV3’s spacious and tech-laden interior, combined with its sleek design and efficient aerodynamics, makes it a standout in the electric crossover market. With an affordable price point and Kia’s reputation for reliability, the EV3 is poised to have a lasting impact on the electric vehicle landscape.