Kia's EV3 Checks a Lot of Boxes for Under $35,000. Then There Are the Door Handles.

Consumer Reports gets a hands-on first look at the 2027 Kia EV3, Kia's entry into the affordable compact EV segment. It goes on sale in late 2026, starting just over $35,000.

Two battery options: a 58.3kWh standard model with an estimated range of around 220 miles, and a larger 81.4kWh long-range model with an estimated 320 miles on the front-wheel-drive version. The long-range model also has an all-wheel-drive option. Standard power is 261 horsepower, rising to 288hp in the GT trim. DC fast charging runs from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger one.

The interior is comfortable territory for anyone who has spent time in a recent Kia. Dual 12.3-inch screens handle driver instruments and infotainment, but physical climate buttons and a thumb-wheel volume control are present, which Consumer Reports found genuinely refreshing. Steering wheel controls are clear and intuitive. Interior storage is generous throughout, with a wireless charger, a large open bin under the centre console, and multiple USB points.

Rear-seat USB charging points are built into the seatbacks, which Consumer Reports highlighted as a feature they want to see more of. The rear seat itself is a tighter fit than the exterior size might suggest: someone around 5'10" will have their head close to the headliner, and legroom behind a forward-set front seat is limited. The cargo area behind the second row is modest, and there is no spare tyre, only a mobility kit, though that is not unusual for small EVs.

The flush door handles are Consumer Reports' main complaint. On the front doors they flush flat when locked. On the rear doors they flush flat and also sit noticeably high off the ground, high enough that small children may not be able to reach them. The review flags this as a practical concern worth knowing before buying a family car.

Overall the impression is positive: a well-priced compact EV with a straightforward, usable interior that doesn't try too hard. The EV3 looks like a solid option for buyers priced out of the segment's pricier entries.