First look at Kia's SUV that will "enhance the accessibility" of electric cars revealed as 2025 Kia EV3 takes aim at BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona electric and MG ZS EV

Kia has shown the first teaser images of its production EV3 electric small SUV ahead of its full release later this month. 

As the brand’s electric price leader, the new EV3 will start below the EV5 with Kia promising it will “enhance the accessibility of electric mobility from Kia.” Cheap enough to battle Chinese-made EVs? We’ll have to wait and see. 

The teasers show details of the EV3’s ‘Signature Star Map’ lighting at the front and back which are almost entirely unchanged from the concept. It appears to have slightly less pronounced flares for the wheel arches but they are still angular and dramatic. 

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Like the concept, the teaser images show the car in a desaturated metallic mint colour we hope will make production to set off the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.

Kia did not share any further images of the cabin, which is likely to be the most different aspect in the production car. Still, expect eco-friendly materials and plenty of recycled plastics. An onboard generative AI chat system will also feature – a first for the brand. 

The concept car looks strikingly similar.

At its reveal in October 2023, Kia was targeting a US$35K start price – around A$54,000. With the EV5 being produced for Australia in China, CarsGuide has estimated the EV5 could start from as little as $57,000. 

If Kia wants to give the EV3 space to play, a start price below $50K for a base model, perhaps fitted with an LFP battery and around 350km driving range, will be crucial to compete with the BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona electric. 

Speaking to CarsGuide in November last year, product planning boss Roland Rivero cautioned Kia won’t cheapen its brand by engaging in price wears. 

The EV3 could be priced below K.

“But if you’re developing your brand – and we’ve put a lot of work into that – and getting great product, if you can easily translate that to the customer that this is still great value, like the EV9, then do you really want to play in the puddle that is $30,000, or $25,000?

"You just need to make those decisions if you want to play in that price point. If you can stay at $40k-$50k, $50k-$60k, and there’s still value, that’s what we’re looking at”, said Rivero. 

Details of powertrain, battery chemistry, driving range and Australian confirmation are all yet to be shared. Kia will reveal the final look and more detailed information of its new electric small SUV at 8:00pm on 23 May.