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Expert Rating

Kia EV3

(2024 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

76
%
A

This model is still new so we don't have a Used Car Expert Rating score yet. Check back soon.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

84
%
A

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

100
%
-

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

78
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

76
%
A

This model is still new so we don't have a Used Car Expert Rating score yet. Check back soon.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

84
%
A

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

100
%
-

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

78
%
A

The Kia EV3 is The Car Expert’s Car of The Year 2025!

Summary


The Kia EV3 is a compact all-electric SUV/crossover that became available to order in the UK in the second half of 2024.

Built on the same foundations as larger family cars like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV3 is Kia’s answer to the Volvo EX30 and Hyundai Kona Electric, now battling for sales in the small SUV class.

While EV3 models are yet to arrive on UK roads just yet, initial reviews published by the UK motoring media have been overwhelmingly positive, Car’s Ben Whitworth calling the electric car a “deeply impressive piece of kit”, while Top Gear’s Peter Rawlins argues that the EV3 offers everything you could want out of a compact crossover – “the Koreans have nailed the brief once more.”

As of December 2024, the Kia EV3 currently holds an New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 76%. The car’s excellent review scores are bolstered by its low running costs.

EV3 highlights

  • Plenty of tech included as standard
  • Comfortable driving experience
  • Attractively priced
  • Competitive battery range

EV3 lowlights

  • Not many trim level options
  • Rivals offer more headroom
  • Not particularly exciting on the move

Key specifications


Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines:
electric, battery-powered
Price:
From £32,995 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2024
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Electrifying.com

+

Parkers

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of December 2024, the Kia EV3 has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the Kia EV6 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the [Model] is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of December 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Kia EV3 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the EV3, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models333 milesA267 – 272 milesB – B
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models4.5 m/KWhA4.5 – 4.5 m/KWhA – A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£205B
Year 2£421A
Year 3£693A
Year 4£854A
Year 5£1,103A
Overall£3,276A

The Kia EV3 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

An official battery range of 333 miles (which varies from 267 miles to 372 miles, depending on which model you choose) is excellent for a car of this size, and you shouldn’t need to worry about running out of charge in normal day-to-day driving.

It’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is also excellent, and the even better news is that scheduled servicing costs for the EV3 are very affordable during the first five years of ownership.

Recalls


Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Kia EV3

As of December 2024, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Kia EV3. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Kia dealer.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia EV3 has received.

2024

  • Electrifiying.com AwardsCar of the Year
  • News UK Motor Awards​​ – Best Small SUV/Crossover
  • The Car Expert Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Crossover
  • Top Gear Awards – Best Crossover

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Kia EV3, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

BMW iX1| Citroën ë-C4 | Cupra Born | Hyundai Kona Electric | Jeep Avenger | Kia EV6 | Kia Niro EV | Mercedes-Benz EQA | MG 4 | MG ZS EV | Peugeot e-2008 | Renault Mégane E-Tech | Smart #1 | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | Volkswagen ID.3 | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo EX30


More news, reviews and information about the Kia EV3 at The Car Expert

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Everything you need to know about Kia

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Electric cars – what’s on sale and what’s coming in 2024?

Kia EV5 set for 2025 UK arrival

Kia EV5 set for 2025 UK arrival

Buy a Kia EV3


If you’re looking to buy a new or used Kia EV3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

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Lease a Kia EV3


If you’re looking to lease a new Kia EV3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

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Subscribe to a Kia EV3


Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

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Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
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Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Used car finance from We Finance Any Car.
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Used car finance from Blue Motor Finance.
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Used car finance from Happy Motor Finance. Find out more

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The Kia EV6 is an electric crossover that has been met with plenty of enthusiasm from the motoring media, particularly for its tech and battery range.Kia EV3