Kia EV3 GT Line review: A well rounded small SUV with V2L

Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the pricing and specs of its smallest and cheapest EV, the EV3, in the Australian market, and it has already proved popular to customers in its first few months on the market, along with the larger sibling, the EV5.

I  had the chance to spend some time behind the wheel of one to see what it’s like on our roads, and aftera week with the top-spec GT-line variant of the EV3, I can see where Kia has taken its most affordable EVs, delivering a well-rounded package for family car buyers.

Let’s dive in.

Starting with the price, the top-spec variant comes in at $63,950 before on-road costs. For that, you get a car that offers Kia’s latest design language, seen in its larger EV siblings, which does quite well in this small SUV. 

The slight angles and futuristic lighting at the front give it a nicer look that certainly stands out from the crowd of more conventional small SUVs. 

The top-spec GT-Line comes with its unique gloss black exterior, including cubed headlights, and a more aggressive front bumper.

On the EV3’s inside, you’ve got a cabin that feels surprisingly spacious for its size. Kia has maximised interior space with a long wheelbase and clever packaging. 

In the back seats as an example, there is plenty of rear legroom, even for taller people. This easily outclasses rivals like the BYD Atto 3 and Volvo EX30, which feel a bit more cramped.

That rear is a real win for young families or those who frequently carry passengers in the back.

Back at the front, there are dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and infotainment. 

There’s also a smaller 5.3-inch climate control screen, which provides a clean, integrated look and goes away from the large single screen in the middle layout found on so many other cars.

For those who want a more traditional interior, Kia hasn’t abandoned physical buttons entirely, retaining essential controls for climate and audio. This would be welcomed by many, especially those transitioning from an ICE vehicle today.

Given we were testing the top trim, the GT-Line, which includes some premium features such as synthetic leather-like material on the seats, heated and ventilated front seats. These also included power adjustment for both driver and passenger.

On top of that, there is a heated steering wheel and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. These features improve the premium car experience for drivers behind the wheel of this variant.

In the middle of the front seats, there’s also a slide-out centre console, which is a quirky but surprisingly practical addition for holding a laptop or even a meal at a campsite.

The only thing I thought that could improve on the inside is the slightly tight foot area in the passenger seat, which is smaller thanks to a bulky glovebox. This can feel a bit cramped for the passenger on longer trips.

However, it’s in the driving that Kia truly stands apart. Thanks to local chassis tuning by Kia Australia, the EV3 drives really well on our often-challenging Australian roads.

I took it up to the mountains on the Mornington Peninsula, and the body control and handling didn’t feel out of place.

The ride quality is quite composed, and does well to juggle between comfort and handling on sweeping high-speed mountain roads. 

Even on the 19-inch wheels of the GT-Line, the impact of bumps on the road felt well-damped.

It corners well, and while it might not offer the same planted feel as wider, more sportier EVs, it’s certainly engaging enough for spirited driving around the hills.

Powering the EV3 is a 150 kW single motor, which drives the front wheels. This powertrain provides plenty of power for daily driving and overtaking on highways. It’s not a performance EV by any stretch, but it accelerates well on the road when needed.

One thing I did notice was the braking system, which was also a pleasant surprise. That’s thanks to the new i-Pedal system, which allows for one-pedal driving, and it’s really good for a standard car for normal day-to-day driving. 

When brakes themselves are needed to pull up quickly, it does it with ease too and doesn’t feel spongy as in some other EVs.

Moving onto the battery, the GT-Line, like the Earth variant, comes with the larger 81.4 kWh battery, offering a claimed WLTP range of 563 km. 

In real-world driving, the EV3 proves to be quite efficient, often better than its claimed energy consumption figures, especially driving around the suburbs.

I was getting around 14.6 kWh/100 km, which is pretty reasonable in wintery conditions driving around Melbourne.

This efficiency is also a big selling point, especially for first-time EV buyers in this long-range variant, as it means fewer charging stops and more peace of mind on longer journeys.

All EV3 variants also come standard with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), both on the inside and outside, which is quite useful for powering appliances or charging devices on the go. 

I used it to charge my laptop often, and doing it from the outside, the complementary V2L adaptor that comes with the car was also helpful.

While its fast-charging speeds aren’t like those in the 800 V EV6, they are more than enough for most road trips, especially given the range that comes with the bigger battery in the GT-line variant.

The Kia EV3 offers a unique design, practicality with good rear seat space, above-average driving dynamics, and a range that makes it a great all-rounder compared to other electric offerings it competes with.

It is on the pricey end with the top spec GT-line variant, but – unlike those competitors – it’s backed by Kia’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a trusted brand that has a great nationwide dealership network.

The EV3 brings even more choice to those wanting a small electric SUV and is worth having on your electric test drive shortlist.

Kia EV3 Range & Specs