Kia EV3 arrives in US with sub-$30,000 starting price
Kia's compact EV3 will start at $29,450 before destination, making it the brand's most affordable electric vehicle, with up to 321 miles of range and rapid-charging capability.
Kia has finally announced the US pricing for its upcoming EV3, a smaller sibling to the EV9 SUV. The base model will carry a starting price of $29,450, with a mandatory $1,495 destination fee bringing the total to $30,945 before options. That figure comfortably undercuts the $35,000 target the company mentioned when it confirmed the model for the US market back in April.
The EV3 is positioned as a compact crossover. According to Kia, it borrows styling cues from the larger EV9 while its dimensions are nearly identical to the Niro crossover. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, and the vehicle is rated at up to 321 miles of all-electric range. Like many modern EVs, the EV3 is equipped with an NACS port, which allows access to Tesla's Supercharger network. With a 350 kW DC fast charger, Kia says the battery can go from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes.
The announcement makes the EV3 the least expensive electric vehicle in Kia's current lineup—a significant distinction at a time when affordable EVs are becoming increasingly rare in the United States. After the Trump administration rolled back EV tax credits introduced under the Biden administration in July 2025, several automakers have either retired existing EV models or scrapped their future electric vehicle plans altogether.
Still, a few options remain in the sub-$30,000 bracket, and the EV3 is among them. The source also mentions the "Slate Truck" as another model in that small group, though details are limited. That group is expected to expand. For example, Ford announced in early August that its upcoming "Fathom" EV truck will be priced at $28,350 and is slated to ship in early 2027.
Financial incentives are also making a comeback. In July, California launched a new EV rebate program, offering first-time buyers a $3,500 instant rebate on new electric cars and a $1,500 instant rebate on used EVs. This could provide additional relief for shoppers considering the Kia EV3 or other affordable electric models.
