2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line AWD Delivers 5.6-Second 0–60 MPH Time and 236-Mile Highway Range in First Test
The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 subcompact SUV blends bold, future-forward styling with design cues distilled from the larger three-row EV9. Tested in the second-from-top GT-Line AWD trim with optional $545 Snow White Pearl paint and a black roof, the EV3 brings an expressive look with angled surfaces alongside engaging driving dynamics and a functional interior.
Powering the EV3 GT-Line AWD is a dual-motor setup consisting of a 168-hp, 148-lb-ft front permanent-magnet motor and a 94-hp, 136-lb-ft rear induction motor, producing a combined 261 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque fed by an 81.4-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery. In instrumented testing, the 4,455-pound SUV accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 94.9 mph. With the Volvo EX30 gone and neither the Nissan Leaf nor the outgoing Chevy Bolt offering all-wheel drive, its closest rivals are the larger, 338-hp Toyota C-HR and its Subaru Uncharted twin, which are about a second quicker to 60 mph, though an upcoming 288-hp, 345-lb-ft EV3 GT should narrow that gap. Braking from 60 to 0 mph took 122 feet—one foot shorter than the 2026 C-HR—while skidpad grip measured 0.81 g and the figure-eight lap took 26.5 seconds at 0.70 g. On winding roads, editors praised its balanced handling and fun-to-drive character.
Range and charging performance proved more modest. While the EV3 GT-Line carries an EPA rating of 280 miles (110/96/103 mpg-e city/highway/combined), it achieved 236 miles in the 70-mph highway range test. Equipped with a native NACS port for direct access to Tesla Superchargers, the EV3 added 82 miles of range in 15 minutes and 171 miles in 30 minutes, trailing the 2026 C-HR's 102 miles at the 15-minute mark.
Inside, the 169.7-inch-long SUV features upscale materials and dual 12.3-inch digital screens, an open front floor area without a bulky center console, wireless phone charging, USB-C ports, physical control buttons, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the cupholders sit noticeably low. Sightlines, rear headroom, and rear ingress/egress are somewhat compromised by the compact exterior, yet cargo capacity is generous at 26.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. Ride quality is composed over rough pavement, highway noise is well isolated, and the vehicle includes adaptive cruise control and multi-level regenerative braking with one-pedal driving.
The 2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line AWD starts at $44,985 and came to $45,805 as tested, putting it near larger electric SUVs like the base Tesla Model Y RWD, Chevy Equinox EV, and Toyota C-HR. However, buyers can opt for the Wind and Land AWD trims at around $40,000 or less, as well as significantly less expensive front-wheel-drive variants.
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