Kia gave us a sneak peek of the EV3 crossover, showing its production version before its worldwide debut on May 23. From what we’ve seen, the car looks quite similar to the concept version, which is typical for Kia. However, there are some small differences. The Star Map lighting on the production model has been tweaked slightly.
The headlights now have horizontal elements instead of vertical ones, similar to the EV9 and K4 models. The taillights seem to be the same size, but the pattern has changed from diagonal lines to vertical lines running into the tailgate. Other than these changes, not much else seems different. Let’s hope the four-spoke wheels from the concept also make it to the final version.
It’s suggested that many of the fancy features from the concept interior will carry over to the production model. This could include the climate control panel that slides out from under the dashboard, rows of air vents with backlit and motorized pieces, and a movable center console between the front seats that can be adjusted to different positions.
In the back, the rear bench can be flipped upward to make space for carrying tall items, similar to the Magic Seats in the old Honda Fit. Kia is also working on a way for the EV3’s charging system to work inside the car, so you could charge items like an e-bike while on the move.
Kia emphasized “accessibility” in its press release, suggesting that it’s aiming to make this car accessible to everyone. While the pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, experts estimate it could fall between $30,000 to $40,000, depending on factors like battery size and motor count. This price range likely includes Kia’s smaller 58 kWh battery pack with 400-volt architecture, though there might be an option for a larger 77.4-kWh pack.
You can catch the global premiere of the EV3 on May 23 at 6 a.m. Eastern Time.
