2025 World Car of the Year available in New Zealand

Fresh from claiming the World Car of the Year title, Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ award winner* and Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, the new Kia EV3 is set to be the perfect choice for Kiwi motorists seeking a fully electric, technologically advanced, medium-size SUV capable of more than 600km^ on a single charge.

Earning the moniker of ‘the ultimate urban SUV,’ the EV3 has arrived in New Zealand and is available at Kia dealerships nationwide.

“The new Kia EV3 has debuted to outstanding reviews all around the globe, including winning numerous awards and accolades, most notably the World Car of the Year,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

“It is following in the footsteps of our flagship EV9, not just in terms of awards won, but also incorporating the same striking styling, featuring similar advancements in technology and connectivity, bringing cutting-edge innovation to a wider audience than ever before and setting new standards in the segment. 

“It boasts a bold, progressive exterior and an innovative, practical interior that maximises space, functionality, and comfort.

“Impressively, it is also tuned for Australian and New Zealand conditions.  A team of Kia engineers conducted more than 20,000km of local testing and their efforts have delivered a vehicle which feels right at home in our environment thanks to a unique combination of hardware and shock absorber settings, meaning the new EV3 really is the ultimate urban SUV.”

Headlining the new EV3 is its impressive battery and range capability.  At the heart of the Long Range models is the key to its untold functionality, a large 81.4 kWh Lithium-Ion battery.

In the case of the EV3 Light Long Range, the new model is capable of an all electric driving range of up to 605km^ WLTP – the largest range of any Kia model currently available for sale.**  (The Light Short Range utilises a smaller 58.3 kWh capacity battery and offers a driving range of 436km WLTP).

All variants are equipped with a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which integrates with an inverter and reduction gearbox to form a single unit mounted at the front of the vehicle.

All EV3 models offer two Vehicle to Load outlets as standard, enabling electric devices to draw on the power supplied by the car’s battery, allowing for operational capability wherever it may be.

All models can be replenished at a 350kW DC fast-charger from 10% to 80% in an average of 30 minutes.

From first glance, the Kia EV3 makes a bold, progressive statement in terms of exterior styling.  Its appearance is in keeping with the larger EV9 and sports Kia’s acclaimed ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.

The aesthetic offers benefits from both form and function perspectives: its aerodynamic shape contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.26, enhancing the car’s ability to cut through the air smoothly and contribute to an extended driving range.

Depending on the model selected, three different styles of alloy wheels are available, in either 17-inch (Light) or 19-inch (Earth and GT-Line). All wheels are designed to promote smooth airflow over the vehicle’s sides, further enhancing overall efficiency.

The interior is similarly futuristic and breathtaking in its simplicity, the cabin itself is an example of luxurious minimalism.

The EV3 continues to leverage the packaging benefits of the E-GMP platform to optimise interior space within a compact exterior, benefitting legroom, shoulder room and headroom.

Taking pride of place on the dashboard in all variants is a large and intuitive-to-learn Panoramic Display screen, which measures in at 29.6-inches.

Additionally, both EV3 Earth and GT-Line feature a full colour 12-inch Head-up Display, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats (also ventilated on the GT-Line).

Luggage capacity is a generous 460-litres, which extends to 1,251-litres with the seats down.  A 25-litre frunk is perfect for storing the charging cable, or smaller items which need to be readily accessible.

Following in the footsteps of the flagship EV9 and larger EV5, this highly anticipated SUV is the latest model in the Kia line-up to be awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, demonstrating the marque’s prioritisation of safety for customers.

The driver and passengers are kept safe thanks to the inclusion of the same Advanced Driving Assistance Systems and Vehicle Dynamics found in the EV9, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go as well as numerous other systems as standard.

More information about the new Kia EV3 is available here.

Kia EV3 Model Range

*The Kia EV3 won the ‘Best of the Best’ at the 2025 Red Dot Award: Product Design in the Automobiles and Vehicles category

^Maximum range of 605km WLTP possible on the Light Long Range.   Driving range figures standards are calculated using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Actual results achieved will differ according to operating conditions and driving style.

**Kia new model WLTP electric range/ largest range of each model variant:

EV3 Light Long Range Two-Wheel Drive = 605km

EV5 Light Long Range Two-Wheel Drive = 555km

EV6 Air Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive = 528km

EV9 GT-Line Long Range All-Wheel Drive = 505km

International Release

Please note this is an international release from Kia Head Office, information contained relates to overseas models and local specification may vary.

About Kia New Zealand

Kia (www.kia.co.nz) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Founded in 1944, Kia has been providing mobility solutions for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia New Zealand manages the New Zealand operation from its Auckland headquarters, selling and servicing high quality, class-leading vehicles through a network of 33 dealers nationwide. Kia is spearheading the popularisation of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company’s brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ – reflects Kia’s commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.

Further Enquiries: Ed Finn; 029 978 3620; ed@kia.co.nz