Kia shows off small cars in NY: The 2027 EV3 and 2027 Seltos Hybrid

People want small, efficient cars, and it seems Kia is listening.

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[RecycledHandle]

How are these small cars? They look on the pic normal sized even in the US. Wish there was a comparison with other models

 

[SavedByTechnology]

That Seltos interior looks really nice. Not sure how I feel about the shifter placement though; unless there’s a safeguard built in, it looks like it could be mistakenly bumped while operating the windshield wipers.

 

[SlowJoeCrow]

These seem like decent cars but as usual I am put off Kia by their poor dealership experience and the recent issues with Hyundai and Kia engine failures. This is obviously not an issue with the EV and at that price point it should sell OK in markets where EV sales are strong.
I'd still like to see a smaller Kia like the K3 or even the Picanto, but that's unlikely in the US. The costs of certification and the low profit margin on small cars makes this unlikely despite the need for cheaper cars

 

[laitpojes]

Perfect options in a few years when they come off lease for big discounts!

 

[Kurenai]

I've been under the impression that SUVs are not commonly referred to as cars when talking about market segments (see headlines like "Ford to stop selling cars"). This also matches my own personal shopping pref. I would describe myself as a small car buyer, and these don't look anything like what I'd consider.

 

[Scotttheking]

EV4

 

[sword_9mm]

How are these small cars? They look on the pic normal sized even in the US. Wish there was a comparison with other models

It looks to me like the EV3 is about Rav/CX/CRV sized maybe? That's not super large really though I'm sure each has grown over the years like cars tend to.

I'd assumed it was the size of the Niro or something like that but they have that car so I'd expect it to be something in a different size class.

I will say I dislike the window buttons being flush on the door like that. My Genesis was set up a bit similar and it's not ergonomic at all. I guess it's lucky they are even there though as other companies decided to break things even more with the 'switch' button which sucks.

 

[Taunted Happy Fun Ball]

These seem like decent cars but as usual I am put off Kia by their poor dealership experience and the recent issues with Hyundai and Kia engine failures. This is obviously not an issue with the EV and at that price point it should sell OK in markets where EV sales are strong.
I'd still like to see a smaller Kia like the K3 or even the Picanto, but that's unlikely in the US. The costs of certification and the low profit margin on small cars makes this unlikely despite the need for cheaper cars

Kiyundai's EVs don't have the Theta II, obviously, but the 800V EGMP models still have problems with the ICCU with no sign of a permanent fix, and the same dealer service issues.

I have no idea if the 400V models will have the same issue.

Hyundai-Kia always seems to sneak at least one crippling Achilles Heel into otherwise excellent cars, whether it's skipping the security chip on ignition keys, or engine failures, or the ICCU on the EGMP. And then you're at the mercy of their generally poor dealer networks. And it's really frustrating because the cars are otherwise very competitive.

 

[Ripaille]

How are these small cars? They look on the pic normal sized even in the US. Wish there was a comparison with other models

Here's how the EV3 compares to a Fiat500 and a Chevrolet Bolt EV (the one they stopped making).

The Seltos is another 8cm / 3.5" longer than the EV3.

I agree with you though - I don't consider my Bolt to be a small car. It's reasonably sized for my usecase. The Fiat500 is small.

In the EU, Kia released the EV2 (4.06m, so 3" less than the Bolt) and has announced the EV1 (expected to be the same size as the Soul), but these won't come to North America.

 

[RecycledHandle]

It looks to me like the EV3 is about Rav/CX/CRV sized maybe? That's not super large really though I'm sure each has grown over the years like cars tend to.

I'd assumed it was the size of the Niro or something like that but they have that car so I'd expect it to be something in a different size class.

I will say I dislike the window buttons being flush on the door like that. My Genesis was set up a bit similar and it's not ergonomic at all. I guess it's lucky they are even there though as other companies decided to break things even more with the 'switch' button which sucks.

Your comparison cars aren’t small though. At best they’d fit « compact » parking spots but it’s hard to call them small?

 

[Jeff J]

Does the EV3 have a heat pump?

How is the battery thermal management?

 

[itanod]

Nitpicky: why does the EV3 have capacitive buttons for the Home/Media/Setup/etc. row, but the Seltos physical buttons?

I noticed this because I have an EV9 with the capacitive buttons and they suck. I really just want physical things I can press. They should be consistent and do that across the board.

 

[MacCruiskeen]

It looks to me like the EV3 is about Rav/CX/CRV sized maybe?

I drove a CRV for 17 years. It is not a small car. The '86 Civic Hatchback I had long ago was a pretty small car. The VW I learned to drive in was a small car. THis is not that.

 

[sword_9mm]

Here's how the EV3 compares to a Fiat500 and a Chevrolet Bolt EV (the one they stopped making).

The Seltos is another 8cm / 3.5" longer than the EV3.

I agree with you though - I don't consider my Bolt to be a small car. It's reasonably sized for my usecase. The Fiat500 is small.

In the EU, Kia released the EV2 (4.06m, so 3" less than the Bolt) and has announced the EV1 (expected to be the same size as the Soul), but these won't come to North America.

View attachment 131972

View attachment 131973

Not a bad size imo. The Bolt is a fairly cromulent size.

wonder then if they get rid of the Niro/whatever the Hyundai model is.

 

[Ripaille]

Your comparison cars aren’t small though. At best they’d fit « compact » parking spots but it’s hard to call them small?

I'm struggling to find present-day road-legal cars that are much smaller than the Fiat 500. There's the Citroen C1 at 3.45m, but it isn't that much smaller. The Toyota Aygo measures 3.7m.

Smaller than that, there's the Microlino, Renault Twizy or Nissan Sakura, but these are only street legal, and therefore an entirely different category of vehicles.

There's Electrek's F1/50th pickup truck which is cute AF. But also not a road-legal car.

Edit: Meanwhile the EV3 has a version with AWD and an 80+ kWh battery that charges in 30 minutes. You can drive that thing coast-to-coast in the winter. It's a full-blown car.

 

[poochyena]

I guess if you want to argue its a small SUV, but its absolutely not a small car.
This is a small car

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I1Em2qDo2o

 

[sword_9mm]

I guess if you want to argue its a small SUV, but its absolutely not a small car.
This is a small car

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I1Em2qDo2o

Why would you drive that monstrosity. Get a small car.

 

[sbradford26]

Here's how the EV3 compares to a Fiat500 and a Chevrolet Bolt EV (the one they stopped making).

The Seltos is another 8cm / 3.5" longer than the EV3.

I agree with you though - I don't consider my Bolt to be a small car. It's reasonably sized for my usecase. The Fiat500 is small.

In the EU, Kia released the EV2 (4.06m, so 3" less than the Bolt) and has announced the EV1 (expected to be the same size as the Soul), but these won't come to North America.

View attachment 131972

View attachment 131973

Just was curious and the FIAT 500X aka the 4 door version of the Fiat 500 is almost the exact same size as the EV3. Overall a pretty small car given it in the sub compact class. The regular is Fiat 500 is just tiny and in the micro class for cars.

https://www.carsized.com/en-us/cars/compare/fiat-500x-2018-suv-cross-vs-kia-ev3-2024-suv/

 

[Daros]

That Seltos interior looks really nice. Not sure how I feel about the shifter placement though; unless there’s a safeguard built in, it looks like it could be mistakenly bumped while operating the windshield wipers.

It's mostly fine. Judging by the image on it, you operate it by twisting not flicking. It's ok in my Ioniq 5, at least.

 

[plugh]

The EV4 is a much better looking vehicle than the EV3. I wish everything in the US didn't have to be boxy SUVs.

 

[flunk]

How are these small cars? They look on the pic normal sized even in the US. Wish there was a comparison with other models

These are genuinely some of the smallest cars you can buy in the US market. The average vehicle is what Europeans would call a huge SUV and F-150s are considered a normal vehicle for one person to drive around.

 

[flunk]

The EV4 is a much better looking vehicle than the EV3. I wish everything in the US didn't have to be boxy SUVs.

I agree if you mean the hatchback. Look up the sedan version, it's a little wierd looking

 

[alan7467]

That EV3 should be a non-starter for anyone interested until Hyundai can prove they've fixed the chronic ICCU problems affecting all of their E-GMP cars.

 

[leet]

That Seltos interior looks really nice. Not sure how I feel about the shifter placement though; unless there’s a safeguard built in, it looks like it could be mistakenly bumped while operating the windshield wipers.

Our Hyundai has a similar shifter. It won't shift unless it is below a certain speed threshold and the brake pedal is depressed (pretty sure about the speed thing, positive about the brake).

 

[Errum]

Why would you drive that monstrosity. Get a small car.

View attachment 131980

That’s not a car, it’s a casket with wheels.

 

[timber]

How are these small cars? They look on the pic normal sized even in the US. Wish there was a comparison with other models

Just today as I went to get lunch there was an EV3 next to an ID.4
Working on a feeling level they aren't that different with the EV3 seeming slightly shorter but of similar bulk.

 

[the_frakker]

I’m happy to discover this is not an April Fool’s joke!

Very happy about the EV3 coming to the US!

 

[sword_9mm]

That EV3 should be a non-starter for anyone interested until Hyundai can prove they've fixed the chronic ICCU problems affecting all of their E-GMP cars.

I have to agree here.

Anything like that (or blowing engines/whatever) should be resolved fully and proven before anyone purchases a car from XYZ brand.

Unless Hyundai is warrantying them for life or something. In that case I guess it'd be ok to gamble.

 

[alan7467]

I have to agree here.

Anything like that (or blowing engines/whatever) should be resolved fully and proven before anyone purchases a car from XYZ brand.

Unless Hyundai is warrantying them for life or something. In that case I guess it'd be ok to gamble.

It's a bummer. I find their EV options very compelling otherwise. It's hard to feel optimistic though when they haven't found a solution multiple years into the problem.

 

[Trumplethinskin]

Interesting, glad more makers are getting board with smaller vehickes, but I'm still holding out for the Telo.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQfQr_hp8rM


https://www.carsized.com/en-us/cars/compare/telo-mt1-2024-pickup-crew-cab-vs-kia-ev3-2024-suv/

 

[emuc64]

https://www.carsized.com/en-us/cars/compare/fiat-500x-2018-suv-cross-vs-kia-ev3-2024-suv/

Just wanted to thank you both (sbradford26, Ripaille) for the imagery and link. What a helpful site to compare sizes of cars. Specs are great, but having an overlayed image helps me see my current daily driver with my next potential purchase.

 

[emag]

It looks to me like the EV3 is about Rav/CX/CRV sized maybe? That's not super large really though I'm sure each has grown over the years like cars tend to.

I'd assumed it was the size of the Niro or something like that but they have that car so I'd expect it to be something in a different size class.

I will say I dislike the window buttons being flush on the door like that. My Genesis was set up a bit similar and it's not ergonomic at all. I guess it's lucky they are even there though as other companies decided to break things even more with the 'switch' button which sucks.

The EV3 is much smaller than the RAV4 and CRV (and also a fair bit shorter (in length) than the Corolla and Civic). It's a subcompact vehicle close in size to the Kia Soul.

https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/kia-ev3-2024-suv-vs-kia-soul-2019-5-door-hatchback/

 

[TheOldChevy]

Just was curious and the FIAT 500X aka the 4 door version of the Fiat 500 is almost the exact same size as the EV3. Overall a pretty small car given it in the sub compact class. The regular is Fiat 500 is just tiny and in the micro class for cars.

https://www.carsized.com/en-us/cars/compare/fiat-500x-2018-suv-cross-vs-kia-ev3-2024-suv/

View attachment 131982

Cars, small cars... let's say we want at least 4 doors and seats for 5 adults. A small car would be the Fiat Panda 3 (now named Pandina as FIAT introduced the Grande Panda which looses the main characteristic of the Panda but that's another story).

The EV3 is quite elegant for a compact SUV. The Seltos really looks like a Jeep, maybe that's on purpose?

 

[evan_s]

I was excited until I saw they went for the 400 V version instead of 800 V. Maybe it’s a cost or space constraint but 400 V seems like such a waste of time.

10-80 time is still under 30 minutes and assuming it's battery constrained for the charging curve 800v probably wouldn't provide any benefit especially on the smaller pack. 58kWh pack * .7 = ~40kWh charged in 30 minutes which means an average charge rate of around 80kW. Probably peaking at maybe 150kW or less if it's a relatively flat curve. That's easily handled on a 400v system for charging. The larger pack is still only averaging ~110kW for it's charging session. Again, well within the limits of 400v charging so neither seems to be constrained by the 400v charging system. It seems like they went with cheaper battery packs that can't handle the quicker charging rates so the 800v system isn't needed.

 

[grommit!]

How are these small cars? They look on the pic normal sized even in the US. Wish there was a comparison with other models

For reference, the EV3 is about the same size as my ten year old Golf.

(edit) nvm, ninja'd!

 

[DarthSlack]

I drove a CRV for 17 years. It is not a small car. The '86 Civic Hatchback I had long ago was a pretty small car. The VW I learned to drive in was a small car. THis is not that.

Come on, comparing a 2027 model year car to a 1986 model year car is just nuts. I'd be surprised if there were more than a handful of cars today as small as an 86 Civic. If nothing else, safety changes over the last (checks notes) forty years has pushed cars towards larger sizes.

 

[J.R.G]

For reference, the EV3 is about the same size as my ten year old Golf.

(edit) nvm, ninja'd!

Exactly. Also very similar in size to the Volvo EX30, recently discontinued in the US. That makes it a pretty small car by current USA standards.

 

[android_alpaca]

How are these small cars? They look on the pic normal sized even in the US. Wish there was a comparison with other models

I feel like there is sometype of reverse-Crocodile Dundee virtue signaling here.

The boxy "larger than life" styling is intentional as that is apparently what most (although not all) Americans want. It is 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than my 20+ year old Honda Civic (which I would call smallish without being cramped, what would you have called that?). It is 12cm / 5 inches taller... but that makes sense given a battery pack is roughly 6 inches tall and has to be under the cabin.

I would call a Fiat 500X a smallish (the 2-door Fiat 500e is "tiny").

This is it next to top selling vehicles in Europe (Dacia Sandero and VW Golf).