2027 Kia EV3 and All-New Seltos Debut at New York Auto Show

Kia revealed two vehicles at the 2026 New York International Auto Show that share a single thesis: affordable crossovers sell, and the lineup needs more of them. The EV3 puts 320 miles of electric range within reach of buyers who found the EV6 and EV9 out of budget. The all-new Seltos is a ground-up redesign with three powertrain options for the first time, including a hybrid.

EV3 Powertrain and Platform

The EV3 sits on a 400-volt version of the E-GMP platform, not the 800-volt architecture found in the EV6 and EV9. That distinction keeps costs down while still delivering competitive charging speeds: 10 to 80 percent in approximately 29-31 minutes on a DC fast charger. The native NACS charging port provides Tesla Supercharger access.

EV3 Specifications

Specification	Standard Range	Long Range
Battery	58.3 kWh	81.4 kWh
Kia Est. Range	220 miles	320 miles (FWD)
DC Fast Charge (10-80%)	~29 minutes	~31 minutes
Available Trims	Light only	Wind, Land, GT-Line, GT

Configuration	Horsepower	Drivetrain	Trims
Single Motor	201 hp	FWD	Light, Wind, Land
Dual Motor	261 hp	AWD	GT-Line AWD
Dual Motor GT	288 hp	AWD	GT

At 169.2 inches long, the EV3 is compact enough for city use while offering 26.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, expanding to 56.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. A small 0.9-cubic-foot frunk sits under the hood. Rear seats recline up to 39 degrees, and a two-position luggage board with underfloor storage adds flexibility.

EV3 Interior and Technology

Three screens dominate the dashboard. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen stretch across the driver’s view in what Kia calls its panoramic display layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. An available 12-inch head-up display projects information onto the windshield.

The GT trim adds sport bucket seats with neon green accented seatbelts and interior trim. An available 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 360-degree Surround-View Monitor, and Netflix/YouTube streaming while parked round out the technology options.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability comes standard on every trim, allowing the EV3 to power external devices and appliances from its battery.

How the EV3 Competes

Vehicle	Est. Starting Price	Range	Power
2027 Kia EV3	~$35,000-$40,000	220-320 mi	201-288 hp
2027 Chevy Bolt EV	~$27,000	262 mi	TBA
2025 Chevy Equinox EV	~$33,900	315 mi	210-300 hp
2025 VW ID.4	~$46,570	275 mi	201-295 hp

The Bolt undercuts the EV3 on price by a significant margin. The Equinox EV matches it on range at a similar price point but is a larger vehicle. The VW ID.4 costs roughly $10,000 more. The five-trim spread means Kia can slot the EV3 wherever a buyer’s budget lands. The 288-hp GT has no equivalent from Chevy or VW at this price.

2027 Kia Seltos: Three Powertrains, One Mission

The second-generation Seltos arrives with styling borrowed from the larger Telluride on a new, bigger platform. The wheelbase grows 2.4 inches. Overall length increases 1.8 inches. Cargo expands to 64.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, more than any competitor in the segment and up 1.3 cubic feet from the outgoing model.

For the first time in the United States, buyers choose from three powertrain options.

Powertrain	Horsepower	Transmission	Drivetrain
2.0L NA I4	147 hp	CVT	FWD std, AWD avail
1.6L Turbo I4	190 hp	7-speed DCT	AWD standard
1.6L Hybrid I4	141 hp / 195 lb-ft	6-speed DCT	FWD std, e-AWD avail

The hybrid variant deserves attention. Its electric AWD system is Kia’s first hybrid SUV with an electric rear axle, meaning all-wheel drive engages without a mechanical transfer case or driveshaft. Ground clearance reaches 8.1 inches across the range. The new X-Line trim replaces the previous SX/SX Turbo naming and is the only trim available with all three engine options.

Four trim levels are offered: LX, S, EX, and X-Line. Dual 12.3-inch displays and a 5-inch climate screen come standard across the lineup, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Kia generative AI voice assistant responds to natural language commands. An available Blind-Spot View Monitor displays a video feed on the instrument cluster when the turn signal activates.

Seltos Competitive Context

The redesigned Seltos competes against the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Subaru Crosstrek. Its three-powertrain approach is unique in the segment. The Toyota Corolla Cross offers a hybrid, but neither the HR-V nor the Crosstrek matches the Seltos with a turbo option. The e-AWD hybrid configuration has no direct competitor in this size class.

The outgoing 2026 Seltos starts at $25,285 including destination. Expect a modest increase for the redesign, with the hybrid commanding a premium. Official 2027 pricing has not been announced.

Pricing and Availability

The EV3 goes on sale in late 2026. Official pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Industry estimates place the starting MSRP between $35,000 and $40,000, though tariff conditions could affect the final number.

The Seltos with 2.0L and 1.6L turbo engines arrives mid-2026. The hybrid follows in late Q4 2026 with limited initial inventory.

Both vehicles are on display at the New York International Auto Show through April 12 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the 2027 Kia EV3 cost?

Kia has not set a public MSRP. Industry estimates put the starting price between $35,000 and $40,000, which would slot it below the EV6 and within range of the Chevrolet Equinox EV.

What is the range of the 2027 Kia EV3?

The long-range 81.4 kWh battery provides an estimated 320 miles. The standard-range 58.3 kWh battery in the Light trim targets 220 miles. Final EPA ratings are pending.

Does the Kia EV3 come with AWD?

AWD is available on the GT-Line (261 hp dual motor) and GT (288 hp dual motor) trims. The Light, Wind, and Land trims are front-wheel drive with a single 201-hp motor.

How fast does the Kia EV3 charge?

DC fast charging reaches 10 to 80 percent in approximately 29-31 minutes. The EV3 uses a native NACS port with Tesla Supercharger access.

What is new about the 2027 Kia Seltos?

The Seltos is completely redesigned on a bigger platform with styling cues from the Telluride, a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, segment-best 64.1 cubic feet of cargo, and three powertrain options for the first time: 2.0L naturally aspirated, 1.6L turbo, and 1.6L hybrid with available electric AWD.

Does the 2027 Kia Seltos have a hybrid?

Yes. The 1.6L hybrid produces 141 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. It offers an available e-AWD system using an electric rear axle, a first for a Kia hybrid SUV.

When does the 2027 Kia EV3 go on sale?

Late 2026. The Seltos 2.0L and turbo models arrive mid-2026, with the Seltos hybrid following in late Q4 2026.

How does the EV3 compare to the Chevy Bolt?

The Bolt starts around $27,000 with 262 miles of range, undercutting the EV3 significantly on price. The EV3 counters with up to 320 miles of range, available AWD with up to 288 hp, a more premium interior, and V2L capability.

What trim levels does the Kia EV3 offer?

Five trims: Light (standard range, FWD), Wind (long range, FWD), Land (long range, FWD), GT-Line (long range, AWD, 261 hp), and GT (long range, AWD, 288 hp).

What is the cargo space of the 2027 Kia Seltos?

The Seltos offers 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, both increases over the outgoing model and the best figures in the subcompact SUV segment.

Sources and Additional Reading

• Kia Media: EV3 Press Release
• Kia Media: Seltos Press Release
• Kia: 2027 EV3
• Kia: 2027 Seltos