Kia EV3 first drive: the affordable EV we have been waiting for

Kia has launched a new affordable electric SUV, the EV3, in the US starting at $29,890 before a $1,495 destination fee. That puts it right between the Chevy Bolt ($28,995) and Nissan Leaf ($29,990), the only other new EVs near that price point. The base version gets 221 miles of range, but a $34,990 trim bumps that up to 321 miles with a larger battery. An all-wheel-drive version is also available, which neither the Bolt nor Leaf offers, though it brings range down to 280 miles.

If you're considering an EV around $30,000 for home charging, the EV3 adds real choice: two battery sizes, five trims, and a NACS charging port (the same plug Tesla uses) with access to over 40,000 fast chargers. Kia says most versions can charge from empty to 80% in about 30 minutes at a fast charger. There's also a small front trunk and enough cargo space to fit typical household gear.

The catch is that pricing climbs quickly once you add options — the version reviewed here cost around $41,000, and the top trim starts near $45,890. If you want to stay near the advertised "affordable" price, the base $29,890 model or the $34,990 version with the bigger battery are the ones to look at. Higher trims add power and extra range but move well past entry-level pricing.