Kia has started assembling early EV3 prototypes in Mexico as the automaker moves closer to launching its affordable electric SUV in the United States later this year.
Recent registration data shows that 15 EV3 units were produced last month at Kia’s Pesquería manufacturing plant in Nuevo León, Mexico. The vehicles are believed to be early test prototypes, following recent sightings of the EV3 undergoing road testing.
The initial production run suggests Kia is ramping up preparations for a wider North American rollout while maintaining a relatively low profile ahead of the upcoming US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) joint review scheduled for July. Local reports indicate the company is proceeding cautiously as production scales.
The EV3 has already delivered strong results in international markets since its European debut in November 2024. Positioned as a compact and affordable electric SUV, the model gained popularity through its competitive pricing and class-leading range of up to 375 miles. Priced from approximately €36,000 ($38,300), the EV3 quickly became one of Europe’s top-performing EVs, ranking third in UK electric vehicle sales during its first year and securing a place among the top ten EVs in Europe and Australia.
Kia recently confirmed at the New York Auto Show that the EV3 will officially enter the US market, ending speculation that the model could face delays amid uncertainty surrounding several of the brand’s future EV launches. The automaker describes the EV3 as an entry-level electric SUV offering many of the design and technology features found in the larger EV9, but in a smaller and more affordable format.
For US buyers, the EV3 will be available in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The entry-level Light trim will feature a 58.3 kWh battery and front-mounted electric motor, delivering an estimated driving range of up to 220 miles.
Higher-spec variants will receive a larger 81.4 kWh battery pack, increasing maximum range to around 320 miles in front-wheel-drive form. All-wheel drive will be offered as an option on Wind and Land trims, while coming standard on GT-Line and GT models.
Built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP platform, the EV3 will support DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in roughly 29 minutes with the smaller battery and approximately 31 minutes with the larger pack.
Although official US pricing has not yet been announced, the EV3 is expected to start at around $35,000, placing it below the Kia EV6, which currently carries a starting price of $42,900.
Kia’s entry into the affordable electric SUV segment comes as demand for lower-priced EV crossovers continues to grow in the US market. Competitors such as the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Toyota bZ are among the strongest-selling non-Tesla electric vehicles, while Tesla’s Model Y remains the overall market leader.
