Kia is dropping the Niro EV from its 2027 US lineup and will only sell the hybrid version. The EV3 will replace it later this year as Kia’s most affordable electric vehicle.
Kia kills off Niro EV for 2027 as the EV3 steps in
Starting at under $40,000, the Kia Niro has been among the most affordable EVs in the US since it went on sale in 2019.
Offering 239 miles of electric range and a practical interior at a lower price than many of its gas-powered counterparts, the Kia Niro EV won over many buyers in the US. However, with new and significantly updated EVs now on sale that are even cheaper, the electric crossover SUV is due for an update.
While it was expected that the Niro was on its way out, Kia made it official this week after introducing the 2027 Niro, exclusively with a hybrid (HEV) powertrain.
The 2027 Niro HEV will go on sale this summer with a new design and Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system.
Meet the 2027 Kia EV3
In the meantime, Kia is preparing to launch its highly anticipated electric SUV, the EV3. After the EV3 made its North American debut in April, Kia described it as an “entry-level EV SUV that offers many of the advanced amenities of the EV9,” in a smaller, more affordable package.
The EV3 (which we already got to test-drive) will go on sale later this year with five trim options: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and a range-topping GT model.
It will be offered with two battery packs. The standard Light trim uses a 58.3-kWh battery and a single front electric motor, which Kia estimates will provide up to 220 miles of range.
The larger 81.4 kWh battery will be available for the Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT variants, delivering an estimated 320 miles of range for FWD models.
All-wheel drive is standard on the GT-Line and GT trims and optional for the Wind and Land, delivering a combined 261 hp. The EV3 GT is slightly more powerful with up to 288 hp.
With DC fast charging, the standard 58.3 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes. The larger 81.4 kWh battery takes around 31 minutes. All EV3 trims come with a native NACS charge port.
Inside, the interior features Kia’s new ccNC infotainment with nearly 30″ of screen space. The panoramic setup consists of a 12.3″ instrument cluster, a 12.3″ infotainment screen, and a 5″ climate display.
If you really want to get crazy, there’s an optional 12″ head-up display (HUD) and premium 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system available.
Kia has yet to confirm pricing, but the 2027 EV3 is expected to start under $35,000, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles in the US.
In its first year, the EV3 was the third-best-selling EV in the UK and ranked 10th in Europe. In the first half of 2026, it’s Kia’s top-selling EV in its home market of Korea with nearly 18,500 units sold through June.
Electrek’s Take
While the Niro EV is out, the EV3 will likely be an even bigger hit. With over 300 miles of driving range, modern tech, and improved style at an affordable price, the EV3 could hit the sweet spot in the US.
Kia’s three-row electric SUV, the EV9, is gaining traction this year with over 7,000 models sold through June, up 42% from 2025.
Starting at around $35,000, the EV3 will likely find its niche. Look at other electric SUVs that went on sale recently, like the updated Toyota bZ, which was the third best-selling EV in the US in Q1. It starts at $34,900. The Hyundai IONIQ 5, priced from $35,000, ranked fourth, followed by the Chevy Equinox EV ($34,995) in fifth.
The EV3 offers a slightly larger, longer-range alternative to the new Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF.
Would you buy the EV3 over the others listed above? Let us know your pick in the comments.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments