In a surprising twist to Kia’s electric vehicle rollout strategy, the first spy photos of the US-spec Kia EV3 have surfaced thanks to our colleagues at KindelAuto — and they confirm the compact electric crossover is indeed coming to North America, despite previous reports suggesting otherwise.
Captured undergoing testing on American roads, the EV3 prototype wears the signature orange catadioptric reflectors — a regulatory requirement for U.S. vehicles — leaving little doubt about its intended market. This development comes just weeks after Kia made headlines at the 2025 New York Auto Show with the North American debut of the EV4, sparking speculation that the EV3 would be sidelined in the region.
A Surprise U-Turn for Kia’s U.S. EV Strategy
Originally unveiled for global markets in 2024, the Kia EV3 is a subcompact electric SUV built on the E-GMP platform, aimed at offering an affordable, urban-friendly EV alternative to the larger EV6 and EV9. Yet until now, Kia’s North American plans for the EV3 remained unclear.
Several reputable sources had reported that the EV3 would not make it stateside, citing a potential overlap with the slightly larger and more premium EV4, which has been prioritized for U.S. launch. That theory appeared validated when Kia officially announced the EV4’s U.S. debut at the 2025 NY Auto Show, despite the fact that the EV4 had originally launched nearly a full year before the EV3 in international markets.
However, the new spy shots tell a different story.
Spied in the Wild: What the Photos Reveal
The US-spec EV3 prototype, heavily camouflaged, was spotted with orange catadioptric side reflectors — a clear indicator of compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Other visual cues suggest minor tweaks for North American standards, possibly including revised bumpers and lighting elements.
While no interior shots have emerged yet, it’s expected that the U.S. version will retain the same minimalist yet tech-savvy cabin seen in the global EV3 concept, including dual widescreen displays and eco-conscious materials.
EV3 vs. EV4: Complement or Competition?
Kia’s dual-pronged approach with the EV3 and EV4 could serve to broaden its EV appeal in North America. The EV3 is expected to undercut the EV4 on price, possibly entering the market with a starting MSRP around $30,000, making it one of the most affordable EVs available.
Meanwhile, the EV4 — slightly larger and sleeker with sedan-like proportions — will target buyers looking for more space and style without stepping up to the EV6.
This move suggests Kia may now be aiming to capture a larger slice of the U.S. EV market by offering a full spectrum of electric options, from budget-friendly to premium.
Expected Timeline and Market Impact
With prototypes already testing on U.S. soil, the Kia EV3 could be officially unveiled for North America as early as late 2025, with a market launch likely in early 2026. Its arrival could significantly shake up the subcompact EV segment, currently dominated by models like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric.
Kia’s move also reinforces its commitment to electrification in the U.S., despite previous ambiguity over which models would be prioritized.
