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Long-term EV test! Kia EV3 2026 review Australia: GT-Line | The best new small SUV money can buy?

Tim Nicholson reviews the 2026 Kia EV3 GT-Line to see how this small SUV performs as a long-term addition to the fleet. The EV3 arrives in Australia with a four-tier line-up starting with the Air Standard Range and extending to the flagship GT-Line tested here. This top-tier variant features a front-mounted electric motor and a long-range battery pack, and sits above the Air and Earth grades in the local catalogue. The GT-Line stands out with its 19-inch alloy wheels and projection-type LED headlights while the interior gains a sliding centre console table and relaxation-mode front seats. Practicality remains a core focus with a 460-litre boot and a 25-litre frunk providing competitive storage for the segment. Standard equipment includes a triple-screen panoramic display and a head-up display alongside sustainable interior materials and a suite of advanced safety technology. On the road the front-wheel-drive EV3 delivers a composed ride and manageable dimensions for urban environments. Its 150kW power output and regenerative braking system provide a smooth driving experience compared to the BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona Electric and Volvo EX30. While it commands a higher entry price than some value-focused competitors the EV3 balances its cost with a seven-year warranty and a high level of standard equipment. #Kia #EV3 #Review -- Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 00:49 Like 1 - Exterior design 02:21 Dislike 1 - Door handles 02:50 Like 2 - Pricing 03:12 Like 3 - Standard equipment 03:27 Dislike 2 - Missing cameras 03:35 Like 4 - Interior space 04:05 Dislike 3 - Weird pull-out table 04:59 Dislike 4 - Interior storage 05:42 Like 5 - Multimedia 06:34 Like 6 - Rear seat space and amenities 07:16 Like 7 - Flexible boot 08:02 Dislike 5 - No spare wheel 08:23 Like 8 - EV driving range 08:45 Dislike 6 - Driver assistance tech 10:47 Like 9 - Driving 12:30 Dislike 7 - Bouncy ride 13:25 Like 10 - Easy to park 13:38 - Verdict -- Read Tim’s full review: https://bit.ly/4gCS3P8 Check out our Kia EV3 hub: https://bit.ly/4oNo8FX Find more SUVs: https://bit.ly/4wgIWJu Visit our EV guide: https://bit.ly/4kDWaKK -- CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive Visit our website for News, Reviews, Advice and more: https://www.carsguide.com.au Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/carsguide Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/carsguide.australia Follow our TikTok profile: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsguide.com.au Follow our Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/carsguideaus Follow our X profile: https://www.x.com/CarsGuide Follow our Threads profile: https://www.threads.net/@carsguideaus Follow our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carsguide-com-au