2027 Kia EV3 vs the Competition

November 11th, 2026 by

The 2027 Kia EV3 is a compact electric SUV with a big range number on its larger battery. If you are cross-shopping small electric SUVs in the High Desert, here is how the EV3 compares with the Toyota C-HR, the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Equinox EV on range, power and charging.

2027 Kia EV3 electric SUV

321 miEPA-estimated range, 81.4 kWh FWD
31 min10% to 80% fast charge, per Kia
288 hpEV3 GT, per Kia
NACSNative charge port

Range figures are estimates and vary with trim, conditions and model year. Competitor figures come from each manufacturer or published sources.

2027 EV3 vs Toyota C-HR

The C-HR is Toyota’s new compact electric SUV. Valley Hi sells both brands, so this is a straight comparison.

2027 Kia EV3 2027 Toyota C-HR
Battery 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh 74.7 kWh
Range 221 mi (58.3 kWh), 321 mi (81.4 kWh FWD), 280 mi (AWD) 287 mi (SE), 273 mi (XSE), Toyota estimates
Drive FWD or AWD, depending on trim Standard AWD
Power 201 hp (FWD), 261 hp (AWD), 288 hp (GT) 338 hp net combined
10% to 80% fast charge About 29 to 31 min About 30 min
Charging port NACS NACS

The takeaway: the EV3 lists more range on its FWD long-range model, while every C-HR is AWD with more power. Compare AWD to AWD and the C-HR lists the longer range (287 mi vs the EV3’s 280 mi).

2027 EV3 vs Nissan Leaf

The redesigned third-generation Leaf is also a compact crossover with a NACS port.

2027 Kia EV3 2026 Nissan Leaf
Battery 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh Up to 75 kWh usable
Range Up to 321 mi (81.4 kWh FWD) Up to 303 mi (S+ grade), Nissan estimate
Charging port NACS NACS with Plug & Charge
Drive FWD or AWD, depending on trim Not listed in Nissan’s release

The takeaway: the EV3 lists a longer maximum range, but the Leaf is close, and the two quote battery size differently (the EV3 total, the Leaf usable), so the batteries are not directly comparable.

2027 EV3 vs Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Equinox EV is a larger electric SUV from Chevrolet, so it is a step up in size.

2027 Kia EV3 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Range 321 mi (FWD), 280 mi (AWD) 319 mi (FWD), 307 mi (AWD), 2026 model year
Charging port Native NACS 2027 model expected to add a built-in NACS port, per Electrek
Size Compact, five seats Larger compact SUV

The takeaway: on front-wheel drive the two list nearly the same range, but the Equinox EV lists more range with AWD (307 mi vs 280 mi). The Equinox figures are 2026 model-year ratings, so confirm 2027 numbers with Chevrolet.

Where the EV3 stands out

  • 321 miles of EPA-estimated range on the 81.4 kWh FWD model
  • A native NACS port, no adapter needed for Tesla Superchargers
  • A GT trim with 288 hp and a 5.4 second 0 to 60 time, per Kia
  • About 26 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats and 56.5 with them folded

Want the full breakdown? Read our 2027 EV3 review of range, trims and value. Looking at a bigger electric Kia? See the EV6 vs Ioniq 5 and Model Y comparison.

Honest limits

  • The EV3’s 321 miles is for front-wheel drive, and AWD trims list 280 miles
  • The C-HR lists more horsepower
  • The Equinox EV lists more AWD range
  • The EV3 uses a 400-volt system, so it does not charge as fast as 800-volt EVs like the Ioniq 5 or EV9

What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the EV3?

How far can the 2027 Kia EV3 go on a charge?

Kia lists an EPA-estimated 221 miles for the 58.3 kWh battery and 321 miles for the 81.4 kWh front-wheel-drive model. All-wheel-drive EV3 trims are rated at 280 miles. Your range will vary with driving conditions, weather and charging habits.

How fast does the EV3 charge?

Kia says the EV3 can DC fast charge from 10% to 80% in about 31 minutes with the larger battery, and about 29 minutes with the smaller one, under ideal conditions.

Does the Kia EV3 have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The EV3 offers all-wheel drive on select trims with the 81.4 kWh battery, making 261 hp, and the GT makes 288 hp. Front-wheel-drive trims make 201 hp.

How does the EV3 compare with the Toyota C-HR and Nissan Leaf?

The EV3 lists the longest front-wheel-drive range of the three at 321 miles. The C-HR has standard all-wheel drive and 338 hp, and the Leaf lists up to 303 miles. Each company publishes its own range figures, so ask each dealer for the numbers on the exact trim.

Where can I test drive an EV3 in Victorville?

Valley Hi Kia is at 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville. Browse EV3 inventory online, schedule a test drive, or call (760) 955-0046 to confirm availability before you visit.

Compare them in person

The best way to compare electric SUVs is to drive them. Visit Valley Hi Kia at 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville, or call (760) 955-0046.

Range and charging figures are estimates and vary with trim, conditions and model year. Toyota, Nissan and Chevrolet figures come from those manufacturers or published sources. See dealer for details.