2025 Kia EV3 GT-Line Review banner

    2025 Kia EV3 GT-Line Review

    Posted in Vehicle Reviews

    Review: 2025 Kia EV3 GT-Line - A Weekend Test Drive

    I spent a full weekend behind the wheel of the new Kia EV3 GT-Line, and here's the thing - it didn't feel like a first-generation effort. In fact, it didn't really feel like an "EV" in the traditional sense at all. And I mean that as a compliment.

    It felt like a car. Familiar. Comfortable. Polished. The kind of car that just fits into your life without asking you to change how you do things. That's a hard thing to pull off with a fully electric vehicle - especially in the under-$70K bracket-but Kia's had some practice now, and it shows.

    Driving it feels easy - because it is

    You know how some EVs go all-in on performance? Big numbers, neck-snapping acceleration, and all that? The EV3 GT-Line isn't playing that game, and honestly, it's better for it.

    With 150kW going to the front wheels, it's got enough get-up-and-go to handle city traffic, merge onto highways, and scoot past slow movers without breaking a sweat.

    Sport mode gives it a bit more pep when you want it, but even in Normal, it's smooth and responsive.

    What really stood out to me, though, was the way it rides. Kia's Australian tuning team clearly did their homework - this car just floats over patchy roads without feeling disconnected.

    Even with the GT-Line's 19-inch wheels, it stayed composed and comfortable.

    There's a firmness to the suspension, sure, but it never tips into harsh. It's a nicely balanced setup that makes day-to-day driving feel relaxed, not twitchy.

    More range than you'd expect - and no stress

    According to Kia, the GT-Line Long Range is good for 563km (WLTP), and over the weekend, I didn't find myself second-guessing that number.

    After plenty of errands, a solid freeway run, and the usual urban start-stop routine, it still had charge to spare. That's rare for this class.

    Now, I did hit a few hiccups at a public charger-mostly things like "Which cable do I use?" or "Why is this app taking forever to load?"

    But let's be clear: those weren't EV3 problems. They were first-time EV driver problems.

    Once I was plugged in, the GT-Line pulled power steadily and kept me in the loop with clear updates on the screen.

    Quick heads-up: the charging port is on the right-hand front quarter panel. Depending on the charger setup, you might need to stretch a cable a bit, especially if you're nose-in.

    Not a big deal, just something to be aware of.

    Tech that just... works

    The EV3 GT-Line doesn't overwhelm you with flashing lights or futuristic gimmicks. It gives you exactly what you want - and what you expect in 2025.

    Two 12.3-inch displays - one for your driving info, the other for media - plus a smaller screen in the middle for climate control. All of it works fast and feels intuitive.

    Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connected seamlessly, and the Kia Connect app was genuinely useful. I was able to check the charging status from the couch and pre-cool the cabin before a Sunday morning dash.

    As for safety and driver aids? It's all here. Smart cruise control, lane keeping, blind-spot alerts, the lot. I also appreciated the lane change assist feature - it's a bit slow to react but helpful when you're in traffic.

    One thing that does wear thin quickly: the speed limit warning chime. It goes off every time you creep over a detected limit - even if the system misreads a sign.

    You can mute it temporarily by holding down the steering wheel's mute button, which helps, but it'll return when you restart the car. Not a dealbreaker, just mildly irritating.

    Interior: Calm, clever, and a bit quirky

    Inside, the EV3 GT-Line finds a neat balance between modern and minimal. It doesn't shout luxury, but it doesn't feel basic either.

    The seats are leather-look, heated, ventilated, and both front seats are power-adjustable - a rare thing in this price bracket. The dashboard layout is clean, with physical toggles for fan speed and temperature. There's a pleasant stillness to the cabin, too - quiet, airy, well-insulated from outside noise.

    Storage is smartly designed. The centre console includes a slide-out tray - basically a mini desk you can use when the car's parked. Handy for a laptop or takeaway lunch. Though it does replace a bit of typical centre storage space, so whether it's a win depends on your habits.

    In the back, there's plenty of room for an adult to sit comfortably behind the driver. Rear passengers also get air vents, USB-C ports, and even a household power outlet, which makes road trips or camping setups that little bit more convenient.

    The boot? 460 litres, flat floor, adjustable height, and a bonus 25L of front storage under the bonnet. No spare tyre, just a repair kit - but the space is used smartly.

    So... is the GT-Line worth the extra dollars?

    At $63,950 before on-roads, the GT-Line isn't exactly pocket change. By the time you're on the road, you're likely sitting closer to $68-70K, depending on your state.

    Now, if you look at the EV3 lineup, the Earth trim is only a few grand cheaper, shares the same drivetrain and battery, and includes most of the same features. On paper, it probably makes more sense for buyers chasing value.

    But after driving the GT-Line, I get it. The little extras - the head-up display, the design flourishes, the ambience - they do add up. If you're coming from a well-specced petrol SUV and want something that feels like an upgrade, not a compromise, this model delivers.

    It's not about flash. It's about polish. And that's something Kia's getting very, very good at.

    Final verdict: It just feels right

    If you're looking to make the leap to your first EV, the EV3 GT-Line makes that leap feel small. In a good way.

    It's not intimidating. It doesn't demand you change your lifestyle. It slips in comfortably - and brings with it quiet confidence, thoughtful features, and a drive that makes every trip feel calm and capable.

    Yes, the GT-Line is the priciest EV3 you can buy. But from where I sat all weekend? It feels like the complete package.

    Curious? Come check it out at Motorama Kia.

    You can explore the EV3 range in person, chat with our EV specialists, or book a test drive online - and see if the GT-Line is the right fit for your next chapter behind the wheel.

    See More EV3 Image

    See More EV3

    Check out the full range and specifications of the all-new Kia EV3.

    Want more space? Go EV5 instead. Image

    Want more space? Go EV5 instead.

    Check out our review of the spacious & versatile EV5 family SUV.

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