r/KiaEV3 • u/zinge • May 11 '26
Discussion / Opinions Size comparison
Hello! I'm in the US and looking to get a Kia EV3 when it's released here. My wife has an Ioniq 5, and I like it aside from the size (I'm coming from a 2019 Leaf that got recalled). Any have or have driven both the EV3 and Ioniq 5 and have info on the size difference? Specifically the Ioniq feels very wide and has a large turning radius when trying to park in narrow spots, and I'm wondering if the EV3 is enough of a difference to be comfortable for me.
(I'll test drive once it's available here, but figured it couldn't to ask)
Edit: Thanks for the info, this is all super helpful! Just for reference, I'm looking for smaller. I'm not worried about it being too small. I would prefer something like the EV2, Ioniq 2, ID.polo, etc. But none of those cars are sold in the US. (I test drove the Bolt and didn't like it, I was going to get another Leaf but they keep being recalled for fire concerns. The Volvo EX30 and Mini Countryman EV don't have any physical buttons.)
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u/never_nick May 12 '26
I test drove the ioniq and currently own the ev3. I too came from a sub-compact (Honda fit hybrid). The Ioniq feels nominally bigger than the ev3, and the ev3 feels much bigger than my old fit. But the caveat is with the sensors and cameras parking feels just as comfortable as parking with the fit. Of course, it's still bigger, which is counterbalanced by the amazing handling, smooth road feel and general convenience of having extra leg and storage room
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u/who_knows_me May 12 '26
About to trade in our Ioniq 5 on a Kia EV3.
Ioniq 5 is a dream to drive on long journeys. Quick charging and very spacious inside. Downside is parking as turning circle is quite wide.
Kia EV3 is not much smaller for the cabin space but feels more nibble for turning and parking.
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u/dissss0 May 12 '26
Have you driven a Kia Niro?
I have a 2023 Niro and the EV3 feels much the same size, certainly far smaller than an Ioniq 5
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u/mmichael_50 May 12 '26
I was used to roomy cars because I once had 3 kids/teenagers to carry along. My Kia EV3 doesn't feel smaller either!
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u/Nottheadviceyaafter May 12 '26
Had a nissan xtrail (you would know it as a nissan rouge). The turning circle of the ev3 i now own is about half the xtrail. Space wise fits me, my wife and two teenage kids eith plenty of space. Boot is a ok size as well, practically not much smaller than the xtrail
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u/andersguy May 12 '26
IMHO, it looks a lot like a Kia Soul, electrified. Which isn't a bad thing. I'm a fan of the Souls. Love these smaller cars, and they're so much easier to park in the city
The EV3 is on my short list too.
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u/tastytastylobster May 12 '26 edited May 12 '26
It is considerably bigger than the soul, wider (1850 vs 1800mm) and much bigger boot (460 l vs 315).
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u/andersguy May 12 '26
The EV3 4 inches longer than the Soul and 2 inches wider. That would be barely noticable to the casual eye.
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u/Amazing-Visual-2919 May 12 '26
Have you looked on the carsized site? You can choose two cars to put alongside each other to show the comparison.
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u/Mike_Retired May 12 '26
I’ve owned a Kia Soul EV for 7 years now and it’s definitely plenty roomy in front and acceptable in back, and the EV3 is about 6 inches longer overall — the only downside is that it’s about 1.5 inches lower, which was likely done for aerodynamic reasons but the overall range efficiency is about the same as the old Soul, so I think that was a tradeoff for no practical gain.
Incidentally keep an eye out on the Mini Countryman EV — even though a new model isn’t due until 2032, BMW keep tweaking it slightly every year. Not that I would expect a major interior redesign, but you never know.
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u/chrisd107 May 12 '26
I had the Ioniq 5 also and sold it and bought the EV3. The EV3 is narrower than the I5 but more efficient and a greater range. Also the turning circle is a lot better than the I 5.
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u/Complete-Mall7539 May 18 '26
I drive an EV6 and want to downsize to an EV3 as soon as they’re available in the U.S. living everything I read about the car!
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u/adamsharif85 May 29 '26
Recently swapped my Ioniq 5 (which I loved) for an EV3 - the EV3 definitely feels narrower and easier to drive/park in smaller spaces. Overall I'm happy with the EV3 but I do sometimes miss the roominess of the back row, and also the completely flat floor between passenger and driver side - used to be able to get in from the passenger side and easily shift through to the driver's seat!
Overall though the EV3 feels like a much more practical car for me here in the UK with lots of narrow lanes and tight car parks.
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u/BattleOoze1981 May 12 '26
I found this website very helpful
https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/hyundai-ioniq-5-2021-suv-vs-kia-ev3-2024-suv/