2027 Hyundai KONA Electric vs 2027 Kia EV3: More Range and More Cargo Space for Everyday EV Ownership
2027 Hyundai KONA Electric vs 2027 Kia EV3: More Range and More Cargo Space for Everyday EV Ownership
Posted on September 22, 2026
Small electric SUVs are one of the busiest corners of the Canadian market, and two names come up often: the 2027 Hyundai KONA Electric and the 2027 Kia EV3. Both are five-seat crossovers with front-wheel drive at their entry point. The real question for most shoppers is simple. Which one makes daily life easier once the first few weeks of electric driving are behind you?
For everyday ownership, the answer is the KONA Electric. It carries a larger standard battery, a longer rated range and more cargo space than the EV3 in its entry Light trim. It also includes a heat pump, Highway Driving Assist and a 31.2 cm navigation touchscreen on every trim. Here is how the two line up on the details that matter after you drive home.
At a Glance: 2027 KONA Electric vs 2027 Kia EV3 Light
| Specification | 2027 Hyundai KONA Electric | 2027 Kia EV3 Light |
| Rated all-electric range | 420 km | 356 km |
| Battery capacity | 64.8 kWh | 58.3 kWh |
| Cargo, rear seats up | 723 L | 609 L |
| Cargo, rear seats folded | 1,803 L | 1,470 L |
| Rear headroom | 972 mm | 955 mm |
| Overall length | 4,355 mm | 4,300 mm |
Range and Battery: The KONA Electric Goes Farther From Day One
The 2027 KONA Electric uses a 64.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and a single front motor rated at 150 kW (201 hp) and 188 lb-ft of torque. That setup earns a rated all-electric range of 420 km on every trim. The EV3 Light, with its 58.3 kWh battery, is rated at 356 km. That gives the KONA Electric 64 more kilometres on every full charge.
Those extra kilometres add up over a week. Fewer stops at a public charger means less time planning your day around a plug. The KONA Electric is also efficient, with ratings of 1.8 Le/100 km in the city, 2.3 Le/100 km on the highway and 2.0 Le/100 km combined.
The KONA Electric is the lighter of the two as well. Its curb weight runs from 1,705 kg to 1,765 kg, while the EV3 Light ranges from 1,740 kg to 1,818 kg.
Cargo Space and Practical Packaging
Daily ownership is about groceries, hockey bags, strollers and the odd trip to the hardware store. The KONA Electric gives you more room for all of it. Behind the rear seats, you get 723 L of space, compared with 609 L in the EV3 Light. Fold the 60/40 split rear seats and the KONA Electric opens up to 1,803 L, well ahead of the EV3 Light’s 1,470 L.
The KONA Electric is also the longer vehicle at 4,355 mm, and every trim gets a dual-level cargo floor so you can hide smaller items or create a flat load space.
- 723 L of cargo space behind the rear seats
- 1,803 L with the 60/40 split rear seats folded
- Dual-level cargo floor on every trim
- Roof side rails standard from Preferred up
Cabin Comfort and Everyday Tech
Every 2027 KONA Electric starts well equipped. The Preferred trim includes heated front seats with three settings, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear passengers get their own air vents and two USB-C outlets. In the back seat, the KONA Electric offers 972 mm of headroom, ahead of the EV3 Light’s 955 mm.
Up front, a 31.2 cm touchscreen with built-in navigation sits beside a 31.2 cm digital instrument cluster. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and the Bluelink connected car system come standard, along with remote start on the key fob.
The Preferred with Trend Package adds leatherette seating surfaces, wireless device charging, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, a proximity-activated smart power liftgate and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch. The Preferred with Ultimate Package adds ventilated front seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, a Bose audio system with 8 speakers, Surround View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Standard Safety and Driver Assistance
Hyundai SmartSense comes standard on every KONA Electric trim. The list includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction Turning and Lane Oncoming detection, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist and Safe Exit Warning.
On the highway, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go help reduce the workload on longer drives. Rear Occupant Alert and Driver Attention Warning round out the standard package.
Which Model Is Right for You?
If you want the most range and cargo space at the entry point of this segment, the 2027 KONA Electric is the clear pick. Its 420 km range, 64.8 kWh battery and 1,803 L of maximum cargo space give it the edge over the EV3 Light in the areas that shape everyday ownership.
The trim choice comes down to how much comfort and tech you want. The Preferred covers the essentials with standard navigation, a heat pump and full Hyundai SmartSense. The Preferred with Trend Package suits drivers who want a sunroof and a hands-free liftgate. The Preferred with Ultimate Package is the right fit for anyone who wants ventilated seats, Bose audio and parking cameras that show every angle.
Experience the KONA Electric at Cambridge Hyundai
The best way to judge everyday ownership is to load the cargo area, sit in the back seat and take a real drive. Book your test drive at Cambridge Hyundai in Cambridge and see how the 2027 KONA Electric fits your week.