Kia is finally bringing one of its most important EVs to the US, and it’s not trying to go big, flashy, or expensive. Instead, it’s going small… and smart.
The Kia EV3, a compact electric SUV, has made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show and is expected to go on sale in late 2026 as a 2027 model. Positioned as the most accessible EV in Kia’s lineup, it sits below the EV6 and EV9, focusing on practicality, usability, and affordability rather than outright performance.
What makes the EV3 stand out?
For starters, the range is surprisingly strong for a vehicle in this segment. The EV3 will be offered with two battery options, with the base version expected to deliver around 220 miles, while the long-range variant could stretch up to 320 miles on a single charge. That puts it in a very competitive position, even against some more established EVs. Charging speeds are also decent, with the car capable of going from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes, depending on the battery configuration.
Beyond range, Kia is packing in a lot of features for what is meant to be an entry-level EV. The interior gets a triple-screen setup, including dual 12.3-inch displays and a smaller screen for climate controls, giving it a tech-forward feel. Features like Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Home support add practical utility, while one-pedal driving through Kia’s updated i-Pedal system makes city driving easier. The design also borrows heavily from the larger EV9, with a boxy, futuristic look that stands out without being overly aggressive.
Why this launch matters
Perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle is pricing, even though Kia hasn’t officially confirmed it yet. Expectations suggest a starting price of around $35,000, which would make the EV3 one of the more affordable options in a market that still leans heavily toward the premium side. That’s a crucial move at a time when EV adoption is slowing, and buyers are becoming more price-conscious.
At the end of the day, the EV3 isn’t trying to be the fastest or most luxurious electric SUV out there. Instead, it’s aiming to be something far more important: accessible. And if Kia gets the pricing and positioning right, this could end up being less about making EVs more exciting… and more about making them finally make sense for a lot more people.
Google Maps has a long list of hidden (and sometimes, just underrated) features that help you navigate seamlessly. But I was not a big fan of using Google Maps for walking: that is, until I started using the right set of features that helped me navigate better.
Add layers to your map
See more information on the screen
Layers are an incredibly useful yet underrated feature that can be utilized for all modes of transport. These help add more details to your map beyond the default view, so you can plan your journey better.
To use layers, open your Google Maps app (Android, iPhone). Tap the layer icon on the upper right side (under your profile picture and nearby attractions options). You can switch your map type from default to satellite or terrain, and overlay your map with details, such as traffic, transit, biking, street view (perfect for walking), and 3D (Android)/raised buildings (iPhone) (for buildings). To turn off map details, go back to Layers and tap again on the details you want to disable.
In particular, adding a street view and 3D/raised buildings layer can help you gauge the terrain and get more information about the landscape, so you can avoid tricky paths and discover shortcuts.
Set up Live View
Just hold up your phone
A feature that can help you set out on walks with good navigation is Google Maps’ Live View. This lets you use augmented reality (AR) technology to see real-time navigation: beyond the directions you see on your map, you are able to see directions in your live view through your camera, overlaying instructions with your real view. This feature is very useful for travel and new areas, since it gives you navigational insights for walking that go beyond a 2D map.
To use Live View, search for a location on Google Maps, then tap “Directions.” Once the route appears, tap “Walk,” then tap “Live View” in the navigation options. You will be prompted to point your camera at things like buildings, stores, and signs around you, so Google Maps can analyze your surroundings and give you accurate directions.
Credit: Google
Download maps offline
Google Maps without an internet connection
Whether you’re on a hiking trip in a low-connectivity area or want offline maps for your favorite walking destinations, having specific map routes downloaded can be a great help. Google Maps lets you download maps to your device while you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, and use them when your device is offline.
For Android, open Google Maps and search for a specific place or location. In the placesheet, swipe right, then tap More > Download offline map > Download. For iPhone, search for a location on Google Maps, then, at the bottom of your screen, tap the name or address of the place. Tap More > Download offline map > Download.
After you download an area, use Google Maps as you normally would. If you go offline, your offline maps will guide you to your destination as long as the entire route is within the offline map.
Enable Detailed Voice Guidance
Get better instructions
Voice guidance is a basic yet powerful navigation tool that can come in handy during walks in unfamiliar locations and can be used to ensure your journey is on the right path. To ensure guidance audio is enabled, go to your Google Maps profile (upper right corner), then tap Settings > Navigation > Sound and Voice. Here, tap “Unmute” on “Guidance Audio.”
Apart from this, you can also use Google Assistant to help you along your journey, asking questions about your destination, nearby sights, detours, additional stops, etc. To use this feature on iPhone, map a walking route to a destination, then tap the mic icon in the upper-right corner. For Android, you can also say “Hey Google” after mapping your destination to activate the assistant.
Voice guidance is handy for both new and old places, like when you’re running errands and need to navigate hands-free.
Add multiple stops
Keep your trip going
If you walk regularly to run errands, Google Maps has a simple yet effective feature that can help you plan your route in a better way. With Maps’ multiple stop feature, you can add several stops between your current and final destination to minimize any wasted time and unnecessary detours.
To add multiple stops on Google Maps, search for a destination, then tap “Directions.” Select the walking option, then click the three dots on top (next to “Your Location”), and tap “Edit Stops.” You can now add a stop by searching for it and tapping “Add Stop,” and swap the stops at your convenience. Repeat this process by tapping “Add Stops” until your route is complete, then tap “Start” to begin your journey.
You can add up to ten stops in a single route on both mobile and desktop, and use the journey for multiple modes (walking, driving, and cycling) except public transport and flights. I find this Google Maps feature to be an essential tool for travel to walkable cities, especially when I’m planning a route I am unfamiliar with.
More to discover
A new feature to keep an eye out for, especially if you use Google Maps for walking and cycling, is Google’s Gemini boost, which will allow you to navigate hands-free and get real-time information about your journey. This feature has been rolling out for both Android and iOS users.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
