[Advertisement] Why is the 2025 Kia EV3 'small SUV electric vehicle' facing challenges with the arrival of the BYD Atto 3?
Hello, this is automotive influencer Double Look.
Last weekend, I had the chance to test drive the BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle and posted about it.
It felt like a serious threat to the Kia EV3, which is currently the top-selling domestic electric vehicle.
The salesperson who assisted me during the Atto 3 test drive mentioned that it was specifically aimed at competing with domestic electric vehicle models.
If customer deliveries begin in earnest from mid-February, I believe it could significantly impact EV3 sales.
Kia EV3 Dominates as the Top-Selling Domestic Electric Vehicle in 2024!
Kia EV3 Dominates as the Top-Selling Domestic Electric Vehicle in 2024!
As of 2024, Kia has sold 12,851 units of the 2025 EV3.
Considering that sales began in earnest in July, this number exceeds expectations.
My spouse and I also test drove the EV3 upon its release, and we found its design and interior particularly appealing for female owners.
In 2024, the electric vehicle market faced a slump due to safety concerns and a lack of trust, leading to poor sales.
The Kia EV3 launched in the first half of the year, receiving praise for its design and exceptional value, and it garnered significant attention at the Busan Mobility Show 2024.
My spouse and I considered purchasing a second car, but ultimately decided to replace our main vehicle, which led us to forgo the EV3.
However, experiencing the vehicle firsthand through a test drive allowed us to appreciate its various charms.
In 2025, the electric vehicle subsidies are relatively lower compared to domestic vehicles, but local government subsidies are expected to provide around 1,500 USD (2 million KRW).
With this, the purchase price can drop to the low 25,000 USD (30 million KRW) range.
In conclusion, you can utilize more spacious interiors compared to the Kia EV3.
On the other hand, the Kia EV3 forms a relatively higher price range, leading to evaluations that it offers less value compared to the BYD Atto 3.
The base model of the BYD Atto 3 is priced at approximately 24,000 USD (31.5 million KRW), while the Plus model is priced at 25,000 USD (33.3 million KRW).
The EV3, in its standard trim, is priced at approximately 30,000 USD (39.95 million KRW) for the Air trim and 32,000 USD (43.4 million KRW) for the Earth trim, with the GT-Line priced at around 32,500 USD (44.3 million KRW).
You can clearly see that the price of the BYD Atto 3 model is significantly lower, which intensifies the pressure for Kia EV3 to lower its prices amid ongoing high-price controversies.
This situation seems to be pushing Kia to consider price reductions.
How will BYD Atto 3's price and volume strategy respond? Will it be through discounts?
With the BYD Atto 3 being launched at an unexpectedly low price, domestic electric vehicle brands are feeling the pressure.
The Atto 3's low pricing, combined with positive reviews from those who have test-driven it, suggests that BYD will quickly increase its market share in the small SUV electric vehicle segment.
Even though I never considered buying the Atto 3, experiencing it firsthand led me to conclude that it offers great value.
The BYD Atto 3 not only comes at a low price but also boasts dimensions that exceed those of the Kia EV3 by 155mm in length, 25mm in width, and 55mm in height.
This spaciousness makes it ideal for enjoying domestic travel or camping with friends, family, or partners.
Consequently, I naturally recommend the BYD Atto 3 to those who prioritize spaciousness.
2025 Kia Atto 3 Specifications and Estimated Pricing Information
2025 Kia Atto 3 Specifications and Estimated Pricing Information
Now, let’s check the specifications and estimated pricing for the Kia EV3.
Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery / Battery Capacity: 60.48 kWh
Motor Maximum Output: 204 ps / Motor Maximum Torque: 31.61 kg·m
Overall Length: 4,455 mm / Overall Width: 1,875 mm / Overall Height: 1,615 mm / Wheelbase: 2,720 mm
Curb Weight: 1,750 kg
Combined Efficiency: 4.7 km/kWh (City 5.2 / Highway 4.3)
Next, let’s look at the estimated pricing for the Kia EV3 based on the standard model compared to the Atto 3 Plus model.What is the estimated vehicle price?
Acquisition Tax: 720,000 KRW (approximately 550 USD)
Bond Discount: 70,000 KRW (approximately 53 USD)
=> Estimated net purchase price: 34,120,000 KRW (approximately 26,000 USD including additional costs)
If you receive around 1,500,000 KRW (approximately 1,500 USD) in government and local subsidies, you can expect a net purchase price around 32,000,000 KRW (approximately 24,000 USD) for a high-end SUV.
With over 1,000 pre-orders already recorded, interest in the vehicle remains high, making it a hot topic for the first half of the year.
During this time, the Kia EV3 must implement aggressive sales strategies to maintain its sales volume against competing models.
One important factor to consider is that when comparing design, options, interior, and driving experience, demand for the Chinese BYD Atto 3 is likely to increase compared to older models.
The 2025 Kia EV3's delivery timeline remains uncertain, even if you place an order right now.
Additionally, you can utilize it without the burden of initial costs, and for those looking for options, KS Auto Plan recommends long-term rentals and leases for new cars.
KS Auto Plan collaborates with over 20 financial institutions to match customers with the most affordable rates based on their conditions.
This positive feedback led to KS Auto Plan receiving the 'Asia Economic Brand Power Award,' and it is expected that the quality of vehicles will improve compared to well-known brands L and S.
If you have other models in mind besides the Atto 3, now is the time to check them out.
You can easily request estimates through the website, and quickly check for the best price comparisons and delivery dates.
If you are considering purchasing domestic SUVs like the Sorento, Santa Fe, or Carnival, be sure to check out the special pricing events currently running at KS Auto Plan, which are available in limited quantities by model.
This post was sponsored by KS Auto Plan.