Despite prevailing headlines suggesting a slowdown in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the United States, the recent New York International Auto Show served as a potent reminder of ongoing innovation and expansion within the EV market. Among four all-new vehicles unveiled during the media preview day, two significant battery-electric SUVs made their global debut, showcasing the industry’s commitment to a diverse electrified future: the compact 2027 Kia EV3 and the large three-row 2027 Subaru Getaway.
These launches underscore a strategic push by manufacturers to cater to a broader spectrum of consumer needs and preferences, from affordable, efficient urban commuters to spacious, family-oriented adventure vehicles. Both models are poised to hit dealerships in late 2026, signaling that the momentum in the EV market remains robust, even as it navigates evolving consumer expectations and infrastructure developments.
Kia EV3: A Compact Contender with Ambitious Range
The 2027 Kia EV3 is set to become the smallest and most accessible entry in Kia’s rapidly expanding line-up of electric vehicles. Positioned as a small SUV utility vehicle, its North American launch is anticipated late this year, following a successful tenure in markets like South Korea, several European countries, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has seen substantial demand.
In the fiercely competitive low-priced segment of the EV market, the EV3 is expected to square off against established models such as the Chevrolet Bolt, with its starting price of $28,995, and the Nissan Leaf, priced from $31,485. It may also contend with Ford’s upcoming midsize electric pickup, projected to start around $30,000. While exact pricing and specifications for the US market are still pending, Kia’s strategic positioning aims to make electric mobility more attainable for a wider audience.
Performance and Charging Innovations
A notable feature of the US-spec EV3 is its impressive projected EPA-rated battery range of up to 320 miles on certain versions. This comfortably surpasses the 300-mile threshold, which is increasingly becoming a critical benchmark for American buyers concerned about range anxiety, reinforcing the practicality of electric vehicles for longer journeys.
The design of the EV3 borrows aesthetic cues from its larger, more angular sibling, the EV9 three-row SUV. Despite its compact and upright stance, Kia engineers have achieved a commendable drag coefficient of 0.275, a testament to aerodynamic efficiency that contributes directly to its impressive range figures.
Kia offers two distinct battery capacities to suit varying needs. The EV3 Light model is equipped with a 58.3-kilowatt-hour (kWh) pack, driving only the front wheels, and is projected to deliver an estimated range of 220 miles. This variant is likely to anchor the base price prominently featured in marketing efforts to attract budget-conscious consumers.
For higher trims, including Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT, battery capacity increases to 81.4 kWh. All-wheel drive is available as an option on Wind and Land trims, becoming standard on the sportier GT-Line and GT models. Motor output stands at 261 horsepower (192 kW) for all-wheel-drive configurations, escalating to 288 horsepower (212 kW) in the high-performance EV3 GT model, promising a spirited driving experience within the growing EV market.
Charging convenience is a priority for these new electric vehicles. The EV3 features a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port located on the right-front fender. Kia claims a DC fast charging time from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger one. It is important to note that these times are typically achieved under ideal conditions, factoring in optimal battery temperature and ambient conditions, and contingent on the charging station’s sustained current delivery.
Further enhancing user experience, Plug and Charge functionality comes standard, streamlining the charging process by allowing owners to simply plug in and walk away once the system is set up. While Kia did not disclose specific ratings for onboard AC charging, the inclusion of vehicle-to-load (V2L) power outputs underscores the EV3’s versatility as a portable power source. Moreover, with a bidirectional Wallbox home charging station, it will offer vehicle-to-home (V2H) capability, providing a critical power backup for homes during outages, a significant value proposition in the evolving EV market.
Interior Comfort and Strategic Platform
Inside the compact SUV, Kia maintains its characteristic modern cabin design, featuring a horizontal array of dual 12.3-inch displays across the dashboard. The EV3 also boasts a range of advanced features and options rarely found in subcompact cars in the US market, such as a head-up display (HUD) and a Surround-View monitor, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Practicality is further addressed with an available power liftgate, providing access to a generous 26.1 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. This expands to a substantial 56.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, offering ample space for luggage and gear, making it a highly functional option among smaller electric vehicles.
To manage costs and achieve a competitive price point, the EV3 is constructed on a modified, lower-cost iteration of the Hyundai-Kia E-GMP battery-electric platform. A key difference from its larger siblings, the EV6 hatchback utility and EV9 three-row SUV, is its 400-volt battery architecture, as opposed to their 800-volt systems. While 800-volt systems generally allow for faster charging, the 400-volt setup is more cost-effective for mass-market electric vehicles.
This lower-cost platform is also employed for the Kia EV4, a sleek compact sedan whose US debut was postponed after initial scheduling for the first quarter of this year. The decision to prioritize utility vehicles like the EV3, given the growing market share of SUVs and the declining demand for sedans, appears to be a shrewd move by Kia, especially since the North American EV3 is slated for assembly in Mexico, at the same Kia plant that produces the K4, potentially benefiting from localized production advantages within the broader EV market.
Subaru Getaway: A Large-Scale Entry into the EV Market
At the opposite end of the size spectrum, the 2027 Subaru Getaway 3-row SUV represents the largest electric vehicle offering from the Japanese automaker. Subaru, which sells a significant two-thirds of its global output in North America, aims this seven-passenger crossover utility vehicle squarely at the premium segment of its range. The Getaway serves as the direct EV counterpart to the brand’s aging Ascent gasoline 3-row SUV, marking Subaru’s tenth distinct US model line and a clear commitment to expanding its electric vehicles portfolio.
Observant enthusiasts might find the Getaway’s silhouette familiar, as it is a subtly re-engineered version of the Toyota Highlander battery-electric SUV, which was announced earlier this year. This collaboration marks the fourth instance of a Subaru EV being a direct derivative of a Toyota model, following the Solterra hatchback (Toyota bZ nee bZ4X), the Uncharted small hatchback (Toyota C-HR EV), and the Trailseeker wagon or utility vehicle (Toyota bZ Woodland). This strategy highlights the collaborative efforts within the industry to accelerate EV development and deployment, particularly for smaller manufacturers leveraging established platforms.
Robust Performance and Family-Friendly Features
Powering the Getaway is a substantial 95.8-kWh battery pack. In keeping with a long-standing Subaru hallmark since the 1990s, every Getaway comes standard with all-wheel drive, provided by a pair of electric motors that combine for an impressive 420 horsepower (309 kW). This robust powertrain enables the seven-passenger SUV to achieve 0-to-60 mph acceleration in a quoted “less than 5 seconds” and boasts a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, making it a powerful and versatile option for families seeking large electric vehicles.
Like the smaller Kia EV3, the Getaway also adopts the NACS port for charging, conveniently located on the right-front fender. Subaru estimates a 10-to-80-percent DC fast charging time of “approximately 30 minutes” at up to 150 kW. As with all fast charging claims, these figures are achieved under optimal conditions of battery and ambient temperature. To further optimize charging efficiency, battery preconditioning comes standard, and the front Daytime Running Lights cleverly double as charging-status indicators when the vehicle is plugged in, providing visual feedback on its charging progress.
Looking ahead, Subaru plans to introduce a “standard-range” model with a lower battery capacity of 77.0 kWh in the first half of 2027. This variant will also feature standard AWD, with more specific details expected closer to its launch, offering another option for consumers in the evolving EV market.
Sophisticated Interior and Local Manufacturing
The interior of the Getaway reflects its premium aspirations, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster—a standard Toyota configuration—complemented by a central 14-inch touchscreen display. Standard amenities include heated front seats, with higher trims or optional packages offering a heated steering wheel, an array of heated second- and third-row seats, and ventilated seats, ensuring comfort across all three rows, a key differentiator among large electric vehicles.
Additional features and options cater specifically to the needs of a three-row family SUV. These include a three-zone climate control system with dedicated vents for the third row, a cup holder for every passenger, and USB-C charge ports in every row. An optional panoramic moonroof further enhances the cabin’s airy feel. Furthermore, a majority of Getaway versions will proudly feature Subaru’s characteristic ladder-type roof rails as standard, allowing owners of other Subaru models to easily transfer their existing Thule carriers and other roof accessories, underscoring brand loyalty and practicality.
In a significant move for domestic production, the 2027 Subaru Getaway will be assembled in the United States, at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, which also produces its Toyota Highlander twin. This localized manufacturing strategy exempts the vehicle from tariffs on imported vehicles and marks only the second US assembly plant for Subaru, complementing its Lafayette, Indiana, plant where a majority of its gasoline models are built. This strategic decision reinforces Subaru’s commitment to the North American market and helps consolidate its position in the competitive landscape of electric vehicles.
A Dynamic EV Landscape
The simultaneous introduction of the compact Kia EV3 and the expansive Subaru Getaway at the New York Auto Show paints a vivid picture of a dynamic and diversifying electric vehicle market. These new battery-electric models are not merely additions to an expanding lineup; they represent calculated responses to consumer demand for greater choice, improved range, and enhanced functionality across various price points and vehicle segments.
As manufacturers continue to innovate with platform sharing, domestic production, and advanced features, the narrative of electric vehicles continues to evolve. These launches reinforce the idea that, far from retreating, the EV market is steadily broadening its appeal and solidifying its presence, offering compelling options for a wide array of drivers ready to embrace sustainable transportation.