Our colleagues at ShortsCar captured the first sightings of the Kia EV3 facelift prototype. While the EV3 has only recently hit major markets, Kia is already pushing forward with mid-cycle refinements to solidify its dominance in the compact electric SUV segment. With expected upgrades to software, hardware reliability, and energy density, the upcoming refresh aims to address early adopter feedback while debuting the brand’s latest tech suite. The EV3 is expect to hit the showrooms in late 2027. First Sightings: Design Evolution While the exterior of the recently spotted Kia EV3 facelift prototypes remains familiar, the lack of visual changes points toward a major mechanical and digital evolution. Don’t expect a big update as the concept that anticipates the new design identity, the Vision Meta Turismo, shows a light evolution over the Opposites United philosophy. The early prototypes are likely testbeds for Hyundai Motor Group’s Gen 4 battery technology. While the current model uses 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh packs, the update is rumored to increase energy density by roughly 10% without increasing the battery’s physical footprint. The Arrival of Pleos Connect One of the most significant cabin upgrades will be the transition to Pleos Connect. This is the Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation infotainment system built on Android Automotive OS (AAOS). | Feature | Improvement with Pleos Connect | |---|---| | User Interface | Smartphone-like fluid navigation and customizable widgets. | | Connectivity | Deeper integration of native apps like Spotify and Google Maps without needing a phone. | | Voice Control | Enhanced natural language processing via the “GLeo AI” assistant. | | OTA Updates | Faster, more frequent Over-the-Air updates for everything from motor maps to safety features. | Solving the ICCU “Ghost in the Machine” The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) has been a point of contention