ECO labeled SUVs that don’t need charging or CERO models with a range of over 600 km: Kia’s two SUV options for those still deciding between hybrid and electric cars.
The environmental ratings from DGT, as well as fuel consumption and operating costs, have become decisive factors when buying a new car. More and more drivers are seeking electrified alternatives that allow them to move around cities without restrictions, but not everyone wants to give up gasoline engines or rely on charging stations for their trips.
To meet these needs, Kia offers two alternatives that represent very different approaches to electrification. The first is the Kia Stonic, an urban SUV measuring 4.16 meters long that combines a gasoline engine with 48 V microhybrid technology. Its 115 horsepower, distinctive ECO mode, and the ability to use it without plugging in make it an option for those who want to reduce consumption without changing their driving habits.
The second option is the Kia EV3, a 100% electric SUV with a ZERO badge that takes electrification to the next level. With up to 605 kilometers of certified range and fast charging capability, it’s designed for those who want to ditch gasoline without limiting their urban travel. Two models with different approaches, but a common goal: making the car switch easier by adapting to each driver’s needs.
Stonic: electrification without changing habits
The Stonic represents the most straightforward option for those who want to benefit from electrification but don’t yet want to rely on a charging station. Its 48 V, 115 HP 1.0 T-GDi MHEV system uses mild electrification to improve the efficiency of the gasoline engine and enables the distinctive ECO mode.
Kia reports a homologated fuel consumption for this version ranging from 5.4 to 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the configuration. This figure, combined with its compact size, helps explain why the Stonic is particularly suited for urban use and for those who want a single vehicle that works well for both daily commutes and longer trips.
At 4.16 meters in length, it maintains a size that makes it easy to maneuver and park, while still offering the driving position and versatility associated with an SUV.
The Stonic can feature a dual 12.3-inch display, a smartphone-based digital key, wireless charging, and various driving assistants, bringing to the urban segment features that were until recently reserved for higher-end vehicles.
Up to 605 km of range to make the switch
The Kia EV3 is designed for drivers who want to move directly to electric mobility but still consider range and charging times as key factors in making that decision.
The Spanish model boasts a range of up to 605 kilometers, a figure that allows for daily use without constant charging and enables longer trips as well. Kia also offers versions and configurations that can achieve even higher figures under specific testing cycles and conditions.
When it’s time to recharge, the EV3 can go from 10% to 80% charge in approximately 31 minutes. This makes it possible to undertake long journeys with relatively short stops and reduces one of the main barriers that have traditionally concerned those considering buying their first electric vehicle.
The shift to an electric car also brings additional advantages in the city. The EV3 features a distinctive ZERO label, zero local emissions, and an especially smooth and quiet driving experience in urban areas. Technologically, it is also a step ahead. Its interior uses a panoramic screen layout and offers features like V2L, which allows using the vehicle’s battery to power external electrical devices.
ECO or ZERO label: two ways to make the transition
The choice between the two models depends primarily on each driver’s circumstances. For someone living in the city who wants to benefit from the ECO label and maintain their existing fueling routine, the Stonic hybrid offers a virtually seamless transition. It requires no charger installation or additional planning and retains the flexibility of a gasoline engine.
The EV3, on the other hand, makes sense for those with reasonable access to charging facilities who want to make a direct switch to an electric car. Its maximum range of over 600 kilometers and fast charging capability ensure that the transition isn’t limited solely to urban use.
That is precisely where the difference between the two proposals lies. The Stonic facilitates a first step toward electrification; the EV3 enables the completion of the transition to fully electric mobility. In both cases, the goal is similar: to offer a car that is compact and easy to handle for daily use without restricting its functionality once outside the city.