Kia EV3 vs Chevy Bolt: Which Small EV Fits the Tri-Cities?
Last updated Oct 31, 2026
Specs note: I checked every figure on kia.com and chevrolet.com on Oct 31, 2026. kia.com lists the 2027 EV3 and chevrolet.com lists the 2027 Bolt, so this is 2027 vs 2027. Specs vary by trim. Confirm on the window sticker.
Quick answer: The 2027 Bolt has the lower starting MSRP. The 2027 EV3 goes farther on a charge (up to 321 miles vs 262, EPA-est.), offers AWD, has more cargo room listed, and comes with Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile EV battery coverage vs Chevy’s 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. Both use the Tesla-style NACS port, and both are about the same length.
Sources: kia.com 2027 EV3 page and specs/compare, kia.com warranty page, chevrolet.com 2027 Bolt page and Bolt trim compare, all checked Oct 31, 2026.
These two are small electric SUV-shaped hatchbacks that cover a normal Pasco, Kennewick or Richland week with charge to spare. The Bolt is built to hit a price. The EV3 gives you more range choices and the option of AWD.
Hey, I’m Rick G. at Overturf KIA in Pasco. I sell Kias, so I’ll be straight about where the Chevy wins too. Every number below comes from kia.com or chevrolet.com, with the date I checked. Compare on paper here, then come drive the EV3.
Quick facts: EV3 or Bolt?
- Range. EV3: 221 miles (Light FWD), 321 miles (Wind and Land FWD), 280 miles (AWD trims), EPA-est. Bolt: 262 miles EPA-est.
- DC fast charging, 10 to 80%. EV3: about 29 to 31 minutes on a 350 kW charger (Kia testing). Bolt: about 25 minutes (GM estimate) on a DC fast charger.
- Home charging. EV3: about 5 hrs 10 min (Light) or 7 hrs (other trims) from 10 to 100% on an 11 kW Level 2 charger. Bolt: 11.5 kW onboard charger; chevrolet.com did not list a Level 2 charge time on the pages I checked.
- Port. NACS on both. Both come with a dual-level 120V/240V charging cord.
- Drive. EV3: FWD or AWD depending on trim. Bolt: FWD.
- Power. EV3: 201 hp FWD, 261 hp AWD, 288 hp GT. Bolt: 210 hp.
- Size. EV3: 169.3 to 169.7 in long, 105.5 in wheelbase. Bolt: 169.58 in long, 105.3 in wheelbase.
- Starting MSRP. Bolt LT $27,600. EV3 Light $29,890. Full trim table below.
Book an EV3 test drive · Bring your trade
Tell me which EV3 trim you’re curious about when you book. I’ll check what’s on the lot and email you to confirm a time.
Range and efficiency
| 2027 Kia EV3 | 2027 Chevy Bolt | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA-est. range | 221 mi (Light FWD), 321 mi (Wind/Land FWD), 280 mi (AWD) | 262 mi |
| Battery | 58.3 kWh (Light), 81.4 kWh (other trims) | 65 kWh (rated energy, LT) |
| EPA MPGe city/hwy/combined | 127/103/115 (Light), 131/104/117 (Wind/Land FWD), 110/96/103 (GT-Line AWD), 112/94/103 (GT AWD) | 134/106/120 (LT) |
| Heat pump | Available on Wind and Land, standard on GT-Line and GT | Not listed on the pages I checked |
Sources: kia.com EV3 specs/compare and chevrolet.com Bolt trim compare, Oct 31, 2026.
Charging: DC fast, Level 2 and the plug
| 2027 Kia EV3 | 2027 Chevy Bolt | |
|---|---|---|
| Charge port | NACS, standard | NACS, standard |
| DC fast, 10 to 80% | ~29 min (Light), ~31 min (others) at 350 kW, Kia testing at about 72°F battery temp | ~25 min, GM estimate |
| DC fast at 50 kW, 10 to 80% | ~55 min (Light), ~79 min (others) | Not listed |
| Level 2 (240V), 10 to 100% | ~5 hrs 10 min (Light), ~7 hrs (others) at 11 kW | 11.5 kW onboard charger. Charge time not listed |
| Level 1 (120V), 10 to 100% | ~48 hrs (Light), ~66 hrs 55 min (others) | Not listed |
| Cord in the box | Dual-level 120V/240V portable cable | Dual Level Charge Cord |
Sources: kia.com EV3 specs/compare and chevrolet.com Bolt page and trim compare, Oct 31, 2026.
Home charging in the Tri-Cities. A 120V outlet is fine for topping off, but on the EV3 a full charge from low takes two to three days. If you drive I-182 to Richland every day, plan on a 240V Level 2 charger in the garage. On 11 kW, kia.com lists about 7 hours from 10 to 100% for most EV3 trims, so it refills overnight. Chevy did not list a Level 2 time for the Bolt. Ask your electrician about your panel before you buy.
Winter range
Neither Kia nor Chevy publishes a cold-weather range figure, so I won’t make one up. Both brands say range and charge times drop with cold temps, and Kia’s fast-charge times are based on a warm battery (about 72°F). On a January morning in Pasco, expect less range than the EPA number and slower fast charging until the battery warms up. Charging overnight at home while plugged in, and preheating the cabin before you unplug, helps. On the EV3, a heat pump is available on Wind and Land and standard on GT-Line and GT.
Size and cargo
| 2027 Kia EV3 | 2027 Chevy Bolt (LT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 169.3 to 169.7 in | 169.58 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.5 in | 105.3 in |
| Width | 72.8 in | 69.7 in (w/o mirrors) |
| Height | 62.0 to 63.0 in | 63.87 in |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 to 6.2 in | 5.57 in |
| Cargo, seats up / folded | 26.1 / 56.5 cu ft, plus 0.88 cu ft frunk | Total not listed. Underfloor bin up to 4 cu ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
Sources: kia.com EV3 specs/compare and chevrolet.com Bolt trim compare, Oct 31, 2026.
Trims and starting MSRP
| Model | Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia EV3 | Light (FWD) | $29,890 |
| Wind | $34,990 | |
| Land | $38,490 | |
| GT-Line (AWD) | $43,490 | |
| GT (AWD) | $45,890 | |
| 2027 Chevy Bolt | LT | $27,600 |
| RS | $31,600 |
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license, options and dealer fees on both sites. Chevrolet.com also shows the Bolt LT “From: $28,995” in its configurator and FAQ without breaking out the difference. I’m not listing any payments or discounts here. Ask me for the current published Kia incentives on the EV3 when you visit.
Sources: kia.com EV3 page and chevrolet.com Bolt page, Oct 31, 2026.
Warranty
| Kia EV3 | Chevy Bolt | |
|---|---|---|
| EV battery | 10 yr/100,000 mi EV system warranty and battery capacity coverage | 8 yr/100,000 mi battery and electric components |
| Basic | 5 yr/60,000 mi | 3 yr/36,000 mi bumper-to-bumper |
| Roadside | 5 yr/60,000 mi | 5 yr/60,000 mi |
Sources: kia.com warranty page and chevrolet.com Bolt trim compare, Oct 31, 2026. Warranties are limited; see each brand for details.
Which one is right for you?
Lean Bolt if the lowest starting MSRP is the deciding factor, you only need FWD, and 262 miles covers your week.
Lean EV3 if you want more range (up to 321 miles), AWD for Columbia Basin winters, more listed cargo space, or Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile EV battery coverage.
Either way, compare on paper here, then come drive the EV3 at Overturf KIA in Pasco.
FAQs
Which has more range, the Kia EV3 or the Chevy Bolt?
It depends on the EV3 trim. kia.com lists 321 miles EPA-est. for the Wind and Land FWD, 280 for AWD trims and 221 for the Light. chevrolet.com lists 262 miles for the 2027 Bolt.
Book an EV3 test drive
Which charges faster at a DC fast charger?
chevrolet.com lists about 25 minutes from 10 to 80% for the Bolt (GM estimate). kia.com lists about 29 to 31 minutes for the EV3 on a 350 kW charger, based on Kia testing with a warm battery. Real times vary with the charger and the weather.
How long does it take to charge at home?
On an 11 kW Level 2 charger, kia.com lists about 5 hrs 10 min (Light) or 7 hrs (other trims) from 10 to 100% for the EV3. chevrolet.com lists an 11.5 kW onboard charger for the Bolt but no Level 2 charge time on the pages I checked.
Can they use Tesla Superchargers?
Both have a NACS charge port as standard. Chevrolet says the Bolt can use select Tesla Superchargers. Check the station and your brand’s app before you count on one.
Book an EV3 test drive
Is the EV3 or the Bolt AWD?
The EV3 offers AWD on Wind, Land, GT-Line and GT per kia.com. chevrolet.com lists the Bolt LT with FWD. For icy Tri-Cities mornings, good winter tires matter as much as AWD.
How does winter affect range?
Neither brand publishes a winter range number. Both say cold weather cuts range and slows charging. Charge at home overnight and preheat while plugged in.
What’s the battery warranty?
Kia lists 10 years/100,000 miles for the EV system and battery capacity coverage. Chevrolet lists 8 years/100,000 miles for the Bolt’s battery and electric components.
Book an EV3 test drive
Checked Oct 31, 2026 (PT): kia.com 2027 EV3 specs; kia.com 2027 EV3; Kia warranty; chevrolet.com 2027 Bolt; chevrolet.com 2027 Bolt trim compare. Specs and MSRP can change. Always confirm the window sticker for the VIN you drive.