IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2027 Kia EV3 GT-Line AWD has been named Best EV by the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ) regional media association at its annual 2026 Best of the Bay awards. The small all-electric SUV impressed WAJ jurors after two days of testing on a drive route along the picturesque roads in Sonoma County, California.

“This latest recognition from Western Automotive Journalists underscores Kia’s commitment to delivering electric vehicles that combine innovative design, everyday practicality and an engaging driving experience,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “The EV3 brings these qualities together in a compact package, demonstrating our continued focus on making electric mobility accessible and appealing to all customers.”

Best of the Bay is an annual awards program organized by WAJ, a nonprofit professional association of automotive journalists in the San Francisco Bay Area. Working automotive journalists and content creators evaluate competing vehicles across multiple categories, including Best EV, Best Car, Best Compact SUV, Best Luxury SUV, Best Supercar and Best Overall.

“Everyone who drove the EV3 was extremely happy with it,” said Charlie Vogelheim, WAJ President. “The drivers were pleased with the attractive design and how well the interior is laid out.”

The 2027 EV3 GT-Line AWD stood out among larger competitors, with judges praising its many highlights. One WAJ juror noted its “crisp and distinctive design, an abundance of features, and clever packaging”, adding that “driving it feels like entertainment.” Another described the EV3 as “fun to drive, well put together and practical.” The all-new EV3 GT-Line AWD starts at $43,490¹ MSRP, offering an EPA estimated 280-miles² of all electric range and can charge from 10 to 80 percent state of change with 150kW DC fast charging in about 31 minutes³.

Kia America – about us   

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2026. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.   

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* The 2026 and 2027 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excluding PHEV model), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.
² Based on EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
³ Charge time based on Kia Corporation testing with 800v DC fast charger and approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit battery temperature. Actual charge will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging.

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SOURCE Kia America