Update: The article has been revised with more impressions and pricing details.
Aimed at customers who prefer the more engaging driving dynamics and ride comfort of a low-roof car, the Kia EV4 is the brand’s first foray into the electric hatchback and sedan segments.
The Kia EV4 GT comes with sportier styling, higher performance, and a sharper focus on handling. We got to spend some time with the hatchback version of the Kia EV4 GT, and here are our first impressions:
Design
The Kia EV4 GT builds on the eccentric design of the standard car and is quite close to the current range-topping GT-Line trim. At the front, Kia distinguishes the GT variant of the EV4 with a unique grille featuring slanted bars.
On the sides, the EV4 GT sports unique 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 245/40 R20 tires, along with neon green brake calipers. The wheels feature large openings and avoid the closed-off, aero-focused look typical of many EVs. The broad rear-end incorporates a faux diffuser and unique five-unit vertical reverse lights.
Interior
The semi-bucket sport seats, GT drive mode button on the steering wheel, and neon green seat belts further strengthen the impression that this is a cockpit designed around driving engagement rather than just everyday comfort.
Experience in Kia EV4 GT
Front entry in the Kia EV4 GT improves with the steering wheel raised to its highest position. The cabin immediately stands out with a performance theme and fluorescent GT accents, including a dedicated GT button on the steering wheel and contrasting trim details on the dashboard, air vents, seats, and door panels.
The front seats balance everyday comfort with a more supportive shape. Side bolstering and back support are strong, but the shoulder support is average for my wide six-foot frame. Headroom is tight but remains usable.
Under-thigh support is strong, and the center armrest is comfortable. Softer-touch door materials improve comfort where elbows and forearms rest.
The center console uses a dual-level layout with space for a small bag beneath the upper shelf. Two wireless phone chargers and additional phone storage areas are integrated on top. The pedal box is generously sized, and the dead pedal supports size 12 shoes.
Rear access is aided by the front seat movement function that slides to improve egress. Rear seating places occupants in a mild knee-up posture, which is an issue for taller passengers on long road trips. That said, headroom is adequate.
Under-thigh support is limited, while back support remains good. Adjustable rear headrests improve comfort. With the front seat set for a six-footer, my size 12 shoes did not slide under the front seat, reducing foot space.
Amenities at the rear include heated seats, USB charging ports on the seatbacks, rear air vents integrated into the center console, small storage space, and a center armrest that folds out with cupholders. Large side windows, small rear quarter-glass cutouts, and a sunroof add ample light and reduce any enclosed feel.
Specifications
Powering the Kia EV4 GT are two electric motors, including a 145 kW (194 hp) unit at the front and a 70 kW (94 hp) unit at the rear. With 215 kW (288 hp) of system power, the electric hot hatch accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 5.6 seconds.
Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) enhances driver engagement, simulating a paddle-operated transmission. Active Sound Design (ASD) complements this technology, generating engine sounds as per the speed and acceleration.
An 81.4 kWh NMC battery pack powers the two motors, and it takes at least 31 minutes for a 10% to 80% DC charging session. Kia hasn’t disclosed the WLTP range of the EV4 GT, but we expect it to be somewhere in the range of 310 to 325 miles.
Release Date
Kia plans to commence production of the EV4 GT in Q2 2026 and may launch it in the UK by August. In South Korea, the EV4 GT begins at 53.75 million won (USD 36,994), making it 6.8% more expensive than the EV4 GT-Line.
Also Read: First Look Review: Kia EV5 GT bundles performance-focused hardware with sportier styling
According to a Car & Driver report, the company has indefinitely postponed the launch of the EV4 in the U.S., but if it does bring the car to our market at some point, the EV4 GT should certainly follow.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
