Aimed at customers who still prefer the more engaging driving dynamics and better 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 raises the bar further with sportier styling, higher performance, and a sharper focus on handling. We saw the hatchback version of the Kia EV4 GT in person, 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 its 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 broad rear-end incorporates a faux diffuser and unique five-unit vertical reverse lights.
Interior
The Kia EV4 GT’s interior projects a stronger sense of sportiness than its exterior, immediately setting a more focused and performance-oriented tone. The neon green accents across the dashboard, air vents, steering wheel, door panels, and seats give the cabin a more energetic character and distinguish it clearly from the standard EV4.
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
Getting into the Kia EV4 GT is easy once I raise the steering wheel to its highest position. Visibility is good, thanks to the large windows, small rear quarter glass, and the sunroof, which together prevent the cabin from feeling dark or enclosed.
The driving position feels low and car-like, and the front seats immediately feel supportive. They offer good side bolstering and back support, and while headroom is a bit tight for a six-footer like me, it is still manageable for daily use.
Under-thigh support is very good, and the central armrest sits at a comfortable height. The door pads where you rest your arms use softer materials, which improves comfort.
Practicality is well handled, with two wireless phone chargers and a dual-level center console that allows small items or a bag to be stored underneath, and a phone to sit on top. The pedal box feels generously sized, and the dead pedal easily accommodates larger shoe sizes.
In the rear, the seat slides to aid entry, but this is clearly not the EV4 GT’s main focus. The seating position is slightly knees-up for tall passengers, under-thigh support is limited, and I could not slide my feet under the front seat with it set to my driving position. Headroom is acceptable, and back support is good, helped by adjustable headrests.
Rear passengers do get useful features, including air vents, USB ports, heated seats, and a fold-down armrest with cup holders. For shorter occupants, the rear should be fine, but this is very much a front-seat-focused car.
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
Also Read: First Look Review: Kia EV5 GT bundles performance-focused hardware with sportier styling
Kia plans to commence production of the EV4 GT in Q2 2026 and may launch it in the UK by August. According to a Car & Driver report, 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.
