Update: The story has been revised with more observations and South Korean pricing.
Last month, Kia unveiled the GT variant of the EV5, the compact electric SUV it launched recently in Canada and other international markets. The EV5 GT is a performance-focused version of the compact electric SUV, carrying several styling and technical upgrades aimed at enthusiasts.
Ahead of its sales launch later this year, we got to spend some time with the Kia EV5 GT, and here’s what we found.
Design
The Kia EV5 GT has only subtle design updates and may be difficult to tell apart from the standard model from a distance. Its lower air intake grille features unique vertically positioned slats and is bordered by silver bars.
Unique 20-inch alloy wheels featuring an off-center Kia logo and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires are one of its main distinguishing exterior elements.
The easiest giveaway of the EV5 GT is its neon green brake calipers. At the rear, the gloss black appliqué in the bumper features distinctive, vertical inserts and vertical light reflectors beside them.
Kia will position the EV5 GT beneath the EV6 GT, aimed at performance car buyers looking for a compact EV with boxy and upright proportions typically associated with SUVs.
Interior
The interior of the Kia EV5 GT features more noticeable styling changes than the standard model. Neon green accents appear on the 12 o’clock marker and the exclusive GT drive mode button on the steering wheel, as well as on the GT-branded semi-bucket sport seats and in the AC vents.
Kia has also linked the ambient lighting system to the GT drive modes to reinforce the model’s sportier character in the cabin.
Observations in the Kia EV5 GT
Ingress in the Kia EV5 GT is easy for an SUV, with wide-opening doors and a low-effort step-in height for a six-footer. The front seats provide good back support and slightly increased side bolstering compared to non-performance trims.
Shoulder support is only average for the GT-branded model, and the upper seatback does not feel designed for broad shoulders. Headrests are adjustable and feel supportive, and under-thigh support is adequate. Both the door armrest and center armrest provide comfortable resting points.
GT-specific design cues are visible throughout the cabin. Fluorescent GT accents appear on the steering wheel, around the air vents, and on interior trim elements. The seats also feature contrasting fluorescent stitching, in case you still didn’t get the message!
Rear-door access is straightforward, with wide-opening doors. Ambient lighting near the door release adds a premium touch. The rear floor is flat, improving foot placement, though the EV5’s cabin width still favors two adults over three.
Rear back support is good, headroom is generous for a six-footer, and shoulder support remains average. Height-adjustable rear headrests improve comfort. Knee room is excellent, and size 12 shoes can slide under the front seats, improving foot space.
Rear-seat amenities include heated outboard seats, rear air vents, a small storage pocket, and a fold-down center armrest. The rear backrest reclines, allowing passengers to adjust seating angle for comfort on longer drives.
Specifications
The Kia EV5 GT has two motors, including a 155 kW (208 hp) unit powering the front wheels and a 70 kW (94 hp) unit powering the rear wheels. This combination results in 225 kW (302 hp) of power and also provides AWD capability, which can be useful on low-grip surfaces such as snow or mud.
Kia claims the EV5 GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.2 seconds. An 81.4 kWh NMC battery pack powers the two motors, and while the company has not revealed the WLTP range, we expect it to be somewhere around 475 kilometers (295 miles).
Price & Release Date
Also See: First Look Review: Kia EV3 GT drops a dash of spice on the small SUV
The Kia EV5 GT is scheduled to enter production in Q2 2026 and should go on sale in Europe soon after. Kia has no plans to launch the EV5 or the EV5 GT in the U.S.
In South Korea, Kia has announced the EV5 GT at a starting price of 56.60 million won (USD 39,104), which is 17.6% more expensive than the EV5 GT-Line.
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.
