While we await confirmation on the standard Kia EV3‘s U.S. arrival date, globally, Kia has taken the wraps off the Kia EV3 GT, the performance-oriented variant of the subcompact SUV.
We got a chance to spend some time with the vehicle, and here’s what we gathered about its design, styling, interior, features, and comfort.
Design
The Kia EV3 GT brings subtle styling enhancements over the GT-Line trim of the standard model to bring the exterior more in character with the sportier spirit of the vehicle. The functional grille in the lower part of the front fascia comes in an exclusive design with two rows of vertical slats, painted entirely in gloss black.
Larger, 20-inch four-spoke design alloy wheels enhance the commanding stance of the vehicle and give it a more playful look. Neon green brake calipers communicate the model’s high-performance credentials and help onlookers instantly identify as a GT model.
At the rear, we noticed that the gloss black panel in the lower bumper features a unique design with vertical lines. The bottom of the bumper also features a GT-specific design, including three vertical lines that form a distinctive rear fog light signature.
Interior
The interior of the Kia EV3 GT carries over the clean and well-organized layout of the standard model. The design is minimalist but remains easy to use for the most part, with the haptic buttons for the infotainment system being the main exception. The cabin does not aim for visual cohesiveness, but most elements follow an angular design theme and are positioned for easy reach and minimal distraction.
Experience in the Kia EV3 GT
Getting into the Kia EV3 GT is straightforward, and the electrically adjustable driver’s seat makes it easy to find a suitable driving position. The seat feels firm but comfortable, with good back support and noticeable side bolstering. Under-thigh support is also sufficient, although shoulder support is more limited, as the seat is not very wide and does not hold the upper body as firmly as the lower part.
Headroom in the front is good for a six-foot-tall driver, and the overall driving position feels similar to the regular EV3. The armrests on both sides are well positioned and comfortable. Outward visibility is also good, helped by the large glass area.
The GT-specific cabin details are immediately noticeable. Fluorescent accent strips appear on the dashboard, on the seats, and in the stitching along the center console, and similar highlights are also used on the air vent adjusters. A dedicated GT button on the steering wheel further distinguishes this version.
The pedal box offers generous space, and even size 12 shoes fit without any clearance issues. The overall footwell area feels well laid out and does not feel cramped.
Moving to the rear with the front seat set for a six-footer requires some care due to the lower roofline. Rear legroom is limited for a tall passenger, with the knees sitting higher than ideal and knee room not being generous. The rear seatback does recline, which helps improve comfort, and headroom is adequate.
It is not possible to slide size 12 shoes under the front seat, which limits foot space. Rear passengers get two air vents, two USB ports, a flat floor, and a center armrest. Seating three adults abreast would be tight, especially if they are tall.
Overall, the EV3 GT maintains the practicality of the standard EV3 in the front, with a more supportive and visually sportier seating environment. The rear seat remains usable for average-height passengers, but taller occupants will find it constrained.
Specifications
The Kia EV3 GT has an exclusive dual-motor AWD setup, with a 145 kW (194 hp) motor driving the front wheels and a 70 kW (94 hp) motor driving the rear wheels. This combination gives it 215 kW (288 hp) of system power, enabling it to hit 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds.
Kia uses an 81.4 kWh NMC battery pack in the EV3 GT, which takes at least 31 minutes for a 10-80% DC charging session. The WLTP range is unavailable due to the pending homologation, but we think it will be somewhere between 300 and 315 miles.
The EV3 GT has an exclusive GT drive mode, which the driver can activate via a dedicated neon green button on the steering wheel. This mode changes the calibration of the power delivery, steering, and suspension. The car also offers Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) with paddle operation and an Active Sound Design (ASD) system that mimics engine sounds, making the driving experience more engaging and stimulating.
Release Date
The Kia EV3 GT is likely to go on sale in the UK and other key European markets in mid-2026. Kia plans to start the production of the EV3 GT between April and June 2026.
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.
