Update: The story has been revised to include the latest developments, including pricing.
While we await confirmation on the standard Kia EV3‘s U.S. arrival date, Kia has introduced the performance-oriented variant of the subcompact SUV in South Korea, and will soon roll it out across other regions.
We got a chance to spend some time with the hot variant, 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 EV3 GT-Line trim to reflect the sportier spirit. 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 strengthen the stance of the vehicle, giving it a more playful look. Neon green brake calipers communicate the GT’s high-performance credentials and help onlookers instantly identify it.
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.
Experience in the Kia EV3 GT
Ingress in the Kia EV3 GT doesn’t pose any issues for my six-foot frame. The front seats feel sporty but remain comfortable, with power adjustment and supportive backrest shaping. Side bolstering is thick and helps hold occupants in place.
Shoulder support is limited because the seatbacks are relatively narrow, which is noticeable for a six-footer with a broad frame. Under-thigh support is good, and front headroom is generous for a six-footer.
Both the door-side and center armrests provide comfortable resting sections. Outward visibility is better than expected for the vehicle’s size, aided by generous glass areas and a flat DLO.
GT-specific cues are spread out generously throughout the cabin. Fluorescent accents appear on the dashboard, around air-vent adjustment tabs, and across the seat upholstery. Additional contrast stitching is integrated along the center console. A dedicated GT button reinforces the trim’s performance positioning.
Sport pedals are fitted, and the pedal box and the dead pedal are generously sized, accommodating size 12 footwear without issues.
Rear-seat access requires attention to head clearance due to a lower roofline. With the front seat set for a six-footer, rear knee room is limited and the seating position creates a knee-up posture. Rear headroom feels adequate rather than generous for someone my height.
The rear seatbacks recline, offering some relief, but overall space remains tight for taller passengers. Foot space is restricted, and size 12 shoes do not slide under the front seat.
Rear passengers receive air vents and two USB ports. The floor is flat, helping foot placement, though three-across seating becomes difficult with taller occupants.
A fold-down center armrest adds cupholders and convenience for travelers after a long day. A sunroof brings additional light into the cabin, improving the sense of openness.
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 and 468 Nm (345 lb-ft), 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.
Price & Release Date
Also See: First Look Review: Kia EV4 GT adds attitude, grip, and visual drama
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.
In South Korea, the EV3 GT has been announced at a starting price of 53.75 million won (USD 37,114), which is about 10% higher than the EV3 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.
