Kia’s EV4 GT takes a measured approach to the electric hot-hatch formula, combining a twin-motor all-wheel-drive system, 288 horsepower and GT-specific chassis upgrades without chasing the extreme outputs increasingly common among performance EVs. Autotrader awarded the model a five-star verdict, praising its balance of pace, comfort and everyday usability.
A more restrained answer to electric hot hatches
The EV4 GT enters a growing market for sporting electric hatchbacks that put driving engagement ahead of headline acceleration figures. Its closest rivals include the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and Cupra Born VZ, both of which offer more power on paper.
According to Autotrader, Kia’s 288-horsepower output does not leave the EV4 GT feeling underpowered in real-world driving. The publication found its acceleration strong and progressive, rather than the abrupt, headrest-pinning response associated with some higher-output electric cars. The twin-motor layout sends power to all four wheels, a configuration that was said to inspire confidence even on wet roads.
Kia’s strategy is centred on usable performance rather than outright numbers. The GT adds upgraded tyres, brakes and suspension, while electronically controlled damping is intended to preserve ride quality as well as improve handling response. Autotrader said the steering gains useful weight and precision in GT mode, but that the car remains comfortable over poor surfaces.
The model also includes launch control, a dedicated GT driving mode and a configurable My Drive setting. These features position the EV4 GT against recently introduced performance-focused small EVs such as the Alpine A290, Vauxhall Corsa GSE and Peugeot e-208 GTi, where chassis tuning and driver involvement are becoming a more significant selling point.
Simulated shifts target former combustion-car buyers
One of the EV4 GT’s more distinctive features is its simulated powertrain experience. Kia provides active sound design, which changes its tone with acceleration and lift-off, and a simulated gearchange function operated through steering-wheel paddles.
The system is optional, allowing drivers to retain the conventional quietness of an EV when they prefer. But the feature reflects a wider industry effort to make high-performance electric cars feel more familiar and involving for drivers moving from petrol-powered hot hatches.
Autotrader described the simulated shifts as something of a gimmick, but concluded that they added immersion to the experience. The publication also highlighted the GT’s sportier exterior treatment, wheels, bodykit and cabin details, including sports seats and neon-coloured accents.
Flagship equipment with few practical trade-offs
As the flagship EV4, the GT receives Kia’s highest equipment level. Standard features cited by Autotrader include heated and ventilated front seats, a power tailgate, a Harman Kardon audio system, paired instrument and infotainment displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia has retained physical controls for key functions alongside touch-sensitive shortcut buttons below the central screen. The GT also includes blind-spot warnings that provide rear-facing camera views in the instrument display when the driver signals a lane change.
Autotrader found that the performance version makes few compromises compared with the standard EV4. The rear motor reduces boot space slightly, but rear-seat room, front-seat comfort, refinement and long-distance usability were all said to remain strong. The review also noted low levels of wind and road noise, with no reported rattles or squeaks.
Price, tax and sustainability questions
The EV4 GT costs more than the regular EV4 and does not qualify for the Electric Car Grant, according to Autotrader. The publication also said it is priced above comparable electric hot hatches, including the ID.3 GTX and Born VZ, though not by an amount it considered decisive for buyers focused primarily on driving enjoyment.
Autotrader noted that the base price remains below the £50,000 threshold for the expensive-car supplement on UK Vehicle Excise Duty, provided optional extras do not push the transaction price beyond that level.
On sustainability, the review said Kia could make information on lifecycle analysis and battery-supply transparency easier for consumers to find. Kia reports that it used about 204,000 tonnes of steel in 2024, including 103,000 tonnes of recycled steel scrap. The company says this activity reduced carbon emissions by around 166,000 tonnes annually.
The EV4 GT is backed by Kia’s seven-year warranty, a longstanding part of the brand’s ownership proposition as it expands its electric line-up.
