Along with the EV2, Kia has unveiled the GT variant of the EV5, the compact electric SUV it launched in Canada recently. The EV5 GT represents the more performance-focused version of the compact electric SUV, bringing several styling and technical upgrades aimed at enthusiast drivers.
We examined the EV5 GT in detail at its world premiere to see what sets it apart, and here are our thoughts:
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.
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.
Our observations in the Kia EV5 GT
The Kia EV5 GT has one of the easiest step-in heights among Kia’s GT models, apart from the EV9 GT. The doors open wide, and ingress feels easy even for someone who is six feet tall.
Once seated, the front seats offer good back support and slightly increased side bolstering. Shoulder support feels average rather than pronounced. The under-thigh support is adequate, and both the door armrest and center armrest feel comfortable. The headrests are height-adjustable.
Rear seat ingress is also easy, as the doors open wide. There is ambient lighting positioned above the door release, which adds some visual interest.
Once seated in the rear, the flat floor helps with foot space, although it does not feel like a true three-person bench. As a six-footer, I find the backrest comfortable, with very good headroom and adequate shoulder support. Knee room is generous, and I can slide my size 12 shoes under the front seat.
The rear headrests are height-adjustable. Rear passengers get heated seats, two air vents, and a fold-out center armrest. The backrest is also reclinable, and it remains comfortable in the reclined position.
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).
Release Date
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.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
