Kia doesn’t have an official performance division like Hyundai’s N, Toyota’s GR, or Honda’s Type R, but its most potent models are identifiable by the ‘GT’ moniker. In the United States, the EV6 GT (601 horsepower) and K5 GT (290 hp) are two such examples. But Kia has been paying closer attention to enthusiast-pleasing models of late, and has just revealed no less than three new GT models at the Brussels Motor Show, alongside the cute EV2. These are the EV3 GT, EV4 Hatchback GT, and EV5 GT. Every model in this hot trio brings all-wheel drive and high outputs to the table, but we may have to admire them all from a distance.
Where Do They Fit In?
Kia EV4 GT
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These new electric models are high-performance versions of existing EVs in Kia’s lineup:
- EV3 GT: Subcompact crossover
- EV4 Hatchback GT: Compact hatchback
- EV5 GT: Compact crossover
Kia only released limited details on these three models, but all have dual motors and standard AWD. Like other GTs, they have specially tuned chassis setups to prioritize sharp responses. They also feature simulated gearshifts, active sound design, and a dedicated GT driving mode.
The EV3 GT and EV4 GT produce 288 hp combined, some way off the 601 hp of the EV6 GT. But these are smaller and presumably lighter models, so 288 hp should still feel quite perky. The EV5 GT’s outputs were not published, but it may be a bit more powerful.
All three GT models will feature subtle visual upgrades like unique wheels, but they’re not as overtly sporty-looking as Hyundai’s N models.
No Plans For American Debut
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At the moment, none of the cars these GT models are based on—EV3, EV4 Hatchback, or EV5—are sold in the United States, which virtually eliminates these performance variants from ever being sold here. The closest we have to any of them is the EV4 Sedan, the only EV4 body style planned for this market. Producing 201 hp, the EV4 is positioned as an affordable and practical electric sedan, with no performance pretensions whatsoever.
Of the three models, the EV5 GT would likely be the most successful model if sold here, since the compact crossover segment is so popular. It would theoretically compete with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, but perhaps Kia feels it would overlap too much with the existing EV6. Unfortunately, it was confirmed last October that the EV5 would not be sold in the USA, despite plans for it to reach markets like Canada.
Another Kia GT model, the EV9 GT, was indefinitely delayed late last year due to changing market conditions.
Related: Kia Just Canceled Its Most Exciting EV Before It Even Launched
Final Thoughts
This is a bittersweet reveal from Kia. The three new GT models show that the Korean marque is working hard to move beyond its reputation for manufacturing competent, value-focused models. But all three vehicles are unlikely to be sold here, adding to the long list of cool cars that are forbidden fruit in the United States. They’ll join performance models like Hyundai’s i20 N and i30 N as driver-focused cars we’ll likely never get to experience.
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