Kia EV4 GT Spotted Testing in the US: A Budget Tesla Model 3 Performance Rival?

A high-performance version of Kia's upcoming electric sedan, the EV4 GT, has been spotted testing on American roads for the first time. The camouflaged prototype, captured in a short video by KindelAuto, hints at a bold contender in the affordable performance EV segment—taking aim at the Tesla Model 3 Performance, but likely at a lower price point.

Already on sale in South Korea, the Kia EV4 became the nation’s best-selling domestic electric sedan in May—just its second month after launch. The success of the base EV4 is credited to its sleek fastback styling and competitive starting price of 41.92 million won (around €26,000). When it reaches the US and European markets, pricing is expected to fall between €29,900 and €34,000.

While the standard EV4 delivers a stylish, aerodynamic design, the EV4 GT is built to match its aggressive look with real performance. Despite heavy camouflage, the prototype reveals key elements such as Kia’s signature vertical LED headlights and a more planted stance—hinting at its sporty credentials.

Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the EV4 GT is expected to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, similar in layout to the larger EV6 GT, which boasts 576 hp and a 0–97 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds. While the EV4 GT will sit below the EV6 GT in price and size, it could still deliver impressive figures to rival the Model 3 Performance, which rockets from 0–97 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

In South Korea, the EV4 comes with two battery options—58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The long-range version offers 204 hp, but the GT variant will likely receive upgraded motors and possibly a performance-tuned version of the larger battery pack.

The standard Kia EV4 will launch in Europe and the US later in 2025, with an EPA-estimated range of up to 531 km for the long-range model. In the US, Kia will include a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, giving buyers access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network—an increasingly important feature in today’s EV landscape.

Kia’s EV4 GT could shake up the midrange performance EV segment with its blend of performance, price, and practicality. Stay tuned for more as the GT heads toward its official reveal.