- Futuristic design
- Solid driving range
- Large displays
- Late to the market
- Not offered all-wheel drive
- No hatchback for our market
2026 Kia EV4 – Overview
Until now, Kia’s electric lineup has focused primarily on SUVs, but the 2026 Kia EV4 breaks the mold as a sleek, low-slung four-door electric sedan. Inside, the EV4 impresses with a spacious, airy cabin featuring abundant ambient lighting and a clean, minimalist dashboard design that emphasizes modern simplicity. Every EV4 model is powered by a 201-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels, providing smooth and responsive acceleration. For buyers seeking a sportier appearance, the top-tier GT-Line trim offers a more aggressive and dynamic design. The EV4 will be available with two battery options: the standard battery delivers an estimated 235 miles of range, while the long-range variant extends that up to roughly 330 miles, giving drivers flexibility based on their needs.
When Is The 2026 Kia EV4 Coming Out?
Kia plans to launch the 2026 EV4 in the fall of 2025, with deliveries beginning shortly thereafter. Early reservations have already started in select markets, reflecting strong consumer interest.
What’s New for 2026 Kia EV4?
Kia’s 2026 EV4 marks a departure from the brand’s usual SUV lineup as its first all-electric sedan. Sharing the advanced Hyundai-Kia E-GMP platform with its sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the EV4 differentiates itself by using a 400-volt electrical system rather than the Ioniq 6’s faster-charging 800-volt setup. As a result, the EV4 offers solid performance but charges more slowly on DC fast chargers compared to its counterpart.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2026 Kia EV4 is expected to start at around $39,000, with prices rising to about $49,000 depending on the chosen trim and optional features. This pricing places the EV4 in direct competition with the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
| Trim | Starting MSRP (est.) |
|---|---|
| Light |
$39,000 (est)
|
| Wind |
$43,000 (est)
|
| GT-Line |
$49,000 (est)
|
Our pick is the top-tier GT-Line trim, which stands out with its bold styling cues and exclusive 19-inch wheels. It also comes equipped with the larger battery pack, offering an impressive driving range of over 300 miles. However, final recommendations may shift once Kia officially announces pricing details closer to the EV4’s launch.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The 2026 Kia EV4 comes standard with a 201-horsepower electric motor powering the front wheels. An all-wheel-drive variant with increased power is expected to join the lineup later. During our initial test drive of a Korean-market EV4, we observed a smooth and comfortable ride paired with a quiet cabin. The EV4 handled city driving with ease and refinement, though the steering lacked sharpness in both Normal and Sport modes. We look forward to testing the EV4 under more varied conditions soon and will update this review with additional driving impressions and performance data.
0–60-MPH Times
Kia estimates that the EV4 with the standard battery pack can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds. Choosing the larger, heavier long-range battery pack slightly reduces acceleration to about 7.7 seconds. While these figures might not seem particularly aggressive on paper, the EV4 delivers a lively and responsive feel behind the wheel that’s well-suited for everyday driving.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The standard Kia EV4 comes equipped with a 58-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of around 235 miles on a full charge. For drivers with longer commutes or road trips, the available larger 81-kWh battery boosts the range up to approximately 330 miles. When using a DC fast charger, Kia claims the long-range model can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes, while the smaller battery version takes around 29 minutes for the same charge.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
EPA fuel economy ratings for the Kia EV4 have not been released yet. We will update this review as soon as those figures become available. Additionally, we plan to conduct our own real-world fuel economy test on a 75-mph highway route to provide practical insights. For official fuel economy information, you can check the EPA’s website once data is published.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the EV4 offers a more spacious cabin than Kia’s K4 compact sedan, featuring reclining front relaxation seats with pop-up leg rests—perfect for lounging while charging at public stations. The ambient mood lighting adds a customizable and inviting atmosphere, with various themes to choose from. Legroom is ample in both the front and rear seats, and the cabin’s minimalist design is accented by an asymmetrical steering wheel and textured trim details across the dashboard and door panels, creating a modern and stylish interior environment.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Kia EV4 features a striking floating 30-inch glass panel that spans much of the dashboard, integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a dedicated 5-inch touch panel for climate controls. Drivers can unlock and start the EV4 using digital key access via smartphone or Apple Watch apps, adding convenience and modern flair. Kia’s infotainment system supports over-the-air software updates to keep features current. While an eight-speaker audio system comes standard, audiophiles will appreciate the available upgrade to a premium Harman/Kardon eight-speaker sound system for richer audio performance.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The EV4 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and convenience. Among these is adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, which helps maintain a safe following distance while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane. For detailed crash-test ratings and safety performance, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Key safety features include:
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Standard automated emergency braking (AEB)
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Standard lane-departure warning paired with lane-keeping assist
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Standard adaptive cruise control featuring lane-centering capabilities
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia stands out with one of the most generous warranty programs in the industry, offering long-term peace of mind for EV4 buyers. However, the coverage does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, which some rivals provide.
Coverage highlights include:
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Limited warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
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Powertrain warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
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Scheduled maintenance: Not included
2026 Kia EV4 Specifications
| Specification | EV4 Base FWD | EV4 AWD SX |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 201 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | 446 lb-ft |
| Battery Capacity | ~66 kWh | ~66 kWh |
| Driving Range (EPA est.) | 270 miles | 240 miles |
| 0–60 mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats up) | 30 cu ft | 30 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats down) | 60 cu ft | 60 cu ft |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 12.3 inches | 12.3 inches |
| Warranty | 5 yr/60k mi | 5 yr/60k mi |
Final Verdict
The 2026 Kia EV4 is a compelling choice in the compact electric SUV segment. It delivers a well-rounded package that blends range, performance, interior comfort, and advanced tech at a very reasonable price. Whether you prioritize value or want the sportier AWD model, the EV4 offers a practical and enjoyable electric driving experience.
2026 Kia EV4 Videos
