Kia is preparing to make waves in the affordable EV market with its upcoming EV4, a stylish electric crossover that blends sharp design with everyday practicality. Positioned below the EV6, the EV4 is expected to deliver competitive range, fast charging, and a modern interior packed with tech, all at a price point aimed squarely at budget-conscious buyers.
By combining Kia’s proven EV expertise with a focus on affordability, the EV4 has the potential to challenge rivals like Tesla’s Model 3, Hyundai’s Ioniq 6, and even some compact SUVs. Its mix of sleek styling, user-friendly features, and expected strong efficiency could make it one of the most appealing EVs in its class.
Here’s why the Kia EV4 could be the electric car that finally makes going green both accessible and exciting for everyday drivers.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The 2026 Kia EV4 Offers Yet Another Option For EV Buyers on a Budget
The affordable EV segment is growing day by day. While initially, brands were focusing on dropping big, impressive EVs, flagships that represent the grandest features on offer, many are shifting back towards the bread and butter of the automotive world, the budget market. Kia’s new low-slung four-door sedan takes the fight to competitors like Hyundai and Tesla with a unique design inside and out.
Trims and Expected Price Point
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Light |
$39,000 (EST) |
|
Wind |
$43,000 (EST) |
|
GT-Line |
$50,000 (EST) |
Based on Kia’s existing lineup of EVs and the price points of their competitors, we expect the EV4 to start at just under $40,000. The EV4 will closely combat its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which starts at a similar price point. We do know that it will at least come in the three trims outlined above, and that there will be two different battery packs on offer.
If we’re looking for the best value model, we’d opt for the GT-Line trim. It will definitely be the most expensive, but its striking aesthetic differences and upgraded equipment more than justify the price jump. More importantly, it will come with the larger of the two battery packs on offer, allowing the little sedan to travel well over 300 miles on a single charge.
Core Competition
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Tesla Model 3 |
$44,130 |
|
Hyundai Ioniq 6 |
$39,095 |
Currently, if you want a mainstream electric sedan, you don’t have all that many options. The Tesla Model 3 has dominated the space for so long that few rivals have risen to the challenge. However, that changed when Hyundai introduced the Ioniq 6. It may not be as popular yet, but its growth has been phenomenal and we dig its interesting styling.
The Tesla Model 3 still has the edge right now, though, with it qualifying for the $7,500 federal tax incentive. However, by the time that the EV4 hits the market, that incentive will no longer be around. This evens the playing field and allows the Ioniq 6 and the EV4 to compete more directly. In our opinion, they are both better-built and designed cars than the Tesla anyways.
Warranties and Maintenance
- Limited Warranty: Five Years or 60,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: Ten Years or 100,000 Miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: None
Kia offers one of the best warranty plans on the market right now. Both the bumper-to-bumper coverage and the powertrain warranty are class-leading. The only other automaker which matches their offering is Hyundai. Unlike their Korean brethren, though, they do not offer any complimentary maintenance on any of their vehicles.
Kia’s Small EV is Efficient But It Isn’t Particularly Quick
Something that has come to define electric vehicles in recent years is their ability to hit breakneck speeds without really breaking a sweat. However, it has always felt unnecessary and near impractical for cheap commuter cars to be rocketed to 60 miles an hour. Kia seems to agree, and they’ve definitely dialed things back on the EV4, which will likely upset more people than it pleases.
2025 Performance Specifications
- Front-wheel drive
- Single Motor
- 201 Horsepower
What has been confirmed so far is that the EV4 will initially be offered with a single motor powering the front wheels. This motor will produce a fairly humble 201 horsepower. Kia claims that in the standard model with the smaller battery pack, the EV4 will get up to 60 miles per hour in 7.4 seconds, and those with the heavier pack will take 7.7 seconds. This is faster than most ICE sedans but fairly slow by EV standards. The brand does promise that a much more powerful all-wheel drive model is in the works, though.
Those that have tested the EV4 claim that it is definitely tuned for comfort over any kind of sportiness. Regardless of whether you’re in Comfort or Sport, the EV4 offers a compliant ride and soft steering. When we get the chance, we’ll put this to the test, but we aren’t expecting any sporty driving dynamics out of the entry-level EV.
Battery, Range, and Efficiency
As mentioned before, there are two different battery packs that will be offered in the EV4. The smaller of the two will likely only be offered in the most affordable entry trim. It is a 58-kWh pack that Kia says will get you 235 miles before you need to recharge. Every other model will likely come equipped with the 81-kWh battery, which Kia estimates will last 330 miles in the EV4.
While not mind-blowing, Kia also claims some pretty impressive charging speeds for a mainstream model. They say that models equipped with the smaller battery will take 29 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent, while those with the bigger battery pack will need 31 minutes.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
- Highway Driving Assist
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist
- Lane Centering
- Remote Parking Assist
Kia has imbued their little EV with an impressive suite of advanced driver assist features. This includes some pretty high-end features as standard. As well as collision detection and avoidance systems, the EV4 comes loaded with automated parking and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist.
A Futuristic Cabin With Tons of Tech Awaits in the New EV4
While Hyundai clearly uses nostalgia and retro styling to sell their EVs, Kia takes the opposite approach. Following the standard set by the rest of the brand’s electric lineup, the EV4 is a unique sedan with styling that shows where we’re going rather than where we are. While it might be a little much for some, those who enjoy technology will be pleased with the EV’s standard offerings.
Key Interior Comfort Features
- Reclining Front Seats With Foot Rests
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Rotating Armrest and Sliding Center Table
Kia has taken a bold approach to design when it comes to the EV4, both inside and outside. The exterior clearly takes inspiration from the brand’s larger and more expensive EV6, with sloping lines and a very similar front fascia. Similarities continues inside, with a minimalist approach to the dashboard and the unique steering wheel design you’ll only find in the Korean brand’s electric vehicles.
The K4 is pretty clever on the inside, with a number of features catering to the fact that you’ll have to wait for it to charge. This includes front seats with leg rests, so you can relax at any pitstop. It comes packed with other features that help it compete with other vehicles in its class, including automatic climate control and ambient interior lighting that allows you to choose from 64 different colors.
Infotainment and Technology
Technology is clearly a priority in the new Kia EV4. The first thing that you’ll notice is the giant screen that sits atop the dashboard. This is actually a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen which share the same bezel. These two screens are split by a smaller five-inch screen which serves as your access to the climate control system.
Kia’s digital key system is standard across the board, allowing you to use your smartphone or smart watch to unlock the car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on every model. The standard sound system is not likely to blow anyone away, but Kia offers an optional Harman Kardon eight-speaker setup which will please most audiophiles.
