Experiencing the 2026 Kia EV4

The 2026 Kia EV4 electrical sedan can be obtainable in North America in early 2026. We bought an early probability to drive one in and round Seoul, South Korea, in driving circumstances much like an American metropolis (Seoul is in regards to the measurement of New York Metropolis), plus some freeway driving within the combine to get a fuller expertise. Right here’s how we preferred Kia’s new entry-level electrical car (EV).

Seoul Looking out

The Kia lineup of EVs goes via one thing of a generational change. Not so way back, the model’s EVs had been restricted to small economic system vehicles, specifically, the all-electric variations of the Kia Soul and Kia Niro. The Niro EV remains to be round alongside its HEV and plug-in hybrid electrical car (PHEV) counterparts, nevertheless it’s presently the one Kia electrical car that doesn’t use the “EV[number]” nomenclature. The Kia EV6 got here out in 2022 as a sporty and high-tech electrical SUV, the 3-row EV9 adopted in 2024, and now the 2026 Kia EV4 will arrive because the model’s first electrical sedan.

Along with being a sedan moderately than an SUV, the Kia EV4 differs from the EV6 and EV9 by being front-wheel drive (FWD). The opposite two can be found with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The EV4 comes solely with one electrical motor mounted on the entrance wheels — no less than for now. Kia says an all-wheel-drive model is coming sooner or later.

The EV4’s front-wheel-drive structure will go well with drivers in snowy climates who desire a moderately priced EV with respectable vary and fashionable tech. The usual battery pack within the Gentle trim can go as much as 235 miles of vary on a single, full cost, whereas the longer-range battery within the Wind and GT-Line trims travels an estimated 330 miles. With DC quick charging, the EV4 replenishes its battery from 10% to 80% in about half an hour, relying on the battery. We like these numbers; they need to assist ease vary nervousness for anybody who can plug in at residence and lives in an space with a good EV charging infrastructure.

Behind the Wheel

Climbing behind the wheel of the Kia EV4, we had been delighted by its household resemblance to the EV9. Naturally, the EV9 is a much bigger and costlier car, so its house and high quality are a bit higher. Nonetheless, the EV4 takes the same design ethos and packages it as a sensible compact sedan.

After we climbed within the again, we had been impressed by the legroom however discovered the seating place barely awkward. I’m an even-6-feet-tall, and my knees had been sticking up a bit larger than I discover snug; the space from the seat bottoms to the ground is a bit quick. Nonetheless, it’s good having a totally flat flooring again there. These rear seats are nice for youths and adults who’re common peak or shorter.

One of many massive highlights of the Kia EV4 is its practically 30-inch widescreen show, which homes a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a user-friendly 12.3-inch central infotainment show, and a 5-inch HVAC management display screen in between them. Don’t fear; it additionally has bodily controls for warmth and air.

One other distinctive element of the EV4 is Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 system. Most EVs have some type of one-pedal driving, wherein you solely use the accelerator pedal to modulate the automotive’s acceleration and deceleration. The i-Pedal 3.0 rethinks that concept by having three totally different ranges of regenerative braking inside the one-pedal drive mode. We performed with this characteristic and skilled totally different ranges of severity for braking after we took our foot off the pedal. We most popular the lighter Degree 1 setting, however everybody can have their preferences. We respect the extent of customization this brings to the EV driving expertise. Additionally, it really works in reverse in an effort to be in one-pedal mode on a regular basis.

As for the variations between the Wind and GT-Line fashions, they’re primarily aesthetic. We bought to drive each and typically forgot that they had been totally different trims. The GT-Line mannequin makes use of a sportier aesthetic inside and outside and has a distinct steering wheel than the decrease trims. However don’t get too excited; there are not any efficiency upgrades.

Is 201 Horsepower Sufficient?

Talking of efficiency, the 201-hp electrical motor up entrance did an admirable job zipping round city and cruising on the freeway. We thought that the horsepower ranking sounded low after we first heard it. In follow, the moment torque inherent with all EVs makes 201 hp really feel like loads. It’s clean, quiet, and cozy as an city runabout and a freeway cruiser. Most EVs share these virtues, nevertheless it’s good to expertise these advantages in an accessible package deal as a compact sedan from a mainstream model.

If pushed laborious, that nose-heavy entrance finish can get a bit squirrely, and the dealing with a bit imprecise. Nonetheless, this automotive isn’t designed to be pushed aggressively. It’ll simply get out of its personal approach while you step on it, however this front-motor association offers a clean and cozy drive while you simply pilot the automotive in regular, on a regular basis circumstances.

One other Good, Regular EV

And therein lies the advantage of the Kia EV4. It’s only a common automotive. It’s the newest addition to the EV market that could possibly be referred to as a traditional automotive that occurs to be electrical. Positive, the aesthetics are a bit edgy and maybe polarizing. But it surely’s a sensible small sedan with respectable inside house, the newest tech, and the vary and charging speeds essential to make it a simple EV to stay with. It doesn’t attempt to be sportier or fancier than it’s; it’s only a good automotive that’s simple to advocate.

As of this writing, U.S. pricing is forthcoming for the Kia EV4, which makes it a bit laborious for us to judge its worth proposition (that’s sort of our factor). The perfect measuring stick we will use is the kind-of-similar Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, which begins at slightly below $40,000 for the single-motor variant in 2025. If Kia EV4 pricing kicks off within the mid-$30,000 vary, it is going to be a great worth on the inexpensive aspect of electrical vehicles. Nonetheless, the $40,000-$50,000 vary retains getting extra aggressive within the EV house, so it’ll be up towards harder competitors if the value goes too excessive.

Learn our full assessment of the 2026 Kia EV4