The Kia EV4 has arrived, and it’s being dubbed as Kia’s answer to the Tesla Model 3. This electric sedan aims to provide a spacious, tech-savvy driving experience without sending your budget into a tailspin.
That’s the vision, at least. With uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs and the future of EV tax incentives, there’s a cloud of unpredictability hanging over the EV4’s launch. But after spending some quality time behind the wheel in South Korea, one thing is clear: the EV4 could be a real contender with plenty of promise.
Quick Overview of the 2026 Kia EV4
The EV4 is the latest iteration from the Hyundai Motor Group, sliding seamlessly into the family built on the E-GMP all-electric platform. If that sounds familiar, that’s because it shares its DNA with the EV3 we drove last year and loved. The differences may be subtle, but the price point is expected to be just as wallet-friendly, especially in the U.S. market where the EV3 is projected to hit around $30,000—though Kia remains tight-lipped about the specifics or manufacturing details.
With two battery options—58.3 kWh for a range of around 235 miles and an 81.4 kWh for an impressive estimated 330 miles—the EV4 seeks to balance performance and economy. While it doesn’t carry the high-voltage charging capabilities seen in the more premium Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 9, it still offers a respectable charging speed. You can expect it to go from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes for the base battery and 31 minutes for the larger one. That aligns fairly well with competitors like the Tesla Model 3, so while it doesn’t set records, it plays well in the field.
And in a world where many electric vehicles are all-wheel-drive, the EV4 chooses the front-wheel-drive route… for now. An AWD version is on the horizon. As for acceleration, it promises a 0 to 60 mph time in the mid-seven-second range—a figure that suggests it has a zest that many drivers will appreciate.
1. A Design That Turns Heads—For Better or Worse
The design of the EV4 is certainly unconventional. It’s an eye-catcher—perhaps not in a “wow, that’s stunning” kind of way, but definitely in a “what is that?” sense. Think of it as a high-riding crossover that didn’t quite reach its intended stature. After scanning the car from all sides, I found my feelings about its aesthetic remained mixed. However, one thing became crystal clear: striking up a reaction from onlookers is essential, and this car certainly does that. While it might not be the belle at the ball, the EV4 ensures it commands attention—something invaluable in a crowded showroom.
In terms of size, it measures in at 15.5 feet long, 6.1 feet wide, and 4.9 feet tall—comparable to the popular Kia K4 sedan and fairly similar to the Model 3. However, the EV4 is just a tad narrower.
2. Surpassing the Competition in Comfort
The unconventional exterior pays off in the interior, with a spacious cabin that far exceeds that of the Tesla Model 3. There’s excellent adjustment in the front seats and abundant legroom in the back, making long trips a breeze. The trunk is also commendably roomy, offering 17.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Interior quality leans toward practicality rather than ostentation, which I find refreshing. Sure, the Model 3 may look more futuristic, but Kia’s straightforward approach speaks volumes in daily usability. The conventional physical buttons clustered conveniently on the steering wheel, along with intuitive climate controls below the center display, make for a no-nonsense experience.
When it comes to ride comfort, while the Model 3 is sporty on twisting roads, the EV4 excels in everyday comfort. Its ride quality is tailored for comfort, absorbing bumps gracefully and providing a more relaxed driving experience overall. While the single front-mounted motor doesn’t deliver the same power as the Model 3, it still offers an enjoyable kick when you need it, especially for city driving.
3. Packed with Relevant Tech
EVs often come adorned with features that are little more than gimmicks, but here, Kia has stayed focused on what users actually want. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally included, along with the ability to lock, unlock, and start the car with your smartphone or smartwatch.
The new iPedal 3.0 system is a standout, allowing you to adjust regenerative braking with paddles on the wheel. It’s clever, utilizing GPS and sensors to anticipate road conditions and automatically adjust braking, making it a breeze to navigate through stop-and-go traffic. It’s surprisingly intuitive and something you’ll find yourself using more than you’d expect.
Moreover, Kia has introduced Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality in the EV4, allowing you to power appliances or devices—great for when the power goes out or if you’re in need of charging on the go. A unique digital key function also enables up to 15 devices to access and start the car, a fantastic convenience for families or shared vehicle use.
In closing, while the EV4 has some quirks and compromises, it holds promise as a well-rounded electric sedan that balances affordability with cutting-edge technology and comfort. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver that doesn’t demand you choose between comfort and tech-savvy features, the EV4 is definitely a model you’ll want to keep an eye on when it lands in the U.S. next year. Your next electric journey may just start with this intriguing newcomer.The most intriguing feature on the 2026 Kia EV4 has to be the new “Theater Mode.” Imagine this: you’re parked, perhaps waiting for a friend, or enjoying some downtime on a road trip. You pull up a movie on the spacious 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the sound fills the cabin through the car’s high-quality stereo system. It’s a feature that makes the most of your wait time, especially since the charging times for the EV4 are a bit longer compared to other Kia and Hyundai electric vehicles. This setup allows for a cozy moment to unwind with a favorite film.
However, there’s a letdown. Unfortunately, the EV4 models sold in North America won’t support this exciting feature due to “regulatory” issues, as stated by Kia. It’s a disappointment for many potential buyers who were looking forward to this unique perk. But let’s not dwell too much on that small hiccup—there’s plenty to be excited about with the EV4!
Now, looking at the 2026 Kia EV4 overall, it’s a pretty compelling option for those in the market for an electric vehicle. After getting behind the wheel, I can confidently say I’d prefer it over a Tesla Model 3, and even some other EVs in that same price bracket. It really checks a lot of boxes that matter to drivers today, but there’s one burning question that remains: What will it cost?
Kia has yet to announce the starting MSRP for the EV4 in the U.S. It seems a bit like waiting for a surprise gift at a party—you know it’s coming, but you can’t help but wonder just how exciting it will be. With federal tax incentives becoming less appealing and tariffs likely sticking around, the price tag could be higher than we initially hoped. If I had to take a stab in the dark, I’m guessing we might see it start in the high $30,000 range. If it goes any higher, it risks stepping into the territory of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which, while a fantastic vehicle in its own right, hasn’t exactly lit up the sales charts.
If Kia can manage to keep the price low enough to undercut even the Model 3, they could have a real winner on their hands. But we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed and mark our calendars, as the EV4 is set to hit the market in the second half of 2025. Until then, there’s plenty to anticipate!
Image Source: Crospotter @ YouTube
