Experiencing the 2026 Kia EV4

The 2026 Kia EV4 electrical sedan will probably be out there in North America in early 2026. We obtained an early probability to drive one in and round Seoul, South Korea, in driving situations just like an American metropolis (Seoul is concerning the dimension of New York Metropolis), plus some freeway driving within the combine to get a fuller expertise. Right here’s how we appreciated Kia’s new entry-level electrical automobile (EV).

Seoul Looking out

The At any time when lineup of EVs goes by means of one thing of a generational change. Not so way back, the model’s EVs have been restricted to small financial system vehicles, particularly, the all-electric variations of the Kia Soul and Be nori. The Niro ev remains to be round alongside its HEV and plug-in hybrid electrical automobile (PHEV) counterparts, however it’s presently the one Kia electrical automobile that doesn’t use the “EV(quantity)” nomenclature. The 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 reasonably 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 — at the least for now. Kia says an all-wheel-drive model is coming sooner or later.

The EV4’s front-wheel-drive structure will swimsuit drivers in snowy climates who need a fairly priced EV with first rate vary and fashionable tech. The usual battery pack within the Mild 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 an honest EV charging infrastructure.

Behind the Wheel

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

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

One of many large highlights of the Kia EV4 is its almost 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 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, during which you solely use the accelerator pedal to modulate the automobile’s acceleration and deceleration. The i-Pedal 3.0 rethinks that concept by having three completely different ranges of regenerative braking throughout the one-pedal drive mode. We performed with this characteristic and skilled completely different ranges of severity for braking after we took our foot off the pedal. We most popular the lighter Stage 1 setting, however everybody can have their preferences. We recognize the extent of customization this brings to the EV driving expertise. Additionally, it really works in reverse so as 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 obtained to drive each and typically forgot that they have been completely different trims. The GT-Line mannequin makes use of a sportier aesthetic inside and outside and has a unique 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 apply, the moment torque inherent with all EVs makes 201 hp really feel like loads. It’s easy, quiet, and comfy as an city runabout and a freeway cruiser. Most EVs share these virtues, however it’s good to expertise these advantages in an accessible bundle as a compact sedan from a mainstream model.

If pushed exhausting, that nose-heavy entrance finish can get a bit squirrely, and the dealing with a bit imprecise. Nevertheless, this automobile isn’t designed to be pushed aggressively. It’ll simply get out of its personal means while you step on it, however this front-motor association offers a easy and comfy drive while you simply pilot the automobile in regular, on a regular basis situations.

One other Good, Regular EV

And therein lies the advantage of the Kia EV4. It’s only a common automobile. It’s the newest addition to the EV market that could possibly be known as a traditional automobile that occurs to be electrical. Certain, the aesthetics are a bit edgy and maybe polarizing. Nevertheless it’s a sensible small sedan with first rate inside house, the newest tech, and the vary and charging speeds essential to make it a simple EV to dwell with. It doesn’t attempt to be sportier or fancier than it’s; it’s only a good automobile that’s straightforward to suggest.

As of this writing, U.S. pricing is forthcoming for the Kia EV4, which makes it just a little exhausting for us to judge its worth proposition (that’s type of our factor). The very best 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, will probably be a great worth on the inexpensive aspect of electrical vehicles. Nevertheless, the $40,000-$50,000 vary retains getting extra aggressive within the EV house, so it’ll be up in opposition to more durable competitors if the value goes too excessive.

Learn our full assessment of the 2026 Kia EV4