Kia Unveils Its First Global Electric Sedan, the EV4

Kia has revealed its highly anticipated 2026 EV4, marking the automaker's entry into the electric sedan market. Making its debut at the New York International Auto Show, the EV4 showcases Kia’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. This new sedan, the first of its kind from Kia, blends innovative technology and eye-catching design to offer an electric vehicle that appeals to a wide range of customers.

Bold Design and Exterior Features of the Kia EV4

The Kia EV4 introduces a design that reflects Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy. The sedan features a low nose, fastback roofline, and a long-tail silhouette, resulting in a sleek, athletic appearance. The front end showcases a modern fascia, incorporating vertical headlamps, Star Map lighting, and a reinterpreted Tiger Face, enhancing its tech-forward look. The EV4’s compact size is further accentuated by small cube LED headlights that feature dynamic welcome lights, providing a distinctive visual appeal.

At the rear, the sedan features vertical taillights, a two-piece roof spoiler, and a streamlined bumper to emphasize its bold stance. The car sits on 17-inch aero wheels for the Light and Wind trims, while the GT-Line version comes with 19-inch spoke-type wheels, adding exclusive design elements for a sportier look.

Interior Comfort and Technology in the Kia EV4

Inside the EV4, Kia strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication. The cabin is designed with a free-floating interface and a two-spoke steering wheel, offering an open layout that prioritizes comfort and space. Premium materials enhance the overall feel, and the cabin is designed to offer ample passenger and cargo space.

One of the standout features is the 64-colour dynamic ambient lighting system, which creates a unique atmosphere within the cabin. The near 30-inch wide-screen display, made up of dual 12.3-inch screens and a five-inch climate display, forms the heart of Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. This system enhances the user experience by offering intuitive controls for navigation, climate, and entertainment.

Powertrain, Performance, and Range of the Kia EV4

The Kia EV4 offers two battery options, providing flexibility in range and performance. The Light trim comes with a 58.3kWh battery, offering an estimated range of up to 378km. The Wind and GT-Line trims are equipped with an 81.4kWh battery, delivering up to 531km of range. Both versions are powered by a front-mounted 150kW motor that drives the front wheels.

The EV4 features several aerodynamic enhancements, including a full underbody cover, which helps achieve a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd, boosting the vehicle’s overall efficiency. It also supports DC fast charging, allowing the smaller battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes, and the larger battery in around 31 minutes. Charging takes place through a front passenger-side NACS charging port.

In terms of ride and handling, the EV4 is equipped with an EV-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. These features ensure a refined and agile driving experience. The i-Pedal 3.0 system, which enables drivers to control the speed and braking through the accelerator pedal, now also works in reverse and includes a memory feature. Additionally, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality allows the EV4 to power external devices, such as laptops or lights.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity in the Kia EV4

The EV4 comes loaded with innovative technology, including the Kia Digital Key 2.0, which allows users to control functions such as door locks and climate settings via their smartphones. The connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. It also offers customizable display themes, including NBA team designs.

Kia’s AI Assistant further enhances the user experience with advanced voice recognition and machine learning capabilities, making the interaction with the car even more intuitive. Additional convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control, rear A/C vents, and available heated/ventilated front seats with memory functionality. The heated steering wheel adds extra comfort during colder weather.

Safety Features in the Kia EV4

The EV4 comes with an extensive range of safety features, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. Standard on the EV4 is the Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system, which adjusts the vehicle's speed based on navigation data while on certain highways. Additional ADAS features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Another key safety feature is the Hands-On Detection, which ensures that the driver remains engaged while using ADAS features.

Availability and Production of the Kia EV4

The Kia EV4 will be available in three trims—Light, Wind, and GT-Line—when it launches in the United States, expected in the first quarter of 2026. The sedan will be produced at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in South Korea, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable vehicles to global markets.