At the New York International Auto Show, Kia revealed its 2026 EV4, a groundbreaking global electric sedan. Designed to broaden the appeal of EVs, the EV4 combines striking aesthetics with cutting-edge tech, joining Kia’s electrified portfolio alongside the EV6 and EV9.
Based on Kia’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 offers a sleek alternative to dominant SUVs and crossovers, merging sporty design with practical functionality.
Design
The EV4 reflects Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy, sporting a low front, fastback roof, and elongated rear for a dynamic silhouette. Its bold front features vertical headlights, Star Map lighting, and a modernized Tiger Face. Compact LED cube lights with dynamic welcome animations set it apart in the sedan class.
The rear boasts vertical taillights, a dual roof spoiler, and a streamlined bumper, enhancing its assertive look. The EV4 rolls on 17-inch aero wheels for Light and Wind trims or 19-inch spoke wheels for the GT-Line, which adds unique styling cues for a sportier vibe.
The EV4 blends minimalism and elegance with a floating dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, and premium materials. The spacious cabin prioritizes comfort, with generous passenger and cargo space. A 64-colour ambient lighting system creates a vibrant mood, while a nearly 30-inch display—featuring two 12.3-inch screens and a five-inch climate panel—powers Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (CNC).
Also Read: The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Opportunities for Engineers
Powertrain and Performance
The EV4 offers two battery packs: a 58.3kWh unit for the Light trim, yielding a 378km range, and an 81.4kWh pack for Wind and GT-Line, extending to 531km. Both drive a 150kW front-mounted motor powering the front wheels.
Aerodynamic tweaks, including a full underbody shield, achieve a 0.23 Cd drag coefficient, maximizing efficiency. DC fast-charging takes the smaller battery from 10-80% in 29 minutes and the larger in 31, using an NACS port on the front passenger side.
The EV4’s chassis, with a tuned MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear setup, ensures smooth rides and nimble handling. Kia’s i-Pedal 3.0 enables accelerator-based speed and braking control, now with reverse functionality and memory—Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) support powers external devices like chargers or lights.
Technology and Connectivity
The EV4 features Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 for smartphone-based access and remote control of locks or climate settings. The ccNC supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OTA updates, customizable themes, and NBA-inspired designs. Kia’s AI Assistant uses voice recognition and ML for seamless interaction.
Other amenities include dual-zone climate control, rear vents, and optional heated/ventilated front seats with driver memory and a heated steering wheel.
Safety
The EV4’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include standard Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which adjusts speed using navigation data on select highways. Available features like Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist enhance safety. Hands-On Detection ensures driver focus during ADAS use.
The EV4 will hit US markets in Q1 2026, manufactured at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in South Korea and available in light, wind, and GT-Line trims.