The 2026 Kia EV4 Is a Better Tesla Model 3: Review
2026 Kia EV4
Motor
Single Permanent-Magnet
Battery
58.3 Kilowatt-Hour / 81.4 Kilowatt-Hour
Output
201 Horsepower / 208 Pound-Feet
Range
235 Miles / 330 Miles (est.)
Base Price / As Tested
$39,000 (est.) / $45,000 (est.)
Pros: Smooth Chassis & Powertrain, Button-Rich Interior, Solid Range
Cons: Strange Design, No AWD Available at Launch
Kia EV4 Overview: The Model 3 Competitor You've Been Waiting For
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
The EV4 is a fascinating proposition. Aimed directly at the Tesla Model 3, it's a small(ish) electric sedan set to arrive next year, in a world dominated by crossovers. Why would Kia bring a four-door EV Stateside when popular opinion suggests the body style is dying? Well, it isn't dying—at least not at Kia. The company's similarly sized, gas-powered K4 was its best-selling vehicle in January.
After some time behind the wheel, that proposition is even more convincing. While the EV4's styling might raise eyebrows from onlookers, it's an exceedingly pleasant thing to drive. Though not terribly sporty or rapid, the electric sedan provides adequate comfort, solid range, and a wide assortment of useful features, all for a reasonable price (at least, we think it'll be affordable—Kia hasn't released pricing just yet).
Battery & Motor: Two Sizes, Only One Motor
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
When the Kia EV4 arrives in North America at the beginning of 2026, buyers will have a choice between two battery sizes: 58.3 kilowatt-hours or 81.4 kilowatt-hours. No matter which you choose, the battery pairs with a single permanent-magnet motor mounted under the hood, spinning the front wheels. It makes 201 horsepower and 208 pound-feet of torque—not groundbreaking by any means, but enough to get the car up to speed in a reasonable fashion.
Like most EVs in the Hyundai and Kia family, the EV4 rides on the conglomerate's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It's a proven skateboard-style chassis that's seen much success in cars like the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV9. But while those cars run on an 800-volt architecture, the EV4 and its sister car, the EV3 crossover, use a 400-volt layout. Kia says this is to achieve a nice balance between charging times, range, and performance, but really, it's just to keep costs down.
Technology & Infotainment: Best In the Business
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Modern Hyundais and Kias are at the forefront of easy-to-use, smooth infotainment systems. The EV4 is no different. The sedan debuts Kia's next-generation interface, displayed across two 12.3-inch screens. One is a center-mounted touch screen, with another for the driver display.
There's standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, naturally. I was able to connect my phone in seconds, and it reconnected without trouble every time after that. UI menus were easy to navigate, and the touchscreen responded seamlessly. Best of all, there are real buttons on the steering wheel and the dashboard for things like media and climate controls (though sadly, some of the navigation buttons under the touchscreen are touch-capacitive).
A six-speaker sound system comes standard on the EV4, though I was only able to test out the optional eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. For a semi-budget system, I found it fairly impressive, without too much distortion at the top end.
Kia also made its Digital Key 2.0 software standard on the EV4. It allows users to connect up to 15 devices to the car, including smartphones and smartwatches, which act as digital keys for entry and startup.
Design: Quite Strange
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
The most controversial part of the EV4 is undoubtedly its looks. Seemingly plucked out of a concept studio, it wears a futuristic skin with odd curves and questionable proportions. It's certainly not beautiful or elegant, but it's also far from boring—something most competitors in the segment can't say for themselves. The shape evokes a reaction, which is why Kia went with it.
Passenger & Cargo Space: Very Useful
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Those strange looks unlock a healthy amount of space in the cabin, both for the front and rear occupants. There's a healthy amount of leg, arm, and shoulder room for the driver and passenger, with plenty of adjustability. The rear seats deliver ample space—far more than a Model 3—for occupants of all sizes. It reminds me of the Ioniq 6 in the way the rear bench can easily accommodate six-foot-plus people with ease—not a coincidence, seeing as how the two cars share a platform.
The cargo area is similarly massive. It's unfortunate there's no hatch opening, but the trunk opens wide enough to accept large items, with enough storage space in the rear to swallow up to 17.3 cubic feet of stuff. Sadly, there's no front trunk, as that space is occupied by the motor and the cooling apparatus.
Driving Impressions: Smooth & Steady
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
To drive the Kia EV4 is to have a very standard EV experience. The cabin is airy and easy to see out of, if a bit upright. The steering is smooth and light, but generally devoid of feel. As with any electric car, the go pedal responds with an instant, exciting thrust, though in this car, it quickly dies off as you reach higher speeds. The ride is soft and agreeable, while the brakes are easy to modulate for linear creeps to stoplights.
The one driver-centric gimmick, Kia's i-Pedal 3.0, allows the driver to control the strength of the EV4's regenerative braking via the steering wheel-mounted paddles. I found myself using them more than I thought I would, just to slow the car in traffic without having to reach for the brake pedal.
Nothing on this car stands out as overly harsh or heavy. Everything is easy and straightforward. It's designed to disappear under you, act as a simple tool to transport you from one place to another while you enjoy music or a podcast. At that, the EV4 is excellent.
Range & Charging: Solid for the Segment
While the design might not be for everyone, its resulting 0.23 Cd means the EV4 cuts efficiently through the air. Official EPA estimates are still a ways out, but Kia predicts a range of 330 miles for the larger battery pack and 235 miles for the smaller pack.
The 400-volt architecture means the EV4 can't charge as quickly as the more expensive cars in Kia's lineup, though the company says charging from 10 to 80 percent should only take 29 minutes for the small battery pack, or 31 minutes for the larger pack, provided you're using a DC fast charger.
Pricing & Verdict: It Really Depends
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Here's where things get messy. The EV4 is supposed to be a Tesla Model 3 competitor, but since it'll be built in South Korea, it'll be subject to import tariffs put in place by the Trump administration. We wouldn't be surprised to see the starting MSRP end up in the high $30,000 range as a result. There's also the federal tax credit for electric vehicles, which could be killed off by the government's new spending bill.
So the EV4 would be hit with a double-whammy of tariffs and no tax incentives, making it far less competitive in the segment than Kia expected.
In the high $30,000 range, the EV4 still makes sense. It delivers solid range in an appealing package, much akin to a nice appliance. But anything above that, and it starts to become a harder sell. The Ioniq 6 starts at under $40,000, and it brings a similar range in a prettier, rear-drive package. To pay more for a stranger-looking, front-drive car is unreasonable.
Competitors
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Polestar 2
Tesla Model 3
2026 Kia EV4 FAQs
Does the Kia EV4 Come in a hatchback?
Yes, Kia builds a hatchback version of the EV4. Sadly, it's not offered in North America, as there isn't strong demand for it here. A Kia spokesperson confirmed to Motor1 we'll only be getting the sedan.
What is the Kia EV4's Price?
Kia has yet to release official pricing for the EV4 in North America, as it isn't expected to go on sale until the first quarter of 2026. We predict it'll have a starting price of around $41,000 once it lands Stateside.
How much range does the Kia EV4 have?
Kia has yet to release an EPA-estimated range figure for the EV4, but it predicts the smaller battery pack will be capable of 235 miles of range. The larger battery pack should be able to travel 330 miles on a single charge, according to the company.
Gallery: 2026 Kia EV4 Review
39
Source: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
More Kia's EV Onslaught
The 2025 Kia EV6 GT Gets Even Better With Fake Gear Shifts
What EV Slump? Hyundai and Kia Break Sales Records for Electric Cars
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2026 Kia EV4 Specifications
Motor
Single Permanent-Magnet
Battery
58.3 Kilowatt-Hours / 81.4 Kilowatt-Hours
Output
201 Horsepower / 208 Pound-Feet
EV Range
235 Miles / 330 Miles (est.)
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Speed 0-60 MPH
7.5 Seconds (est.)
Maximum speed
105 Miles Per Hour (Electronically Limited)
Weight
3,900 Pounds (est.)
Seating Capacity
5
Cargo Volume
17.3 Cubic Feet
On Sale
Q1 2026
Base Price
$39,000 (est.)
As-Tested Price
$45,000 (est.)
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