Latest news with #KiaEV4
CNET
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNET
Kia Electric Truck: What We Know So Far About the New Pickup EV
While last year's plucky Tasman truck from Kia had a polarizing design, it was still considered a success. Now, Kia is celebrating by releasing a second pickup truck: an electric vehicle that, unlike the Tasman, will be coming to North America. "Kia plans to introduce an EV pickup truck based on a new EV platform designed for both urban and outdoor use," the company said in April. "The vehicle will feature best-in-class interior and cargo space, a robust towing system, off-road capabilities and advanced infotainment and safety features." Details right now are fairly slim but some conclusions can be drawn from Kia's statements: The inclusion of off-road capabilities will set the upcoming EV apart from the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is currently the only pickup truck Kia or its sister company sells in the US right now. It'll be on a new EV platform so it'll also be set apart from the company's existing EV offerings, like the Kia EV6. The infotainment will likely be similar to current model Kia EVs and vehicles, like the dual-display technology in the more recent Kia Sportage SUVs. Kia last week also showcased its more affordable EV sedan, with CNET on hand to see the 2026 Kia EV4. Kia electric pickup truck: Will this EV succeed in the US? Per the statement, Kia is expecting to sell roughly 90,000 of these new EV pickups per year, a lofty goal in a market where the Ford F-150 Lightning is barely hitting 30,000 units sold. By most accounts, it's an ambitious sales goal to hit for a vehicle that'll represent Kia's first attempt at appeasing the US truck buyer market. However, there is still room for optimism. "The models built on the eGMP line sold over 100K units in 2024," said Liz Najman, director of market insights at Recurrent, a company that offers independent insights on EV performance. "Moreover, like the EV6, Kia pickups will likely be made in the US, helping avoid costly tariffs that will drive up prices for consumers. It is likely that price will be a major factor for consumers in the coming years." Najman also said that trucks were the two top-selling vehicles in 2024, so it's possible that Kia can reach its sales goals, provided that the automaker can hit that sweet spot of competitive pricing and capability. "Electric vehicles are seeing strong sales numbers when they deliver on what customers want," Najman said, highlighting that in electric car sales, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Jeep Wrangler PHEV each sold more than 50,000 units in 2024 and the Model 3 and the Model Y sold more than 150,000 and 370,000 units, respectively.
NZ Autocar
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Kia President and CEO checks out New Zealand operation
Kia Corporation President and CEO, Mr Song Ho-Sung, visited New Zealand recently. He dropped in on Kia's head office and the country's number one selling Kia dealership. Mr Song's journey here was an opportunity to hear firsthand how Kia is doing in New Zealand. He also saw visited the first dealership in the country that is sporting the new Kia corporate identity. The Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald commented: 'Mr Song's visit provided a forum to discuss strategic alignment and highlight our shared vision of business-orientated goals.' He added 'Global support of our local direction – especially with Tasman Ute and new EV models waiting in the wings – is critical to our ongoing success. 'His visit reinforced to our staff, dealer network as well as customers that the Kia Corporation values and appreciates New Zealand. It is an illustration of their commitment to our market.' Kia NZ releases Tasman pricing here. 'In addition to invaluable time with Mr Song, it was also an excellent opportunity to gain insight into future products and exciting innovations we can expect to see in the not-too-distant future.' Giltrap Group Executive Directors, Michael and Richard Giltrap, were on hand to greet Mr Song and introduce him to the staff at the Group's North Shore location. Read our news item on Kia EV4 here. 'Kia is an integral part of the Giltrap Group's new model portfolio, especially in the EV space and also with the new Tasman Ute. So it was a privilege to host Mr Song while he was in Auckland,' said Michael Giltrap. 'It's a real sign of belief in the product that the President and CEO decided to come to our showroom. It also provided a great confidence boost for our team.' Mr Song's visit followed Kia New Zealand's inaugural EV Day. It is a precursor to the impending launch of the Tasman Ute and upcoming release of the EV4. Both new models will go on sale here in Q3.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
New York Auto Show Debuts Fewer Trucks But More SUVs And EVs
The new Kia EV4 In today's automotive climate where everything seems to be going against Tesla—like multiple recalls, boycotts, plummeting sales and even uncontrollable rust—while a large slice of the car-buying public are progressively turning to SUVs, let's have a look at the latest offerings at the New York International Auto Show, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Unlike auto shows of the past, at which basically every manufacturer felt it imperative to have a stand and reveal new and future product, many automakers these days are using their advertising budgets in new and different ways—like sponsoring sporting events or debuting new product at bespoke events—and staying away from motor shows. This year, carmakers including Cadillac, Ferrari, Lexus, BMW, Buick and Mazda were absent, and in the whole scheme of things, that's a huge shame as potential customers won't be able to see them and compare. Ah, yes, and one other thing that did stand out was the fact that almost no pricing was to be seen anywhere thanks to the government's unsure on-again, off-again, on-again tariff measures. Of the carmakers that were in New York, here are the highlights. The Jeep Wagoneer Special Edition Jeep fans were drooling at the all-new but conservatively restyled Jeep Wagoneer Special Edition that looks neat and ready for the road or dirt trail. Riding on all-terrain 32-inch tires, it comes powered by a 420-hp twin-turbo inline six engine boasting an electronic LSD and a two-speed transfer case. Priced at around $75,000, it also gets fancy air suspension that provides up to 10 inches of ground clearance and a healthy 10,000 lbs of towing capacity. Ford Maverick Lobo Strangely though, few new trucks were either unveiled or even displayed. In addition to the new Jeep, Ford showed its new Maverick Lobo which is kind of like a GTI in pick-up trim as well as its special edition Bronco decked out in obvious patriotic colors. Nissan also revealed its new Armada truck with funky revised styling, which is currently selling well in the U.S. Acura also unveiled its new ADX crossover while Toyota showed us their next-gen Land Cruiser and new 4Runner. One car gaining lots of attention was the fully electric Lucid Gravity which delivers copious amounts of luxury, range and performance, and the fastest charge speed on the planet. It can charge at speeds of up to 400 kW on DC chargers with a 1000-volt architecture. The new Outback Who can ignore Subaru's mainstay in the U.S.—the chunky Outback? Slated to go on sale at the end of 2025, the new crossover is certainly not pretty, in stead adopting a new edgier, more functional off-road SUV-styled exterior. The nearly 4-foot wide blocky Subaru logo imprinted across the grille is employed to further strengthen brand presence. With a more rugged Wilderness spec arriving in 2026, the new Outback range will come with standard AWD and a 2.5-liter boxer engine while a turbocharged version is also available. Subaru also unveiled its all-new Trailseeker EV, based on the current model Solterra—which was of course co-developed with Toyota. Looking more like an electric version of the outgoing Outback, the Trailseeker is conservative but looks sleeker than the Solterra. Fitted with a 75kWh battery, dual-motor AWD, and a NACS (Tesla) charging port, the wagon generates 375 hp and offers 260 miles of range. In New York, the wraps came off the Kia EV4, yet another similarly named fully electric vehicle—it also has EV5, EV6 and EV9—from the company that seems to keep winning the World Car of the Year. Boasting an estimated range of around 300 miles and an affordable price tag, or so says Kia, this EV comes with rear-wheel-drive only. As with most of its siblings, the Kia EV4 is a pretty machine, with sexy lines, eye-pleasing proportions and an expected debut on early 2026. Kia also launched the K4 hatchback to join its sedan sibling. It's one of the most practical cars on show in New York and has a nice wagon vibe to it. The K4 gets either a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter option. The new Palisade. The new 2nd-gen luxury Hyundai Palisade is sharp and beautiful proportioned. It is a backbone of the Korean company's lineup in the U.S. Rumored to be at the end of its life-cycle, sales of the full-size 8-seater SUV up to 110,000 units in 2024 from their 2023 figure of 89,000. It comes with either a new 3.5-litre V6 or a more frugal hybrid. There were numerous concept cars revealed in the Big Apple last week and they include the Genesis GMR 001 hypercar that's destined to compete in the 24-hours of Le Mans race ion France in 2026. Meanwhile, Chrysler unveiled their low-slung Halcyon supercar concept with its glass-domed cockpit. Obviously not destined for the showroom, this bullet-shaped concept is especially pleasing on the optic nerve. Parent company Stellantis tell us that there is a vehicle in the pipeline that will share some of the Halcyon's parts, but let's wait to see if that ever happens. Other concepts launched include the silky smooth Genesis X Gran Equator SUV, the bespoke Kia EV9 Adventure, and the Kia Weekender based on the PV5 van that the carmaker will build in South Korea. Looking like an off-roader that a SWAT team might want to use, the EV incorporates special wheel fins that supposedly generate electricity in a strong wind or a 1-2 foot deep stream, while a solar panel on the roof develops even more juice. The funky Kia Weekender. Vehicles worth a look at include the new bold Volkswagen Tiguan Turbo, the new practical-looking Honda Passport crossover, and the new gorgeous Genesis GV80. Cars that will land in showrooms this year and that won't break the bank include the new sub-$30,000 Nissan Kicks, the Nissan Sentra sedan and the Versa. So if you are in the NYC area and you have a spare half day or more, why not get down to the Javits Center because, to be honest, motor shows are truly the best place to research your next car.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kia drops curtain on next-gen electric model with bold new look: 'The interior is quite beautiful'
Kia recently announced the EV4, the latest electric vehicle in its growing lineup and its first electric sedan, according to Car and Driver. It will launch in four different versions, including a hatchback and a GT version with bigger tires and alternate styling. "The Kia EV4 is a clear reflection of our commitment to rethink mobility, and expand the boundaries of what design can achieve," said Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of Kia Global Design. "By offering both sedan and hatchback variants, we are bringing to our customers, the unique experience of modernity and practicality that defines the Kia EV family, in a way that suits their varied lifestyles and needs." Kia claims the EV4 has a 390-mile range and a 10% to 80% charge time of 31 minutes. No official pricing was mentioned, but Car and Driver estimates it will start at $35,000, which would be quite affordable in the grand scheme of EVs. Light-duty transportation is a big source of pollution. The more electric vehicles we get on the road, the less we have to rely on burning dirty fuels to get around. It does take energy and resources to make EVs in the first place, but any pollution that entails is made up for over an EV's lifespan of not using gas. There are loads of extra benefits to rolling an electric vehicle, too. As gas prices continue to fluctuate, relying on electricity is much easier on the wallet. Gas vehicles also produce a lot of localized pollution that is quite bad for your health. Switching to electric can help mitigate those risks. Check out our guide on electric vehicles if you're interested in upgrading. The real stand-out feature of the Kia EV4 is its futuristic design, which left many commenters divided. "Good for Kia for releasing an EV so affordable. That's a clear achievement," said one commenter. "But everything from the rear doors back is absolutely, sinfully repulsive. There's a difference between trying to look modern because it's beautiful and trying to look modern just to look modern." "Channeling Pablo Picasso through car design," said another. "The EV4 seems way too weird looking to be appealing, but I love how KIA does bold things anyway. And while the exterior is a hot mess, the interior is quite beautiful." If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Independent
13-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Best Kia EVs: From compact city cars to family-sized SUVs
When it comes to the sheer pace of new EV launches, Kia is leading the charge. With a rapidly expanding line-up of impressive electric vehicles including the EV3 and EV9, Kia now offers something for everyone, from compact SUVs to spacious family cars that often undercut the price of rivals with a similar range. Kia has fully embraced the EV switch. Unlike some manufacturers that stick electric powertrains into existing petrol models, Kia's latest electric vehicles are built from the ground up on dedicated EV platforms. That means you can expect an intelligent use of space, longer ranges, better all-round performance and fast charging speeds. Kia isn't resting on its laurels either, with plans to fill in the gaps in its EV numberline. This year we're expecting to see the launch of the Kia EV4, a mid-sized hatchback and saloon, followed by the EV5 and EV2, which featured fancy rear-hinged doors in its flashy concept reveal. Beyond that, there's speculation of a Kia EV7 and EV8, which are rumoured to fall at the premium end of the SUV market. Back here in the present day however, we're rounding up the best Kia EVs you can buy right now. How we tested We've tested Kia's entire range of electric vehicles, including long-term tests to learn how these cars perform over thousands of miles, with family-sized requirements and under real world conditions. Based on our test drives and our expert knowledge of the marketplace, our list ranks Kia EVs not just on factors like battery size, range and charging speeds, but overall value for money. We also pay close attention to everyday considerations such as boot capacity, storage compartments and connectivity to things like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Why trust us Our team of car experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. Independent rating: 10/10 The Kia EV3 is a standout EV, combining affordability, practicality and impressive range into a family-friendly package. It offers great value at just £32,995, with the base Air model boasting a 270 mile range from its 58kWh battery. Step up to the larger 81kWh battery, and you'll enjoy an exceptional 375 mile range – unbeatable at this price point. Beyond range, the Kia EV3 excels in comfort and drivability, offering a smooth, quiet ride. The interior is spacious, accommodating families with ease, and even entry-level models feature generous kit, including heated seats. 'The EV3 is the best car Kia makes,' we said in our full Kia EV3 review. 'It's a great small family car that ticks all the boxes, and that's before you see the price and the long range. It's fantastic.' Independent rating: 8/10 Pros: Spacious interior, good range and fast charging, one of very few seven-seat EVs Cons: Feels very big when driving, heavy Price range: £65,025 to £77,025 Battery size: 99.8 kWh Maximum claimed range: 349 miles Miles per kWh: 3.1 Maximum charging rate: 210 kW The Kia EV9 is one of the first and best all-electric, seven-seater SUVs on the market, offering a well-balanced blend of space, style, and sustainability. Starting at around £65,000, it's pricey for a Kia but still undercuts rivals like the Volvo EX90 and Range Rover, while boasting impressive features like 210kW fast charging and a claimed range of up to 349 miles for the single-motor version. Its imposing size is felt on the road and some of the interior materials aren't quite on par with luxury brands, but the value against rivals can't be ignored. 'The EV9 rides well, with comfortable seats, lots of kit fitted as standard, and has enough space for full-size adults across all three rows,' we said in our full Kia EV9 review. 'Plus there's a big boot that becomes positively cavernous when the rearmost seats are folded flat.' Independent rating: 8/10 The updated Kia EV6 refines what was already a great EV, delivering style, performance, and practicality to rival the Tesla Model 3. The core improvements are the extended range (up to 361 miles on the rear-wheel drive models) and faster charging, while you're also getting the smooth ride the EV6 has always enjoyed. The Kia EV6 is an undeniably fun car to drive too, offering excellent control, plenty of grip and responsive steering. Design tweaks like slick new LED lighting and a more cohesive overall aesthetic improve its appearance, while a move away from piano black trim to brushed silver creates a more premium feel. 'The visual updates may be small but make the design of the Kia EV6 more cohesive than before,' we said in our full Kia EV6 review. 'I like it a lot more to look at, and it's got a Tesla-beating EV range.' Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Comfortable, efficient, loads of room, excellent warranty Cons: Noisy on the motorway, expensive, lacks fast charging of some rivals Price range: £37,325 to £43,225 Battery size: 64.8kWh Maximum claimed range: 285 miles Miles per kWh: 3.8 Maximum charging rate: 72kW The Kia Niro EV is a popular, practical and family-friendly electric car with plenty of style and a comfortable driving experience. It offers a spacious interior, ample boot space at 475 litres and excellent visibility – there's a reason why it's become popular among Uber drivers and parents alike. That said, it shows signs of ageing versus rivals, including Kia's own EV3. The closely related Hyundai Kona offers a longer range, better charging speeds and a standard heat pump. But the Niro EV scores for ride quality, passenger and boot space, as well as that seven-year warranty on all of the mechanical parts and eight on the electric powertrain and batteries. Pricing starts from £37,325. 'The launch of the Kia EV3 may spell trouble for the Niro EV,' we said in our full Kia Niro EV review. 'But with the ample space on board the car will continue to be a family favourite.' Kia's EV range just gets better and better, so perhaps it's no surprise that the newest model is the best. The EV3 is a brilliant, family-friendly EV. We love its style, the way it drives, the practicality and the fact that as far as EVs are concerned, you won't go further for less – its 375-mile range is hugely impressive. Talking of huge, we love the EV9, too. It was voted World Car of the Year in 2024 and for good reason – it's every bit as good as much more expensive SUVs to drive and be in, while it's reasonably efficient and has space for up to seven passengers. The recent updates have kept the EV6 fresh, too, with a nicer interior and better looks on the outside, too – it's a fine rival to the Tesla Model 3. And although the Niro EV is getting on a bit, it still offers decent space and value, and an efficient EV powertrain. However, there's much excitement over the upcoming Kia models that start to fill out the range, too. We've had a good look over the EV4, EV5 and the EV2 concept (they'll arrive in that order over the next twelve months) and they all continue the theme of high-quality, tech-packed, super-stylish EVs that are set to offer decent value, too.
