2026 Kia EV4: A Compact, Affordable Electric Sedan
▼ Summary
– Kia covered travel costs for Ars to test the EV4 in Seoul, but Ars maintains editorial independence.
– Korean automakers like Kia and Hyundai lead in efficient, stylish EVs, from small cars to large SUVs.
– The Kia EV4 is a new small electric sedan using a scaled-down 400 V version of the E-GMP platform.
– The EV4 features a single 201 hp motor, two battery options (58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh), and ranges up to 330 miles.
– The EV4 will launch in the US in Q4 2024 with a NACS port, with AWD and GT variants expected later.
The 2026 Kia EV4 represents a significant step forward in affordable electric mobility, combining Korean engineering excellence with practical everyday usability. This compact electric sedan builds on Kia’s successful E-GMP platform, now optimized for smaller vehicles through a new 400-volt architecture. While maintaining the brand’s reputation for efficiency and style, the EV4 brings EV technology to a more accessible price point without compromising performance.
Korean automakers have consistently demonstrated their ability to produce some of the most efficient and well-designed electric vehicles on the market. The EV4 continues this tradition, applying lessons learned from Kia’s higher-voltage systems to create a more budget-friendly alternative. The vehicle’s development focused on adapting proven technology rather than reinventing the wheel, resulting in a package that delivers reliability alongside innovation.
Under the hood, or more accurately, under the floor, the EV4 features completely redesigned 400-volt components including new battery systems, motors, and power electronics. Buyers will have two battery options: a standard 58.3 kWh pack delivering an estimated 235 miles of range, or an extended 81.4 kWh version capable of approximately 330 miles. Both configurations pair with a single front-mounted motor producing 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque.
The vehicle will debut in North America with native NACS charging compatibility, addressing one of the most common concerns among potential EV buyers. While initial offerings focus on front-wheel drive configurations, Kia plans to expand the lineup with all-wheel drive variants and a performance-oriented GT model in subsequent model years.
What makes the EV4 particularly noteworthy is its position as a bridge between premium EV technology and mainstream affordability. By adapting their successful platform for smaller applications, Kia has managed to maintain impressive range figures while reducing production costs. The result promises to be one of the most compelling options in the growing segment of compact electric sedans when it arrives in late 2025.
(Source: Ars Technica)
