Kia has been expanding its battery-electric range of vehicles, most recently with the EV3 compact electric SUV. Now, the South Korean marque is introducing a mid-size electric sedan to take on rivals such as the Tesla Model 3.
Its styling resembles a concept car fresh off the motor show podium, and while there’s also a hatchback built in Europe for European markets, only the sedan made in Korea is planned for Australia.
The low-slung hood and steeply raked windscreen appear futuristic, especially with the vertical daytime running lights pushed to the corners, but the profile is equally focused on aerodynamics and maximising that crucial driving range.
Features like flush door handles and futuristic wheel designs help the EV4 slice through the air more efficiently, including the extended rear section – which results in the EV4 being longer than both the current BMW 3 Series and the Model 3.
Ahead of its Australian debut, we sampled the EV4 at its European launch event in Spain.
How much does the Kia EV4 cost?
Australian pricing for the EV4 hasn’t been finalised yet, although it’s expected to be priced a little above the EV3, which starts at a drive-away price of $48,990 for the Standard Range and $56,490 for the Long Range, while the GT-Line flagship is $68,490 drive-away.
That positioning would place it in competition with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Kia will also introduce a dual-motor variant eventually, as well as a high-performance EV4 GT.
Beyond performance, the GT-Line comes well equipped as standard, so you’re unlikely to need to spend much extra on optional extras.
What is the Kia EV4 like on the inside?
While the exterior is attention-grabbing, the cabin design is more restrained, packing in the contemporary tech you’d expect but in a manner that’s less severe and minimalist than some rivals.
First up, you’ll spot the large, single-piece dashboard display. This setup is shared with Kia’s other models and actually consists of three elements: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch climate touchscreen in the centre, and a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment.
The system functions well, although the climate display can be slightly blocked by your hand when you’re holding the wheel.
Moreover, it’s partly made redundant by the physical control tabs for temperature and fan settings mounted on the dash. Not that we’re complaining: tactile buttons are preferable to touch-only controls for tasks like these.
The infotainment layout is detailed and reasonably intuitive, so locating certain features or settings isn’t overly taxing.
There’s the usual Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, and a wireless charging pad positioned lower down that has a useful rubberised surface, so your phone won’t skitter about while driving. Additionally, there’s a powerful 100W USB-C charging port, a 180W 12-volt socket, and USB-C ports built into the sides of the front seats to make it easy for rear passengers to connect devices.
The multifunction steering wheel has controls that are straightforward to operate with your thumb while driving, and the digital instrument cluster is crisp and legible.
The steering column offers a useful range of reach and rake adjustment. Combined with electrically adjustable front seats, it’s simple to find a comfortable driving posture in the EV4.
We also appreciate that the window and mirror controls are physical switches and buttons on the driver’s door. Buyers can optionally specify a 12.3-inch colour head-up display that projects onto the windscreen. It’s a nice extra but not essential.
Rear occupants will have little cause for complaint when it comes to room. A flat floor across the cabin and a reclining rear seat make the back comfortable, though the front seats sit low enough that tucking your feet under them isn’t particularly easy. Still, legroom is generous.
As with many cars in this class, the centre rear seat is less spacious, but three people can squeeze in. Both outboard rear seats feature ISOFIX child seat anchors and, in GT-Line trim, the seats are heated.
The EV4 sedan provides a deep boot that measures 490 litres, although its aperture could be better in our view. The opening is wide but not especially tall, and the chunky hinges for the boot lid reduce usable access. It’s a pity Kia didn’t opt for a liftback with a roof-hinged tailgate instead of a conventional trunk lid, which would have almost matched the hatchback’s practicality.
More cargo space is available by folding down the rear seats, which have a handy pull tab accessible from the boot, expanding total capacity to 1415 litres.
What’s under the bonnet?
At launch there’s only a single motor option for the EV4: a 150kW unit powering the front wheels, producing 283Nm. Over time, Kia intends to broaden the lineup with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup and even a hotter GT flagship.
For the average driver, that 150kW output is adequate and there’s enough torque available to make it feel lively most of the time. At higher speeds, the immediacy of that torque tapers off, so overtaking at speed requires a bit more planning.
The 81.4kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery will attract attention with its 633km WLTP combined range (and up to 797km in WLTP City mode). Kia has also disclosed a Standard Range variant with a 58.3kWh battery delivering a 430km driving range while using the same 150kW motor.
The EV4 rides on the same E-GMP platform that underlies the larger EV6 and EV9 electric SUVs, but here it uses a 400-volt electrical architecture rather than the 800-volt setup those models employ.
That means the EV4’s maximum DC fast-charging rate is lower at 128kW versus 350kW, so a 10–80 per cent top-up takes 31 minutes with the larger battery and a slightly briefer 29 minutes with the 58.3kWh pack. Choosing between batteries ultimately comes down to whether you need the extra range.
See also: Tesla V4 Supercharger Powers Semi Trucks and Electric Vehicles
How does the Kia EV4 drive?
Despite the tech and impressive range, the EV4 is surprisingly conventional to drive. The 150kW output is modest by some EV benchmarks, but in everyday use it will be sufficient for most drivers.
Launch from a standstill and the EV4 will reach 100km/h in 7.7 seconds according to the dash. Its 283Nm gives the car a brisk feel when a short burst of power is needed.
Most of the time, the EV4 aims to deliver a relaxed and composed driving experience. Much of that comes down to decent sound insulation, including laminated glass in the front doors to help suppress excessive road noise.
The suspension uses MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with frequency-responsive valves in the dampers. These deliver a comfortable, compliant ride on smooth motorways and firm up when tackling corners, resulting in sharper handling characteristics.
Additional refinement touches include hydraulic bushings to reduce shimmy and vibration on the move. Engineers have also revised the electric motor and drivetrain to enhance refinement and reduce unwanted noises and vibrations.
On the whole, it’s quiet at higher speeds, and even on the GT-Line’s 19-inch wheels there’s minimal tyre roar intruding into the cabin.
The steering is light but transmits sufficient feedback so you can sense what the front axle is doing, although it retains the characteristic feel of front-wheel drive. By contrast, a Model 3 feels more involving and sportier to drive; perhaps the upcoming AWD or GT iterations of the EV4 will address that.
Drivers can vary the level of energy recuperation on the fly using paddles on the steering wheel. There are four settings, from a sail mode that lets the car coast freely for a considerable distance, up to level three that gives a one-pedal driving feel, ideal for urban commuting.
Its unusual silhouette helps the EV4 sedan cut through the air effectively, lowering energy use as you travel. For the curious, its drag coefficient is 0.23Cd – significantly better than the European EV4 hatchback, which manages 0.27Cd.
We didn’t quite match the claimed consumption number but came reasonably close. Even if you’re concerned about range, the onboard computer usefully displays estimated remaining distance along with a minimum and maximum depending on driving style.
The EV4 Long Range is rated to tow up to 1000kg, while the smaller battery version is only approved to tow 500kg, which could influence your choice at purchase.
What do you get?
Kia Australia has confirmed the EV4 will join its local line-up, although further details about trims and features haven’t been revealed yet.
2026 Kia EV4 GT-Line equipment highlights:
- GT-Line bumpers
- Artificial leather upholstery
- Heat pump
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Premium relaxation front seats
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Digital Key 2.0
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Harmon/kardon Premium 8-speaker stereo
- Wireless phone charger
- 360-degree camera
Is the Kia EV4 safe?
The EV4 hasn’t yet been evaluated by ANCAP. All recent Kia introductions have achieved five-star results when tested, including the EV3 which shares the same platform, so we’d expect the EV4 to perform well when it’s assessed.
Standard safety kit includes:
- Safe exit warning
- Driver attention camera
- Blind spot view monitor
- Forward collision avoidance
- 360-degree cameras
- Highway driving assist with hands-on detection
- Lane keeping assist
- Smart cruise control with emergency stop
- Remote start parking assist
- Trailer stability assist
The EV4 is fitted with numerous driver-assistance systems that not only make driving easier but also help prevent accidents and collisions. These include autonomous emergency braking that can also identify pedestrians and cyclists, parking collision avoidance to fend off unexpected knocks and a 360-degree camera setup that shows the vehicle’s blind spot on the digital display when you indicate.
An intelligent cruise control aids highway driving and can follow lane markings when active. The steering wheel is capacitive and senses when your hands are present; if the driver becomes unresponsive it can trigger an emergency stop routine by activating hazard lights and bringing the car to a controlled halt in the centre of its lane. The parking brake is then engaged and the doors unlocked to facilitate access for assistance.
The cabin is equipped with seven airbags, including a centre airbag between the front seats, while rear occupants receive side curtain airbags.
How much does the Kia EV4 cost to run?
The most cost-effective way to run the EV4 is using home charging, ideally from a solar-powered setup or when you can take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity rates. You can also schedule charging through the Kia smartphone app.
A full charge of the Kia’s 81.4kWh battery at an average night rate of $0.20 per kWh would cost a little over $16, which is reasonable given the claimed 633km driving range.
Kia Australia’s aftersales support is solid too, with all cars covered by a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and 12 months of roadside assistance that can be extended up to eight years if you follow the manufacturer’s service schedule at an authorised dealer.
See also: Electric Car Ownership Guide for Indian Drivers
Verdict
Look beyond Kia’s divisive styling and the EV4 delivers a capable, practical electric vehicle suitable for families and company car buyers alike.
From its Tesla-challenging range to an up-to-date interior loaded with tech, the EV4 ticks most of the boxes you’d expect from a modern electric car.
The boot opening could be more accommodating, and its DC fast-charging speed trails some rivals.
But while the launch model isn’t particularly fast, it remains an enjoyable car to drive.
Pros
- Decent quality interior
- Lots of safety features
- Long battery range
Cons
- Boot aperture
- Slower DC charging rate than some rivals
- Only one motor at launch
Auto and lifestyle writer who loves simplifying complex topics into easy-to-understand insights.
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