- Kia will soon expand its electric vehicle lineup with the addition of the EV4 compact sedan and hatchback
- The EV4’s design stays true to the bold lines of the concept version first revealed in 2023
- Sales for the U.S. are planned but timing remains uncertain
Kia continues to expand its lineup of electric vehicles, with the new EV4 compact sedan and hatchback joining the fray.
First previewed in 2023 by the EV4 concept, the production EV4 sedan retains the concept’s striking fastback design, while the hatchback is equally bold, ensuring that the more practical body style also stands out on the road.
After revealing the exterior design last week, Kia on Thursday provided an in-depth look at the EV4 following its official debut at a special Kia EV Day presentation in Tarragona, Spain. At the event, the automaker also showcased the Concept EV2 subcompact crossover and production PV5 midsize van.
The EV4’s exterior design aligns with recent Kia EV releases, such as the EV3 subcompact crossover, which is also U.S.-bound, and the EV5 compact crossover, which won’t reach the U.S. Signature elements include a floating roof and a jagged daytime running light pattern that Kia calls the Star Map. A sporty GT-Line trim adds distinctive touches, such as a wing-like character line on the front and rear fascias, along with 19-inch wheels featuring a triangular pattern.
New Kia EV4
Inside, the EV4 features a minimalist cabin with a single 30-inch panel housing two 12.3-inch digital screens and a third 5.3-inch display, similar to the EV4 concept. The display interface can be customized with various themes, including NBA- and Disney-related content, Kia said. Streaming options such as YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ are also available. Additionally, the EV4 comes equipped with Kia’s new AI-powered voice assistant, which the company plans to roll out across more of its vehicles. Kia stated that the system improves its accuracy and range of responses over time through machine learning.
The EV4 is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s flexible E-GMP platform, also used in the EV6 and EV9, as well as various Hyundai and Genesis models. To keep costs down, Kia is expected to use a more affordable 400-volt version of the platform rather than the high-end 800-volt version, a strategy previously employed for the EV3.
Battery options include a 58.3-kwh Standard unit or an 81.4-kwh Long-Range unit. In both cases, a single front-mounted motor produces 201 hp, enabling 0-62 mph acceleration in the mid-7.0-second range. The top speed is capped at 105 mph. A more powerful configuration could be introduced if Kia decides to develop an EV4 GT model.
New Kia EV4
With the larger battery, the EV4 achieves an estimated range of just over 390 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. A lower figure is expected under the stricter EPA test cycle. Kia said charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 31 minutes when using a suitable DC fast charger.
Sales of the EV4 will begin in Korea in March, followed by a European launch in the second half of the year. Kia confirmed that U.S. sales will follow, with North American-bound EV4 models being produced locally. Production will also take place in Korea and Slovakia.
Update: New photos and information following the EV4’s reveal at Kia’s EV Day presentation have been added to the article.