Kia is making electric cars more accessible with the 2026 Kia EV4, a stylish and budget-friendly electric sedan set to launch in the U.S. With a starting price of around $35,000, the EV4 aims to compete with models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3, offering up to 330 miles of range on a single charge.
A Fresh Option in the Affordable EV Sedan Market
Sedan buyers looking for an affordable electric vehicle currently have limited choices. With the Hyundai Ioniq 6 priced at $38,900 and the Tesla Model 3 starting at $44,130, the Kia EV4 is expected to shake up the market with a lower entry price and competitive features.
Built on Kia’s well-known E-GMP platform, the EV4 comes with two battery options:
- 81.4 kWh battery (Expected 330-mile EPA range)
- 58.3 kWh battery (Estimated 225-mile range)
The 201-horsepower front-wheel-drive motor ensures a smooth and efficient ride, making the EV4 a practical yet exciting choice for EV enthusiasts.
2026 Kia EV4 Design
With a length of 186.2 inches, the EV4 is slightly longer than a Honda Civic but offers a spacious interior. Its 111-inch wheelbase is comparable to the Honda Accord, providing ample legroom for passengers.
Kia EV4 Interior Highlights:
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30-inch digital display (includes two 12.3-inch touchscreens and a 5.3-inch HVAC screen)
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Minimalist, fabric-adorned dashboard for a premium feel
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Large cargo space (17 cubic feet) for practicality
For those looking for a sportier design, Kia offers a GT-Line package with 19-inch wheels and aggressive styling. However, this package is purely cosmetic and does not add extra performance.
2026 Kia EV4 Fast Charging and Energy Efficiency
The EV4 is built with a 400-volt architecture, unlike the 800-volt system in the Kia EV6. While it might not match ultra-fast charging speeds, it still delivers:
π 10% to 80% charge in just 31 minutes for the larger battery
π 29-minute charge for the smaller battery
Additionally, Kia has introduced a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, allowing the EV4 to power external devices—great for camping trips or emergencies.
2026 Kia EV4 Performance and Expected Driving Range
Despite its compact size, the EV4’s 201-hp electric motor ensures smooth acceleration. The larger battery model takes about 7.7 seconds to hit 62 mph, while the smaller battery version does it in 7.4 seconds.
When it comes to driving range, Kia estimates the following:
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390 miles (WLTP test cycle) → Expected 330-mile EPA range (Large battery)
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267 miles (WLTP test cycle) → Likely 225-mile EPA range (Small battery)
2026 Kia EV4 Expected Launch Timeline
The Korean-market Kia EV4 will start production in March 2025, with U.S. versions rolling off the assembly line by late 2025 or early 2026. This means American buyers can expect the EV4 in showrooms before 2026.
2026 Kia EV4 Specifications
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for an affordable electric sedan with a long range, modern tech, and a spacious interior, the 2026 Kia EV4 could be worth the wait. With a price tag expected to be lower than key competitors, it’s set to be an attractive choice for budget-conscious EV buyers.
β Pros:
βοΈ Affordable price compared to rivals
βοΈ Impressive range (330 miles)
βοΈ Modern infotainment with a 30-inch display
βοΈ Fast charging with V2L capability
β Cons:
β No performance boost with GT-Line package
β 400V system is slower than 800V competitors
With a compelling price-to-performance ratio, the Kia EV4 could be a game-changer in the EV market when it arrives in the U.S. in late 2025 or early 2026. πβ‘