Kia has introduced its latest electric vehicle, the 2026 EV4 sedan, which is set to hit the US market by the end of this year. This compact electric sedan leverages a new version of Kia’s E-GMP platform, previously used in larger vehicles like the EV6. The updated platform operates at 400V, making it more cost-effective for smaller cars while maintaining efficiency and performance.
The EV4 will be available with a single motor producing 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels. Buyers can choose between two battery options: a standard 58.3 kWh pack offering an estimated EPA range of 235 miles, or an extended-range 81.4 kWh pack capable of 330 miles. Future variants may include a twin-motor all-wheel-drive model and a high-performance EV4 GT.
Charging times are competitive, with DC fast charging taking the smaller battery from 10-80% in 29 minutes and the larger pack in 31 minutes. AC charging fully replenishes the standard battery in about five hours and the extended-range version in seven hours. The EV4 also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H), and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionalities, provided compatible equipment is used.
The EV4’s aerodynamic design contributes to its efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.23. While its elongated tail might not appeal to everyone, the interior offers ample space, surpassing competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 in legroom and luggage capacity. The cabin features recycled materials and modern conveniences such as wireless device charging and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration.
Initial driving impressions suggest the EV4 is well-suited for urban environments, with a comfortable ride and easy handling in traffic. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 7.4 seconds for the standard model and 7.7 seconds for the extended-range version. Pricing has yet to be announced, but estimates suggest the base model will start between $37,000 and $39,000, positioning it competitively against rivals.
— new from Ars Technica