2026 Kia EV4: More of Everything, For Less Money
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Barcelona, Spain—The all-new 2026 Kia EV4 is one of those vehicles that will be sold in Canada but not in the U.S. Tariffs have thrown a wrench in the company’s plans to offer this electric sedan in both countries. In fact, the Korean-built EV4 and the smaller EV3 will skip the U.S. for the same reasons that the American-made EV6 will no longer be shipped north of the border.
In terms of size, the EV4 is similar to a Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2. It's also 20 mm longer than the gas-powered Kia K4. Incidentally, Kia’s goal is not so much to take on other EVs but rather to offer a fully electric alternative to compact cars like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla. When fully loaded, these three bestsellers are almost or just as expensive as the EV4, which will have the lowest retail price of any EV in Canada—lower than the Fiat 500e ($39,995), Nissan LEAF ($44,998) and the upcoming 2027 Chevrolet Bolt ($39,999).
- Also: Kia EV4 Delayed Indefinitely in U.S., Still Planned for Early 2026 in Canada
- Also: 2026 Kia EV4 Lands in North America as Tesla Model 3 Rival
Starting at $38,995, the EV4 is definitely not aimed at the same crowd as the Model 3, which costs more than $60,000 in base trim. All-wheel drive has been confirmed by Kia but will join the lineup about a year later as part of the 2027 model.
The EV4 initially launches with front-wheel drive only. It's based on Hyundai Motor Group’s e-GMP platform, unsurprisingly, and sports a design that is both unique and polarizing. Some people will hate it, for sure, but we think most people will prefer it to the bulkier and somewhat weird-looking Hyundai IONIQ 6. The EV4 is mainly defined by a short, sloping front end, a fastback-style roofline, a long rear window and sharp edges that come together to create a refreshing package—one that beautifully stands out from bland and uninspiring compact cars.
There are five trim levels available. The more upscale GT-Line and GT-Line Limited boast large 19-inch wheels in a unique design, gloss black trim, projector-beam LED headlights and a distinctive front grille with active shutters.
Second-Best Range
The Kia EV4 achieves a drag coefficient as low as 0.23, thus reducing energy consumption, improving driving performance and enabling up to 553 km of range—just short of the Model 3 Long Range’s 584 km. The latter, when riding on 18-inch wheels, manages an incredible 13.4 kWh/100 km in the best-case scenario. The EV4 impresses almost as much with a combined 14.7 kWh/100 km, which is way better than the 18.6 kWh/100 km posted by the efficiency-minded Kia Niro EV.
Powered by a 170kW (201hp) electric motor, the EV4 offers two battery options. The base Light model has a 58.3kWh battery that provides a range of 391 km, while the Wind model, which adds a heat pump and an 81.4kWh battery for an extra $4,000, increases range to 553 km (or 515 km when selecting the Premium package with 19-inch wheels, synthetic leather, sunroof, heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging). As the laws of physics dictate, larger wheels and a heavier weight reduce range, a lesson that becomes obvious with the top-line EV4 GT-Line, which can travel 488 km. Simply put, if you’re looking for efficiency, none can match the EV4 Wind.
400V Architecture
While the EV6 and EV9 use an 800V architecture enabling DC fast charging up to 240 kW, the new Kia EV4 adopts a 400V architecture. Charging capacity is basically cut in half at 125-130 kW according to Kia Canada engineers, which is below average among today’s EVs. For example, the equally new 2026 Toyota C-HR boasts 150 kW of DC charging power, as do the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt and the redesigned 2026 Nissan LEAF.
Nevertheless, Kia claims that the EV4’s 81.4kWh battery can charge from 10-80 percent in 31 minutes under ideal conditions. Incidentally, a built-in NACS port allows direct access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. The same operation will be 79 minutes long using a 50kW charger.
At home, when plugged to a 48-amp charger, most EV4 models will fully charge in about 7 hours. That time will drop to 5 hours and 10 minutes for the base Light model with the smaller battery.
GT-Line: The Most Expensive
Set at an all-inclusive price of $55,125, the fully loaded EV4 GT-Line Limited (as tested) is clearly not the best value in the lineup. While sleeker-looking inside and out, it makes less financial sense than the Light and Wind models, which will undoubtedly be more popular among Canadian customers.
This car features a black and white interior, premium ambient lighting, a sunroof and a Harman Kardon sound system that’s not particularly impressive. Furthermore, there are several items you could totally live without including a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated rear seats, blind spot monitor and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging capability. You should think twice about paying extra for the whole shebang.
It's also worth noting that the combination of the power-adjustable driver's seat and sunroof limits headroom, which could be a problem for taller people. That said, the cabin is ergonomically designed with dual 12.3-inch displays, physical buttons for some of the basic controls and a centre console offering two-tiered storage and an adjustable armrest. Rear passenger space is ample, and the trunk is as large as the K4’s.
On the other hand, the tight opening will be a major source of irritation for those who regularly carry large items, such as a set of golf clubs or a hockey bag. It’s too bad we won’t get the EV4 Hatchback (built in Slovakia) that Kia reserves for the European market.
A Traditional Car at Last
The EV4's biggest strength lies in its driving experience. Designed as a traditional passenger car, it has a lower centre of gravity and a lighter weight than some other EVs out there. What’s more, the suspension is softer than that of a Model 3, resulting in a surprisingly comfortable ride, and laminated glass contributes to an exceptionally quiet cabin.
And while Korean cars aren't exactly known for sharp handling, this one stands out thanks to its precise steering, exceptional responsiveness and impressive cornering grip. Passing manoeuvres on the highway are nothing special, however. That will surely change with the introduction of a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant with more power. Rest assured, the single-motor EV4 is a fun sedan that makes for good times on the road. To top it all off, it marks the first application of Kia’s i-Pedal 3 system, which allows one-pedal driving in reverse.
During the media event in Spain, we made the most of the power on tap with a heavy foot on the throttle, often reaching speeds of 130-135 km/h, and yet the EV4 GT-Line achieved a combined 16.9 kWh/100 km, nearly matching the Kia-estimated rating of 16.7. It could prove shockingly efficient with a less aggressive driver behind the wheel.
Our Verdict
The 2026 Kia EV4 does have a few minor flaws and irritants (trunk opening, headroom), and a cost comparison with a fuel-sipping compact car (like the Kia K4, which manages 7 L/100 km on average) might end up being a deal breaker for some potential customers. That said, the EV4 is not just about efficiency: it’s much more pleasant to drive than the K4, even one with the turbocharged engine. Oh, and your winter trips shouldn’t be a cause for concern with nearly 400 km of range on a full charge even in freezing conditions.
In our opinion, the mid-grade Wind model (with or without the Premium package) is the most appealing. If your travel needs are more limited, you should be fine with a Light model, too. The latter can cover close to 400 km, which is not too bad. However, since most people always want more, and having a heat pump in cold weather is a significant advantage, we expect a majority of EV4 customers to opt for a Wind model.
