Kia America has introduced the all-new 2026 EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show, marking the brand’s first all-electric global sedan. This compact EV aims to broaden the appeal and adoption of electric vehicles by offering a compelling combination of innovation, bold design, advanced technology, impressive range, and versatility to meet a wide spectrum of customer needs. Built on a dedicated 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 offers a fresh perspective on traditional sedan design, providing a practical and affordable EV option in a market largely dominated by crossovers and SUVs.
Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America, emphasized the EV4’s role in making electric vehicle ownership more accessible to a wider audience seeking a technologically advanced in-car experience. He highlighted Kia’s commitment to enhancing the appeal of electric mobility to those who have been observing the EV market and are now ready to experience the benefits firsthand. The Kia EV4 is expected to be available in three trim levels – Light, Wind, and GT-Line – with production taking place at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in South Korea. The U.S. launch is planned for the first quarter of 2026.
Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the all-electric compact sedan showcases a blend of contrasts found in nature and the human world, sharing a design language with the Kia EV6 and EV9. The EV4 establishes a new typology with its low nose, long-tail silhouette, and fastback roofline, creating a unique and sporty profile. The front of the EV4 is modern and expressive, featuring vertical headlamps and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting. Available small cube LED headlights with Dynamic Welcome Lights are a unique touch in the segment. A new interpretation of Kia’s Tiger Face gives the EV4 a bold and tech-inspired personality. At the rear, vertical taillights, a two-piece roof spoiler, and a sleek bumper design echo the front-end styling, emphasizing the car’s presence and width. The EV4’s planted stance is accentuated by either standard 17-inch aero wheels (Light/Wind) or 19-inch spoke-type wheels (GT-Line). The GT-Line model also features exclusive design elements for a more visually striking appearance.
The interior of the EV4 blends nature with human-centric and industrial themes, featuring unexpected contrasts in form, color, and material. Headlined by a free-floating interface and a two-spoke steering wheel, the open layout appeals to those who value simplicity and usability in their transition to EVs. The cabin prioritizes comfort, space, convenience, high-quality materials, and ample passenger and cargo room, further enhanced by available 64-color dynamic ambient lighting.
Powertrain and Performance Details: Built on Kia’s dedicated 400V E-GMP platform, the Kia EV4 offers two high voltage battery options: a standard 58.3 kWh battery (Light) and a long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, GT-Line). Both battery configurations power a front-mounted 150 kW motor, making the EV4 front-wheel drive (FWD). The Kia-estimated all-electric range (AER) is 235 miles for the EV4 Light and 330 miles for the EV4 Wind. Kia prioritized aerodynamics to enhance both performance and efficiency, including a full underbody cover, resulting in a low drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd. For DC fast-charging, the EV4 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh battery and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh battery. The standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port is conveniently located on the front passenger side. The EV4 benefits from advanced chassis engineering, featuring an EV-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, along with body stiffening in key areas to enhance agility and cornering. Kia’s latest i-Pedal 3.0 system allows for smooth one-pedal driving and brings the vehicle to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal, working with the adaptive Smart Regenerative Braking function to recapture energy. The i-Pedal 3.0 system now also functions in reverse, and the i-Pedal Memory feature restores the last-used setting upon restart. The EV4 also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the vehicle to power compatible external devices.
The EV4 offers a wealth of innovative convenience and connectivity features, starting with the available Digital Key 2.0, providing access and remote functions via compatible smartphones or mobile devices. The nearly 30-inch total combined widescreen display, consisting of dual 12.3-inch screens and a five-inch climate display, serves as the interface for Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), offering advanced connectivity and entertainment features that can be upgraded via over-the-air (OTA) updates. The system also allows for customizable display themes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Kia’s AI Assistant provides a more immersive interaction with enhanced voice recognition. Other key features include standard dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear A/C vents, an acoustic windshield, and available heated/ventilated front seats with driver-side memory and a heated steering wheel. The EV4 also offers a robust suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, including standard Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which uses navigation-based speed limit information to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed on controlled-access roads and maintain distance from the vehicle ahead. Available ADAS features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Standard Hands-On Detection (HOD) monitors driver contact with the steering wheel for ADAS activation and warnings.
Summary:
- All-electric 2026 Kia EV4 makes U.S. debut.
- Kia’s first all-electric global sedan.
- ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.
- Two battery options: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh (up to 330 miles AER).
- Fast DC charging (10-80% in 29-31 minutes).
- Standard NACS charging port.
- Kia’s i-Pedal 3.0 variable regenerative braking.
- Available Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
- Available Digital Key 2.0.
- Nearly 30-inch total combined widescreen display with ccNC.
- Robust ADAS suite with standard Highway Driving Assist (HDA).
Disclaimer: Estimated range and charging times may vary based on driving conditions, charging infrastructure, and other factors. Features and specifications are subject to change.
Source: KIA
AI Assistance: Gemini
