Over the last few years, we have seen a wave of all-new EV models inundate the market. However, almost all of them have been SUVs of one flavor or another, and they have all traded on a combination of high-performance and premium features that have put them beyond the reach of many car shoppers. It’s time for something different, and the all-new 2026 Kia EV4 hatchback is certainly different…in ways that are both good and bad. However, it might be just what is needed to move the EV market forward and make electric models more attractive to the average shopper who is looking for something practical and affordable, not necessarily a marvel of modern automotive engineering.
What Was Kia Thinking With Those Looks?
Okay, getting the elephant out of the room first—the EV4 designers certainly managed to make their new model stand out on the road, but perhaps not in the way they were intending. The new model borrows a lot of its exterior styling from the popular Kia EV6, but what looks remarkably attractive on the futuristic compact SUV just didn’t translate that well to this smaller model. The result is a unique look that will certainly be polarizing. Some drivers may love its radical styling, but most will probably be left wondering if this awkwardly proportioned vehicle has what it takes to be a success on the market. The good news is that once you look beyond the exterior sheet metal, the EV4 is shaping up to hit all the right notes for a driver shopping for an affordable and comfortable commuter car.
Designed to a Budget
We often think of designing to a budget as a bad thing, but the truth is that many of the most successful cars in history—such as the Ford Model T, the VW Beetle, and the Toyota Corolla—achieved that success not because they were loaded with cutting-edge features, but because they gave drivers everything they needed at an affordable price point. The EV4 follows in those footsteps with a single-motor front-wheel drive configuration and 400V architecture rather than the rear-wheel drive and 800V architecture that has characterized most recent Kia EV models. This means you give up a bit of performance and charging speed in exchange for a lower price tag. But with 201 hp on tap, the EV4 is still considerably quicker than your average gasoline-powered compact car. The new model also uses a NACS charging port instead of CCS, meaning it is compatible with Tesla Superchargers without an adaptor, so any reduction in theoretical charging speed will be offset by access to a larger selection of reliable DC fast charging stations.
A Traditional Cabin With the Tech Features Kia Is Famous For
While the exterior of the EV4 might be a little unfortunate, you’ll forget all about that once you step inside. A lot of manufacturers have chosen to give their electric models sci-fi interiors, but the cabin of the EV4 is very similar to any other Kia model, welcoming drivers with a familiar look and layout. If massive touchscreens and a lack of physical controls have turned you off the current crop of EVs, then this new model is a welcome return to more traditional interiors. But that’s not to say the EV4 lacks features—in fact, it is quite well-equipped, as you would expect from a Kia. A pair of 12.3-inch displays and a separate five-inch climate display provide a modern feel, and standard dual-zone climate control will keep everyone comfortable. There are also some unobtrusive advanced features like Digital Key 2.0, which lets you replace your keyfob with your smartphone if you desire, and an AI assistant that uses machine learning to better recognize your voice.
The Affordable Electric Sedan Is Here (Maybe)
Overall, the EV4 looks to be filling an important niche that has largely been ignored to date—the affordable electric sedan. While the car market might be obsessed with SUVs these days, sedans still offer lower prices and better efficiency, making them appeal to many commuters. That’s the same type of driver who would benefit the most from the efficiency and convenience of an EV, but if you want an electric commuter sedan today, your only options are the $38,000 Hyundai IONIQ 6 and the $42,000 Tesla Model 3. While Kia has yet to release a price for the EV4, it could be in the low-to-mid $30,000 range. Unfortunately, this model is currently being built in South Korea, so tariffs might throw a wrench in the works. However, if Kia manages to keep the price low, the 2026 EV4 could be the new king of affordable EVs.
