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The 2026 model year Kia K4 Hatchback debuted today at the New York Auto Show as a brand extension so-to-speak of the K4 sedan. The Hatchback body style provides class-leading rear headroom and rear legroom [footnote 1], and 22.2 cu.-ft. of space behind rear passengers. The K4 Hatchback is expected to arrive in late 2025, with pricing, trim details, and EPA-rated fuel economy to be announced closer to its on-sale date. the K4 Hatchback is available in an exclusive “Sparkling Yellow” exterior color.
“After the overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s hatchback teaser in New York, we knew we had struck a chord with car enthusiasts and consumers alike,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “Built on the success of the K4 sedan, this hatchback isn’t just about style – it’s about attitude. With available turbo power, a sport-tuned suspension, a more compact footprint, and exceptional versatility, the K4 Hatchback is designed for those who crave excitement at every turn.”
K4 Hatchback at a Glance
- As with the K4 sedan, the K4 Hatchback’s driver cockpit is designed around a dual digital display [7] of ~30 inches. Optional is Kia’s available Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. Wireless Apple CarPlay[8 ]and Android Auto [9] come standard across all Hatchback trims for connectivity on the go, as well as a wireless phone charger.
- Optional items include heated front seats [10], a Harman Kardon [11] premium audio system, and Digital Key 2.0 [12] with Ultra-wideband technology that allows compatible smart devices to function as virtual keys.
- Standard 2.0-liter engine rated at 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque, matched with an intelligently variable transmission (IVT).
- Optional turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and sport-tuned suspension in a compact design that’s up to 11-inches shorter for added agility.
- More Options, including ultra-wide glass sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, heated and ventilated front seats[2] dressed in SynTex (in black or red).
- An optional ~30-inch total combined digital display[3], advanced connectivity, and enhanced visibility with available 360° Surround View Monitor [4] and Blind-Spot View Monitor [5] live feed video.
- Next-level driving convenience with 16 standard ADAS features and up to 29 ADAS items with options.
- The K4 Hatchback GT-Line models has unique design elements including a three-spoke steering wheel, paddle shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels (compared to the standard 17-inch alloy wheels), gloss black mirror caps, side sills, and wheel arch moldings. Additionally, the GT-Line Turbo gets small cube LED projection headlights, LED fog lights, plus a standard power sunroof and 16-inch front brakes.
Inevitable Kia Footnotes and Caveats
- Based on review of publicly available information found on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) websites as of April 3, 2025
- Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more safety information.
- Comprised of a 12.3” instrument display, 5” climate display, and 12.3” touchscreen infotainment display. Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
- Surround View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Based on review of publicly available information found on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) websites as of March 20, 2025
- Comprised of a 12.3” instrument display, 5” climate display, and 12.3” touchscreen infotainment display. Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
- CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple.com.
- Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates.
- se extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more safety information.
- Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
- Kia Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.
- Digital Features and Services may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
- Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
- Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go is not a substitute for safe driving and cruise-control procedures. This is not an auto-pilot feature. Always drive safely and use caution. The Smart Cruise Control system may not detect every object in front of the vehicle.
- When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only function on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Blind-Spot Collision Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects behind vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Surround View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Parking Distance Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Kia 2026 K4 Hatchback Debuts in New York
Click for more.
The 2026 model year Kia K4 Hatchback debuted today at the New York Auto Show as a brand extension so-to-speak of the K4 sedan. The Hatchback body style provides class-leading rear headroom and rear legroom [footnote 1], and 22.2 cu.-ft. of space behind rear passengers. The K4 Hatchback is expected to arrive in late 2025, with pricing, trim details, and EPA-rated fuel economy to be announced closer to its on-sale date. the K4 Hatchback is available in an exclusive “Sparkling Yellow” exterior color.
“After the overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s hatchback teaser in New York, we knew we had struck a chord with car enthusiasts and consumers alike,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “Built on the success of the K4 sedan, this hatchback isn’t just about style – it’s about attitude. With available turbo power, a sport-tuned suspension, a more compact footprint, and exceptional versatility, the K4 Hatchback is designed for those who crave excitement at every turn.”
K4 Hatchback at a Glance
Inevitable Kia Footnotes and Caveats
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.