Click to enlarge.
Kia America has unwrapped the all-new 2026 EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show. The compact EV4 is Kia’s first global EV sedan. It’s based on a 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which underpins multiple EV models from Kia. How a sedan performs in an EV market dominated by CUVs and SUVs remains to be seen. The U.S. launch of Kia EV4 expected early 2026. Trim Levels, options and pricing among other variables are subject to the unpredictable whims of Trump tariff decrees of course.
“The EV4 makes all-electric ownership accessible for those customers who are seeking a more practical and affordable option on the EV landscape while still desiring an advanced, technology-driven in-car experience,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America.
“The arrival of the EV4 underscores Kia’s overall efforts to enhance the appeal of electric mobility to a wider audience — an audience that’s been witnessing the excitement around EVs for quite some time and are now ready to experience the outstanding benefits for themselves,” said Center,
The EV4 is expected to be available in three trim levels – Light, Wind and GT-Line. The sedan is being produced at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in South Korea. Sales for the U.S. are planned for the first quarter of 2026.
The so-called 400V E-GMP platform offers a choice of two battery options here: a standard 58.3 kWh battery (Light) or long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, GT-Line). Both battery configurations provide power to a front-mounted 150 kW motor. The front wheel-drive (FWD) EV4 Light and Wind models have an all-electric Kia-estimated range [footnote 1] of 235 miles and 330 miles, respectively.
Kia said it prioritized aerodynamics. Airflow enhancements include a full underbody cover to help the movement of air beneath the vehicle. The result is a claimed drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd.
With DC fast-charging [2], the EV4 is capable of charging from 10 to 80% charge in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, GT-Line) battery. A standard NACS charging port is located on the front passenger side.
Kia said the EV4 uses advanced chassis engineering aimed at delivering a high level of ride comfort and refinement as well as “engaging driving dynamics.” The front suspension is an EV-tuned prosaic MacPherson strut design and the rear suspension has multi-link geometry. “Key areas of the vehicle body were stiffened to further enhance the EV4’s agility and cornering prowess,” Kia said.
Kia’s latest i-Pedal 3.0 system [3] helps drivers to control the speed of the vehicle and bring it to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. This works with EV4’s adaptive Smart Regenerative Braking function to help recapture energy otherwise lost when brakes are applied. The i-Pedal 3.0 system also now works in reverse and the EV4’s i-Pedal Memory function reverts to the last-used i-Pedal setting when the car restarts.
The EV4 offers the many benefits of V2L4 functionality. V2L4 is designed to allow the vehicle to manage the flow of electricity from the vehicle to compatible external devices, including a variety of laptops, lighting, and smaller electronics.
Click for more.
Convenience and Connectivity
The EV4 brings together items in the “promise of convenience and connectivity.” Kia’s optional Digital Key 2.0. [5] provides access via a compatible smartphone or mobile device, this allows remote functions such as door lock and unlock, and climate controls, from the comfort of home, office or on approach. [9]
The EV4’s ~30-inch total combined wide-screen display [6] – comprised of dual 12.3-inch screens and five-inch climate display – serves as the face of Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). “This tech-forward interface sets a high watermark for the in-car content experience, with connectivity and entertainment features that may be upgraded remotely with software enhancements delivered through over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Additionally, this innovative setup enables customers to apply available display themes across the cockpit, such as their favorite NBA team, for a personalized cockpit aesthetic. The EV4 also offers wireless Apple Carplay [10] and Android Auto [11],” Kia said.
“The driver can experience a more immersive relationship with the EV4 by way of Kia’s AI Assistant. [12] This system utilizes machine learning to achieve a higher level of organic interaction and greater voice recognition between the driver and the vehicle.
“Other key comfort and convenience features include standard dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear A/C vents, acoustic windshield, and optional heated/ventilated front seats [13] with driver side memory and heated steering wheel,” Kia said.
Advanced Driver Assistance Technology
The EV4 offers several ADAS features, including standard Highway Driving Assist (HDA) [8], which is designed to use speed limit information from the navigation system on controlled access road (such as state highways, U.S. highways, and federal interstates). Under certain conditions, it automatically adjusts the vehicle’s set speed to match the posted speed limit (if initially set to the speed limit) and maintains distance from the vehicle detected in front.
The EV4 has optional tech items such as Driver Attention Warning [14], Forward Collision Avoidance Assist [15], Lane Following Assist [16,] Intelligent Speed Limit Assist [17] and Remote Smart Parking Assist. [18]
Standard Hands-On Detection (HOD) senses contact between the driver’s hands and the steering wheel to determine if the driver has their hands on the steering wheel, allowing for activation and deactivation of ADAS warnings.
Inevitable Kia EV 4 Footnotes and Caveats
- Electric range shown is not an official EPA estimate and is based on preliminary manufacturer estimates on a vehicle with a full charge. Range will vary and depends on a number of factors, including battery age, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, weather, road/traffic conditions, ambient temperature, driving habits, options, and cargo. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Estimated AER for GT-Line not available.
- Actual charge will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging.
- The i-Pedal system is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on the system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.
- V2L requires the purchase of separately sold additional equipment and may not be compatible with all devices. V2L can be used until a 20 percent battery state of charge. Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for warnings and instructions.
- Kia Digital Key 2.0 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.
- Comprised of a 12.3-in. instrument display, 5-in. climate display, and 12.3-in. touchscreen infotainment display.
- When engaged, ADAS systems are not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Purchase/lease of a 2025 Kia with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 3-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 3-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate, or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so. Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for some Model Year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Connect Terms of Service for more information. Kia Access App is available from the Apple® App Store® or Google Play Store™. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit https://www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple® and App Store® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
- Apple CarPlay®: Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply.
- Android Auto™: Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android-compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
- Kia Connect subscription required. Use of the feature is subject to the Kia Connect Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. May be currently unavailable for vehicles purchased or sold in Massachusetts that are not eligible for Kia Connect. Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information provided. Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
- Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more safety information.
- When engaged, Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Lane Following Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may only function under certain conditions. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 requires driver engagement and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Please see the Owner’s Manual for limitations, warnings, and instructions.
- Electric range shown is not an official EPA estimate and is based on preliminary manufacturer estimates on a vehicle with a full charge. Range will vary and depends on a number of factors, including battery age, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, weather, road/traffic conditions, ambient temperature, driving habits, options, and cargo. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Estimated AER for GT-Line not available.
- Actual charge will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging.
- The i-Pedal system is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on the system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.
- V2L requires the purchase of separately sold additional equipment and may not be compatible with all devices. V2L can be used until a 20 percent battery state of charge. Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for warnings and instructions.
- Kia Digital Key 2.0 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.
- Comprised of a 12.3-in. instrument display, 5-in. climate display, and 12.3-in. touchscreen infotainment display.
- When engaged, ADAS systems are not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Purchase/lease of a 2025 Kia with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 3-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 3-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate, or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so. Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for some Model Year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Connect Terms of Service for more information. Kia Access App is available from the Apple® App Store® or Google Play Store™. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit https://www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple® and App Store® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
- Apple CarPlay®: Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply.
- Android Auto™: Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android-compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
- Kia Connect subscription required. Use of the feature is subject to the Kia Connect Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. May be currently unavailable for vehicles purchased or sold in Massachusetts that are not eligible for Kia Connect. Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information provided. Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
- Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more safety information.
- When engaged, Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- When engaged, Lane Following Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may only function under certain conditions. Always drive safely and use caution.
- Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 requires driver engagement and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Please see the Owner’s Manual for limitations, warnings, and instructions.
AutoInformed on
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 EV4 Sedan Debuts in New York
Click to enlarge.
Kia America has unwrapped the all-new 2026 EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show. The compact EV4 is Kia’s first global EV sedan. It’s based on a 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which underpins multiple EV models from Kia. How a sedan performs in an EV market dominated by CUVs and SUVs remains to be seen. The U.S. launch of Kia EV4 expected early 2026. Trim Levels, options and pricing among other variables are subject to the unpredictable whims of Trump tariff decrees of course.
“The EV4 makes all-electric ownership accessible for those customers who are seeking a more practical and affordable option on the EV landscape while still desiring an advanced, technology-driven in-car experience,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America.
“The arrival of the EV4 underscores Kia’s overall efforts to enhance the appeal of electric mobility to a wider audience — an audience that’s been witnessing the excitement around EVs for quite some time and are now ready to experience the outstanding benefits for themselves,” said Center,
The EV4 is expected to be available in three trim levels – Light, Wind and GT-Line. The sedan is being produced at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in South Korea. Sales for the U.S. are planned for the first quarter of 2026.
The so-called 400V E-GMP platform offers a choice of two battery options here: a standard 58.3 kWh battery (Light) or long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, GT-Line). Both battery configurations provide power to a front-mounted 150 kW motor. The front wheel-drive (FWD) EV4 Light and Wind models have an all-electric Kia-estimated range [footnote 1] of 235 miles and 330 miles, respectively.
Kia said it prioritized aerodynamics. Airflow enhancements include a full underbody cover to help the movement of air beneath the vehicle. The result is a claimed drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd.
With DC fast-charging [2], the EV4 is capable of charging from 10 to 80% charge in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, GT-Line) battery. A standard NACS charging port is located on the front passenger side.
Kia said the EV4 uses advanced chassis engineering aimed at delivering a high level of ride comfort and refinement as well as “engaging driving dynamics.” The front suspension is an EV-tuned prosaic MacPherson strut design and the rear suspension has multi-link geometry. “Key areas of the vehicle body were stiffened to further enhance the EV4’s agility and cornering prowess,” Kia said.
Kia’s latest i-Pedal 3.0 system [3] helps drivers to control the speed of the vehicle and bring it to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. This works with EV4’s adaptive Smart Regenerative Braking function to help recapture energy otherwise lost when brakes are applied. The i-Pedal 3.0 system also now works in reverse and the EV4’s i-Pedal Memory function reverts to the last-used i-Pedal setting when the car restarts.
The EV4 offers the many benefits of V2L4 functionality. V2L4 is designed to allow the vehicle to manage the flow of electricity from the vehicle to compatible external devices, including a variety of laptops, lighting, and smaller electronics.
Click for more.
Convenience and Connectivity
The EV4 brings together items in the “promise of convenience and connectivity.” Kia’s optional Digital Key 2.0. [5] provides access via a compatible smartphone or mobile device, this allows remote functions such as door lock and unlock, and climate controls, from the comfort of home, office or on approach. [9]
The EV4’s ~30-inch total combined wide-screen display [6] – comprised of dual 12.3-inch screens and five-inch climate display – serves as the face of Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). “This tech-forward interface sets a high watermark for the in-car content experience, with connectivity and entertainment features that may be upgraded remotely with software enhancements delivered through over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Additionally, this innovative setup enables customers to apply available display themes across the cockpit, such as their favorite NBA team, for a personalized cockpit aesthetic. The EV4 also offers wireless Apple Carplay [10] and Android Auto [11],” Kia said.
“The driver can experience a more immersive relationship with the EV4 by way of Kia’s AI Assistant. [12] This system utilizes machine learning to achieve a higher level of organic interaction and greater voice recognition between the driver and the vehicle.
“Other key comfort and convenience features include standard dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear A/C vents, acoustic windshield, and optional heated/ventilated front seats [13] with driver side memory and heated steering wheel,” Kia said.
Advanced Driver Assistance Technology
The EV4 offers several ADAS features, including standard Highway Driving Assist (HDA) [8], which is designed to use speed limit information from the navigation system on controlled access road (such as state highways, U.S. highways, and federal interstates). Under certain conditions, it automatically adjusts the vehicle’s set speed to match the posted speed limit (if initially set to the speed limit) and maintains distance from the vehicle detected in front.
The EV4 has optional tech items such as Driver Attention Warning [14], Forward Collision Avoidance Assist [15], Lane Following Assist [16,] Intelligent Speed Limit Assist [17] and Remote Smart Parking Assist. [18]
Standard Hands-On Detection (HOD) senses contact between the driver’s hands and the steering wheel to determine if the driver has their hands on the steering wheel, allowing for activation and deactivation of ADAS warnings.
Inevitable Kia EV 4 Footnotes and Caveats
AutoInformed on
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.