2026 Kia EV4 Lands in North America as Tesla Model 3 Rival
Following its global premiere in South Korea in mid-February, the all-new 2026 Kia EV4 electric sedan today made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show. It will go on sale in Canada early next year.
“We are continuing to shape the future of accessible EV ownership with the EV4, a model that will compete in the largest car segment in Canada, providing a first EV affordable option for consumers in the compact sedan market,” said David Sherrard, Director of Strategic Planning at Kia Canada.
- Also: Kia Unveils EV2 Concept, Provides EV4 and PV5 Specs
- Also: Production-Ready Kia EV4 Officially Shown in Sedan, Hatchback Body Styles
Modern and Expressive
The EV4 shares the same ‘Opposites United’ design language as the Kia EV6 and EV9. The face is modern and expressive with vertical headlamps similar to those on the gas-powered K4 sedan. Small-cube LED headlights with Dynamic Welcome Lights, available on select models, are unique in the segment.
The long-tail silhouette and fastback roofline are complemented by a two-piece roof spoiler and sleek bumper design. Standard 17-inch (Light/Wind models) or 19-inch wheels (Wind Premium to GT Line Limited) add to the sporty appearance.
Inside, the driver faces a large digital interface combining the instruments and the multimedia system, both measuring 12.3 inches diagonally. A third 5-inch screen is sandwiched between the two. Kia aims to emphasize space and comfort, offering a roomy cabin with well-designed seats. We definitely look forward to spending some time in them.
In terms of convenience, owners can take advantage of Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 (through a mobile app) to control various functions such as remote climate control and door locking/unlocking. Unsurprisingly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, as do heated seats. Additional creature comforts such as ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and dynamic ambient lighting cost extra.
Up to 531 km of Range
The Korean manufacturer has focused on aerodynamics to maximize energy efficiency and range. Airflow enhancements include a full underbody cover to help the movement of air beneath the EV4. The result is a drag coefficient as low as 0.23.
Built on the E-GMP platform with a 400-volt system, the EV4 offers a choice of two battery options. The standard 58.3kWh battery (Light) enables a Kia-estimated 378 km of range and comes with a 201-hp motor. Where DC fast charging is concerned, this setup is capable of charging from 10-80 percent in 29 minutes.
Meanwhile, the 81.4kWh battery (Wind, Wind Premium, GT-Line and GT-Line Limited) is projected to achieve anywhere between 482 and 531 km of range in FWD configuration. The same 10-80 percent charging operation takes 31 minutes, Kia claims. Power and range for AWD-equipped models will be specified later.
On top of that, available V2L functionality will allow the EV4 to manage the flow of electricity from the vehicle to compatible external devices, including a variety of laptops, lighting, and smaller electronics. And naturally, a wide array of advanced safety and driver assistance systems is included.
Canadian Lineup
In Canada, the 2026 Kia EV4 is expected to be available in the following trims:
- Light FWD Standard Range
- Wind FWD/AWD Long Range
- Wind Premium FWD/AWD Long Range
- GT-Line FWD/AWD Long Range
- GT-Line Limited FWD/AWD Long Range
Pricing will be announced closer to launch early next year. Kia has no immediate plans to build the EV4 in the U.S. Rather, production takes place at Autoland Gwangmyeong in South Korea.
