Kia’s first electric hatchback stands out in its class. The Kia EV4 hatch arrives with a bold new design that almost looks like a Lamborghini and a surprisingly spacious interior, but can it fill the void for an EV option that isn’t an SUV?
The Kia EV4 hatch delivers a non-SUV EV option
Sick of all the new SUVs hitting the market? Kia wants to shake things up with its first all-electric hatchback, the EV4.
The EV4 is more than an electric hatch. It’s Kia’s first EV built in Europe. Just over a month ago, the first EV4 rolled off the production line at Kia’s manufacturing plant in Slovakia. Marc Hedrich, CEO of Kia Europe, called it a “huge milestone” that will serve as a cornerstone of the automaker’s plans to gain market share in the region.
With Kia’s stylish new design, advanced tech, and more than enough interior space, the EV4 plays the part, but can it carve a niche for itself as an EV option that’s finally not an SUV?
After getting their hands on the EV4 hatch for the first time, Autocar shared what it’s like to finally drive one. According to Autocar’s road tester, Illya Verpraet, “The EV4 feels less like the VW Golf of EVs and more like the Citroën ZX of EVs,” which is “an entirely good thing.”
Kia already offers an SUV in nearly any size with the EV3, EV5, EV6, and EV9. Now it’s aiming to take advantage of the lack of hatchback (or non-SUV) options in Europe.
Like the EV3 and Kia’s other new electric models, the EV4 hatch features its new design theme. Up front, the electric hatch almost resembles a Lamborghini, featuring Kia’s “Star Map” signature lighting and bold curves.
Spacioius interior with plenty of screens
With a length of 4,430 mm, a width of 1,860 mm, and a height of 1,485 mm, the EV4 hatchback is about the same size as the Kia XCreed. However, with a flat floor design, Kia claims the EV4 is “one of the most practical vehicles in its segment,” offering a boot space of 435 liters.
As Autocar pointed out, “The saloon’s boot is wide near the access point and narrows towards the cabin, but it’s a vast space and can even handle a set of golf clubs loaded horizontally.”
The interior has a similar setup to the EV3 with Kia’s new connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system at the center. The setup features nearly 30″ of screen space with dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment screens, plus an added 5.3″ climate control display.
According to the reviewer, “Kia’s infotainment system works near-flawlessly” with big icons, an easy-to-use menu, and quick response time.
Competitive driving range and prices
Like Kia’s other electric vehicles, the EV4 is based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. It’s available with two battery packs: 58.2 kWh or 81.4 kWh, offering a WLTP driving range of 273 miles or 388 miles. Kia said the EV4 was its first electric vehicle offering a range of over 380 miles.
The more premium “GT-Line” and “GT-Line S” variants are available exclusively with the extended range (81.4 kWh) battery, providing a range of 362 miles.
Is the Kia EV4 hatch a game-changing electric vehicle? According to Autocar’s first review, “The EV4 is neither the Mk2 e-Golf of our dreams nor a disruptor,” but the lack of electric hatchbacks may offer a niche for Kia to take advantage of.
“The EV4 builds on the success of the EV3 to give us a new comfy EV option that isn’t an SUV. It feels like natural order is being restored,” Autocar said.
| Kia EV4 Hatchback trim | Starting Price | Driving Range (WLTP) |
| Air Standard Range | £34,695 ($47,700) | 273 miles |
| Air Long Range | £37,695 ($51,700) | 388 miles |
| GT-Line | £39,395 ($54,000) | 362 miles |
| GT-Line S | £43,895 ($60,200) | 362 miles |
In the UK, the base EV4 Air Standard Range starts at £34,695 ($47,700), while the longer range model is priced from £37,695 ($51,700). Kia also offers the EV4 Fastback, or sedan, starting at £40,895 ($55,000). The Kia EV4 Fastback has a WLTP driving range of up to 391 miles.
Unlike the hatch, the Fastback variant is manufactured at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO plant in South Korea and exported to Europe.
For those in the US, Kia will launch the EV4 sedan version in early 2026. Unfortunately, the electric hatchback is not expected to make the trip overseas.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
