Big Update! The 2026 Kia EV4 is Now Available in The US: Everything you need to know before buying

The 2026 Kia EV4 is available in the US: This is everything you need to know before buying

Image Credit: Raszbeary – Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Hey car lovers! Buckle up—because there’s a new electric underdog turning heads without making a sound. Meet the 2026 Kia EV4, a sleek, budget-friendly EV that quietly hit the U.S. market in May 2025. Starting around $35,000, it offers up to 330 miles of range, a tech-forward interior, and enough cool factor to stand out—without trying too hard. Imagine cruising the city, no gas stops, no emissions, and a whole lot of value. Ready to dive into why this EV might just be your next smart move? Let’s go!

Availability & Early Sales

The 2026 Kia EV4 officially launched in South Korea in May 2025 and quickly made waves, selling 1,373 units in its first month — even outselling the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Local media described it as a “box office hit” thanks to its combination of range, features, and price.

In the United States, the EV4 began arriving in select dealerships around June 2025, starting in EV-friendly states like California, New York, and Oregon. While it hasn’t hit the mainstream yet, early owners and reviewers are calling it a sleeper hit — making now a great time to get ahead of the trend.

A European release is expected later in 2025, though China does not yet have a confirmed launch timeline.

Why the Kia EV4 Matters

Kia’s already impressed with electric hits like the EV6, but the EV4 brings electric driving to a more affordable level. Built on a 400V version of Kia’s E-GMP platform, it’s powered by a single front-wheel-drive motor delivering 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough for a 0–60 mph sprint in about 7.5 seconds—quick enough for city traffic and daily drives.

You get two battery options: a 58.3 kWh (235 miles range) and an 81.4 kWh (330 miles range) pack. Fast charging? Absolutely. A DC fast charger takes you from 10–80% in just 30 minutes. It’s clean, efficient, and ready to power your gear with V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality.

And let’s talk money: At $35,000 to $40,000, it undercuts the base Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4—while still offering solid range, quality, and tech.

Inside the EV4: Modern Tech Meets Sustainable Design

Step inside, and you’re greeted with dual 12.3-inch displays—one for infotainment (with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and one for your gauge cluster. Higher trims even get a head-up display. The cabin is airy and made with recycled materials, including comfy mesh headrests and soft-touch sustainable fabrics.

Space is impressive. Compared to rivals, rear passengers get more legroom and shoulder space—great for families or carpoolers. The trunk offers 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and though there’s no frunk, features like power-adjustable seats and a flat-folding rear bench add versatility.

Image Credit: Raszbeary – Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Everyday Practicality: Built for Real Life

No, it won’t tow your RV—but it’s rated for 1,000 pounds, which is perfect for a small trailer or bike rack. The rear seats fold flat, turning grocery runs into DIY furniture hauls with ease. And the V2L port? It powers a mini fridge, laptop, or even a coffee maker—tailgaters and campers rejoice.

With a drag coefficient of just 0.23, the EV4 is efficient and aerodynamic. This is your ideal daily driver for commuting, errands, and weekend adventures—all without the fuel bill.

Public Reaction: Early Buzz & Praise

The EV4 is still flying under the radar in the U.S., but early impressions are strong. Ars Technica called it a “box office hit” in Korea, where it outsold the Hyundai Ioniq 6 with 1,373 units in May 2025. They loved its roomy cabin and efficiency but felt the rear design was a bit awkward.

Electrek highlighted its price advantage over Tesla and BYD. Early user reviews on X mention fast charging, a quiet ride, and great value. It’s holding a 4.8/5 rating on Cars.com, with 95% of owners recommending it. Not bad for the new kid on the block.

EV4 vs. Competitors: How It Stacks Up

Wondering how the 2026 Kia EV4 compares to other budget EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Nissan Leaf? Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison covering price, range, performance, and features:

Feature	2026 Kia EV4	2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6	2025 Nissan Leaf
Starting Price	$35,000 (est.)	$39,045	$28,140
Range (EPA est.)	235–330 miles	240–342 miles	149–214 miles
Horsepower	201 hp (FWD)	225 hp (RWD/AWD)	147–214 hp (FWD)
Charging Time (10–80%)	~30 minutes	18 minutes	~45 minutes
Drivetrain	FWD	RWD or AWD	FWD
Infotainment System	12.3" touchscreen	12.3" touchscreen	8" touchscreen
Safety Package	Kia Drive Wise	Hyundai SmartSense	Nissan Safety Shield
Standout Feature	V2L capability (power devices)	Ultra-fast charging	Most affordable option

Takeaway: The Kia EV4 finds a sweet spot—more range and tech than the Leaf, more affordable than the Ioniq 6. It’s the middle-ground hero for budget-conscious drivers who want more for less.

Final Verdict: Worth a Test Drive

The 2026 Kia EV4 is proof that going electric doesn’t have to mean going broke. It’s efficient, fun to drive, and loaded with features that punch above its price tag. Whether you’re commuting, carpooling, or road-tripping, this is the EV that just makes sense.

Ready to make the switch? Swing by your local Kia dealership, take the EV4 for a test drive, and tell us what you think! Got questions or hot takes? Drop them in the comments. And don’t forget to check out more car reviews and EV tips on ridewise.blogspot.com.

Thank you for reading.