2026 Kia EV4 debuts at the New York International Auto Show

Kia unveiled the all-new 2026 EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show last week. It is expected to arrive in Canada in early 2026. It is based on a 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which underpins multiple Kia BEVs. The sedan is produced at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in South Korea.

Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the all-new all-electric compact sedan features contrasts found across nature and the human world, sharing the same fundamental design language as that of the ground-breaking Kia EV6 and EV9 models. Establishing a new typology, the EV4 combines a low nose, long-tail silhouette, and fastback roofline for a unique and sporty profile.

The EV4 face is modern and expressive with vertical headlamps and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting, which has become synonymous with the brand’s electrified lineup. Available small cube LED headlights with Dynamic Welcome Lights are unique to the segment. And a new interpretation of Kia’s Tiger Face gives EV4 a bold and tech-inspired personality.

At the back, the vertical taillights, two-piece roof spoiler, and sleek bumper design echo the front-end styling and emphasize the car’s rear presence and width. The EV4’s planted stance with either standard 17-inch (Light/Wind) or 19-inch wheels (Wind Premium to GT Line Limited) gives it an athletic and sure-footed appearance. Other than larger wheels, the EV4 GT-line features exclusive design elements to create a more visually striking package.

Headlined by a free-floating interface and two-spoke steering wheel, the interior boasts an open layout, appealing to customers who view simplicity and usability as a plus when transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to EVs. Enhancing practicality, the EV4 cabin focuses on comfort, space, and convenience, high-quality materials, and an impressive amount of passenger and cargo space. The cabin experience is further elevated by available dynamic ambient lighting.

Built on Kia’s dedicated 400V E-GMP platform, the Kia EV4 offers a choice of two battery options: a standard 58.3 kWh battery (Light) or a long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, Wind Premium, GT-Line, and GT-Line Limited). Both battery configurations provide power to a front-mounted 150 kW motor. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) EV4 Light, Wind, Wind Premium, GT-Line, and GT-Line Limited models have an all-electric Kia-estimated range1 of 378 km, 531 km, and 482 km, respectively.

To enhance both performance and efficiency, Kia prioritized aerodynamics. Airflow enhancements include a full underbody cover to help the movement of air beneath the vehicle. The result is a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd. In terms of DC fast-charging, the EV4 is capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, Wind Premium, GT-Line, and GT-Line Limited) battery. For easy accessibility, the standard NACS charging port is located on the front passenger side.

On pavement, the EV4 benefits from advanced chassis engineering aimed at delivering a high level of ride comfort and refinement as well as engaging driving dynamics. The front suspension is defined by an EV-tuned MacPherson strut design, and the rear suspension is a multi-link geometry. Key areas of the vehicle body were stiffened to further enhance the EV4’s agility and cornering prowess.

Kia’s latest i-Pedal 3.0 system helps drivers to smoothly control the speed of the vehicle and bring it to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. This feature works in tandem 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.

Upping practicality and flexibility, the EV4 offers the many benefits of available 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.

The EV4 brings together an abundance of innovative content to deliver on the promise of convenience and connectivity. These benefits come to fruition even before anyone climbs into the vehicle thanks to Kia’s available Digital Key 2.0.5. Providing simple access via a compatible smartphone or mobile device, this innovative feature allows remote functions such as door lock and unlock, and climate controls, from the comfort of home, office or on approach.

The EV4’s nearly 30-inch total combined wide-screen display – comprised of dual 12.3-inch screens and a 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. The EV4 also offers wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Other key comfort and convenience features include standard heated front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear A/C vents, acoustic windshield, and available ventilated front seats12 with driver side memory system and heated steering wheel.

The EV4 offers a robust suite of ADAS features, including Kia’s available Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which is designed to use speed limit information from the navigation system on controlled access roads and highways. 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 a distance from the vehicle detected in front.

To further elevate roadway awareness for the driver, the EV4 in Canada will have standard features such as Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and available Remote Smart Parking Assist. 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. In Canada, the EV4 is expected to be available in the following trims:

• Kia EV4 Light FWD Standard Range
• Kia EV4 Wind FWD/AWD Long Range
• Kia EV4 Wind Premium FWD/AWD Long Range
• Kia EV4 GT-Line FWD/AWD Long Range
• Kia EV4 GT-Line Limited FWD/AWD Long Range