Kia's EV4 Hatch Has Arrived to Challenge Tesla and VW | Carscoops

      Electric hatchback and fastback sedan feature bold designs and offer a range of up to 391 miles

      7 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      Kia has provided additional information regarding its new electric EV4 hatchback and sedan.

      The initial models are equipped with a single 201 hp motor and either a 58.3 or 81.4 kWh battery option.

      The EV4 is set to debut in Europe before the end of 2025, with a U.S. launch expected in early 2026.

      In just a few years, Kia has evolved from a brand grappling with its design identity and lacking electric vehicles to one that boasts some of the most eye-catching models available, alongside a growing lineup of EVs. The latest arrival is the Golf-sized EV4, and Kia's recent photo release highlights why rivals like VW, Tesla, and other major automakers should take note.

      More: Kia’s Most Significant EV Is Finally Gaining the Sporty Edge It Requires

      Kia first offered a brief glimpse of the European-spec EV4 in February of this year and subsequently provided a more detailed overview of the US-designed sedan in April. However, that model won't reach American shores until early 2026, so attention now shifts back to the European EV4, which will go on sale this autumn in both Slovakian-built hatchback and Korean-built fastback sedan versions.

      One Motor for Now

      Currently, both versions are limited to a single powertrain option. While dual-motor variants are planned for the future, buyers at this stage will have to settle for the one 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) motor powering the front wheels, capable of accelerating the EV4 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds with the base 58.3 kWh battery. Upgrading to the larger 81.4 kWh battery—which is the sole option for UK fastbacks—slows the sprint time to 7.7 seconds.

      The advantage of the larger battery is a significantly extended range. The hatchback equipped with the smaller battery offers a maximum of 255 miles (410 km), while the sedan achieves 267 miles (430 km). In contrast, the 81.4 kWh versions of both the hatch and sedan are rated for 380 miles (612 km) and 391 miles (630 km), respectively. Interestingly, the sedan's more aerodynamic shape provides better efficiency than the hatchback with the smaller battery but performs worse with the larger one, according to Kia’s data.

      EV4 hatch

      Charging Trade-Off

      Similar to the related EV3 SUV, neither version of the EV4 includes the advanced 800-volt electrical system featured in the EV6 and EV9. Instead, they utilize 400-volt technology, resulting in slower charging times. A 10-80 percent charge of the larger battery takes about 31 minutes—almost twice the duration a driver of an EV6 would expect to wait for a charge.

      Both models share the same 2,820 mm (111 inches) wheelbase. However, the sedan, which is 300 mm (11.8 inches) longer, offers a more practical 490 liters (17.3 cu-ft) of trunk space, compared to the hatchback's 435 liters (15.4 cu-ft). Unfortunately, like its Tesla Model 3 competitor, the sedan features a traditional trunk lid, which is less practical than a liftback design.

      Kia EV4 GT-Line hatch

      Subtle Differences Inside and Out

      From a passenger perspective, the two EV4 models will feel nearly identical. Each features a combined digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. GT-Line models are distinguished by sport seats and a three-spoke steering wheel instead of a two-spoke design. However, externally, there's surprisingly little to differentiate them; the base hatch in blue appears just as dynamic as the gray GT-Line, despite its smaller wheels and arguably less aggressive bumpers.

      The EV4 Fastback's unique design may deter some customers from switching from their Tesla Model 3s, but Europe has a strong preference for hatchbacks, and Tesla has no equivalent to the EV4 hatch, which is likely to challenge even VW's ID.3. We will learn more about the competitive landscape once pricing is announced in the coming weeks and when we have the opportunity to test drive the vehicle.

      Kia EV4 GT-Line Fastback

      Kia