{"id":1055,"date":"2025-06-16T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/?p=1055"},"modified":"2025-06-16T13:07:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T13:07:05","slug":"the-2026-kia-ev4-is-a-better-tesla-model-3-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/2025\/06\/16\/the-2026-kia-ev4-is-a-better-tesla-model-3-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 Kia EV4 Is a Better Tesla Model 3: Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Quick Specs<\/td>\n2026 Kia EV4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Motor<\/td>\nSingle Permanent-Magnet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Battery<\/td>\n58.3 Kilowatt-Hour \/ 81.4 Kilowatt-Hour<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Output<\/td>\n201 Horsepower \/ 208 Pound-Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Range<\/td>\n235 Miles \/ 330 Miles (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base Price \/ As Tested<\/td>\n$39,000 (est.) \/ $45,000 (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Pros: Smooth Chassis & Powertrain, Button-Rich Interior, Solid Range<\/em>
Cons: Strange Design, No AWD Available at Launch<\/em><\/h3>\n

Kia EV4 Overview: The Model 3 Competitor You’ve Been Waiting For<\/h3>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

The EV4 is a fascinating proposition. Aimed directly at the Tesla Model 3, it\u2019s a small(ish) electric sedan set to arrive next year, in a world dominated by crossovers. Why would Kia bring a four-door EV Stateside when popular opinion suggests the body style is dying? Well, it isn\u2019t dying\u2014at least not at Kia. The company\u2019s similarly sized, gas-powered K4 was its best-selling vehicle in January.<\/p>\n

After some time behind the wheel, that proposition is even more convincing. While the EV4\u2019s styling might raise eyebrows from onlookers, it\u2019s an exceedingly pleasant thing to drive. Though not terribly sporty or rapid, the electric sedan provides adequate comfort, solid range, and a wide assortment of useful features, all for a reasonable price (at least, we think it\u2019ll be affordable\u2014Kia hasn\u2019t released pricing just yet).<\/p>\n

Battery & Motor: Two Sizes, Only One Motor<\/h3>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

When the Kia EV4 arrives in North America at the beginning of 2026, buyers will have a choice between two battery sizes: 58.3 kilowatt-hours or 81.4 kilowatt-hours. No matter which you choose, the battery pairs with a single permanent-magnet motor mounted under the hood, spinning the front wheels. It makes 201 horsepower and 208 pound-feet of torque\u2014not groundbreaking by any means, but enough to get the car up to speed in a reasonable fashion.<\/p>\n

Like most EVs in the Hyundai and Kia family, the EV4 rides on the conglomerate\u2019s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It\u2019s a proven skateboard-style chassis that\u2019s seen much success in cars like the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV9. But while those cars run on an 800-volt architecture, the EV4 and its sister car, the EV3 crossover, use a 400-volt layout. Kia says this is to achieve a nice balance between charging times, range, and performance, but really, it\u2019s just to keep costs down. <\/p>\n

Technology & Infotainment: Best In the Business<\/h3>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Modern Hyundais and Kias are at the forefront of easy-to-use, smooth infotainment systems. The EV4 is no different. The sedan debuts Kia\u2019s next-generation interface, displayed across two 12.3-inch screens. One is a center-mounted touch screen, with another for the driver display.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, naturally. I was able to connect my phone in seconds, and it reconnected without trouble every time after that. UI menus were easy to navigate, and the touchscreen responded seamlessly. Best of all, there are real buttons on the steering wheel and the dashboard for things like media and climate controls (though sadly, some of the navigation buttons under the touchscreen are touch-capacitive).<\/p>\n

A six-speaker sound system comes standard on the EV4, though I was only able to test out the optional eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. For a semi-budget system, I found it fairly impressive, without too much distortion at the top end. <\/p>\n

Kia also made its Digital Key 2.0 software standard on the EV4. It allows users to connect up to 15 devices to the car, including smartphones and smartwatches, which act as digital keys for entry and startup. <\/p>\n

Design: Quite Strange<\/h3>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

The most controversial part of the EV4 is undoubtedly its looks. Seemingly plucked out of a concept studio, it wears a futuristic skin with odd curves and questionable proportions. It\u2019s certainly not beautiful or elegant, but it\u2019s also far from boring\u2014something most competitors in the segment can\u2019t say for themselves. The shape evokes a reaction, which is why Kia went with it.<\/p>\n

Passenger & Cargo Space: Very Useful<\/h3>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Those strange looks unlock a healthy amount of space in the cabin, both for the front and rear occupants. There\u2019s a healthy amount of leg, arm, and shoulder room for the driver and passenger, with plenty of adjustability. The rear seats deliver ample space\u2014far more than a Model 3\u2014for occupants of all sizes. It reminds me of the Ioniq 6 in the way the rear bench can easily accommodate six-foot-plus people with ease\u2014not a coincidence, seeing as how the two cars share a platform.<\/p>\n

The cargo area is similarly massive. It\u2019s unfortunate there\u2019s no hatch opening, but the trunk opens wide enough to accept large items, with enough storage space in the rear to swallow up to 17.3 cubic feet of stuff. Sadly, there\u2019s no front trunk, as that space is occupied by the motor and the cooling apparatus.<\/p>\n

Driving Impressions: Smooth & Steady<\/h3>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

To drive the Kia EV4 is to have a very standard EV experience. The cabin is airy and easy to see out of, if a bit upright. The steering is smooth and light, but generally devoid of feel. As with any electric car, the go pedal responds with an instant, exciting thrust, though in this car, it quickly dies off as you reach higher speeds. The ride is soft and agreeable, while the brakes are easy to modulate for linear creeps to stoplights. <\/p>\n

The one driver-centric gimmick, Kia\u2019s i-Pedal 3.0, allows the driver to control the strength of the EV4\u2019s regenerative braking via the steering wheel-mounted paddles. I found myself using them more than I thought I would, just to slow the car in traffic without having to reach for the brake pedal. <\/p>\n

Nothing on this car stands out as overly harsh or heavy. Everything is easy and straightforward. It\u2019s designed to disappear under you, act as a simple tool to transport you from one place to another while you enjoy music or a podcast. At that, the EV4 is excellent.<\/p>\n

Range & Charging: Solid for the Segment<\/h3>\n

While the design might not be for everyone, its resulting 0.23 Cd means the EV4 cuts efficiently through the air. Official EPA estimates are still a ways out, but Kia predicts a range of 330 miles for the larger battery pack and 235 miles for the smaller pack. <\/p>\n

The 400-volt architecture means the EV4 can\u2019t charge as quickly as the more expensive cars in Kia\u2019s lineup, though the company says charging from 10 to 80 percent should only take 29 minutes for the small battery pack, or 31 minutes for the larger pack, provided you\u2019re using a DC fast charger. <\/p>\n

Pricing & Verdict: It Really Depends<\/h3>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Brian Silvestro \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s where things get messy. The EV4 is supposed to be a Tesla Model 3 competitor, but since it\u2019ll be built in South Korea, it\u2019ll be subject to import tariffs put in place by the Trump administration. We wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see the starting MSRP end up in the high $30,000 range as a result. There\u2019s also the federal tax credit for electric vehicles, which could be killed off by the government\u2019s new spending bill. <\/p>\n

So the EV4 would be hit with a double-whammy of tariffs and no tax incentives, making it far less competitive in the segment than Kia expected.<\/p>\n

In the high $30,000 range, the EV4 still makes sense. It delivers solid range in an appealing package, much akin to a nice appliance. But anything above that, and it starts to become a harder sell. The Ioniq 6 starts at under $40,000, and it brings a similar range in a prettier, rear-drive package. To pay more for a stranger-looking, front-drive car is unreasonable.<\/p>\n

Competitors<\/h3>\n

Hyundai Ioniq 6<\/a>
\nPolestar 2<\/a>
\nTesla Model 3<\/a><\/p>\n

2026 Kia EV4 FAQs<\/h3>\n

Does the Kia EV4 Come in a hatchback?<\/p>\n

Yes, Kia builds a hatchback version of the EV4. Sadly, it\u2019s not offered in North America, as there isn\u2019t strong demand for it here. A Kia spokesperson confirmed to Motor1 we\u2019ll only be getting the sedan.<\/p>\n

What is the Kia EV4\u2019s Price?<\/p>\n

Kia has yet to release official pricing for the EV4 in North America, as it isn\u2019t expected to go on sale until the first quarter of 2026. We predict it\u2019ll have a starting price of around $41,000 once it lands Stateside.<\/p>\n

How much range does the Kia EV4 have?<\/p>\n

Kia has yet to release an EPA-estimated range figure for the EV4, but it predicts the smaller battery pack will be capable of 235 miles of range. The larger battery pack should be able to travel 330 miles on a single charge, according to the company.<\/p>\n

The 2025 Kia EV6 GT Gets Even Better With Fake Gear Shifts<\/a>
What EV Slump? Hyundai and Kia Break Sales Records for Electric Cars<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
2026 Kia EV4 Specifications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Motor<\/td>\nSingle Permanent-Magnet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Battery<\/td>\n58.3 Kilowatt-Hours \/ 81.4 Kilowatt-Hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Output<\/td>\n201 Horsepower \/ 208 Pound-Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EV Range<\/td>\n235 Miles \/ 330 Miles (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drive Type<\/td>\nFront-Wheel Drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Speed 0-60 MPH<\/td>\n7.5 Seconds (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maximum speed<\/td>\n105 Miles Per Hour (Electronically Limited)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n3,900 Pounds (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seating Capacity<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cargo Volume<\/td>\n17.3 Cubic Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Sale<\/td>\nQ1 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base Price<\/td>\n$39,000 (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
As-Tested Price<\/td>\n$45,000 (est.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Quick Specs 2026 Kia EV4 Motor Single Permanent-Magnet Battery 58.3 Kilowatt-Hour \/ 81.4 Kilowatt-Hour Output 201 Horsepower \/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1059,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1055"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1055"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1055\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1256,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1055\/revisions\/1256"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}