Kia has unveiled the affordable EV4 electric sedan at the New York International Auto Show. The well-equipped and technologically advanced vehicle is set to compete with the Tesla Model 3, with an expected price tag of around $35,000 in the U.S. market.
Image source: Kia
«“EV4 makes all-electric vehicle ownership accessible to customers looking for a more practical and affordable option in the EV space, but still wanting an advanced, technology-enabled driving experience,” said Steven Center, executive vice president, Kia America. “The introduction of EV4 underscores Kia’s overall efforts to make electric mobility more appealing to a broader audience – an audience that has long seen the excitement around EVs and is now ready to experience the remarkable benefits they offer.”
However, for U.S. buyers, this attractive price may be out of reach due to high tariffs announced by the U.S. administration. The import duties threaten to increase the cost of any imported car, including the EV4, by 25%. Kia plans to build the EV4 in South Korea and launch sales in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026.
Kia has achieved a very low drag coefficient for the EV4 – it is only 0.23, the same as the Tesla Model 3. At the same time, the electric car looks very impressive, in many ways reminiscent of a classic sports car. The vertical taillights, two-section roof spoiler and streamlined bumper design give it an even more dynamic and technological look.
The front-wheel drive car is equipped with a 150 kW electric motor and boasts a decent range. The standard 58.3 kWh battery installed in the Light version provides an autonomy of 427 km, and the larger battery – 81.4 kWh, which is equipped with the Wind and GT-Line versions – up to 531 km.
The EV4 charges with a DC fast charger in 30 minutes via the industry-standard NACS port. The Kia EV4 is equipped with the i-Pedal 3.0 engine braking energy recovery system. Drivers can also use the car’s battery to charge laptops, smartphones, and other gadgets.
The car stands out with its futuristic, minimalist interior. Particular attention is drawn to the two-spoke steering wheel, 64-color dynamic lighting and a customizable user interface that combines two 12.3-inch displays and a five-inch climate control screen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocols are supported. Owners can access the EV4 via a smartphone, and Kia’s AI assistant uses voice recognition and natural language processing to control vehicle functions and plan routes.
The EV4 comes standard with a suite of driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist, which automatically adjusts the car’s speed to the speed limit and maintains a safe distance from vehicles in front. ADAS prevents collisions, keeps the car in its lane, and provides intelligent parking.
Kia is already selling the EV4 in South Korea, and deliveries to Europe are expected to begin by the end of the year. U.S. sales are scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026.