With the EV4, Kia is launching a compact electric car. picture: kia
Review
With the EV4, Kia is bringing an electric Golf opponent. Our everyday test reveals how the electric car scores points and where it shows weaknesses.
24.01.2026, 16:1624.01.2026, 17:10
Christopher Clausen / t-online
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Kia is poaching in the Golf class: While the K4 takes on the role of the compact combustion engine, its brother EV4 will take over the electric market. It comes in two versions, one as a sedan and the hatchback version, which is much more popular in this country and is produced in Slovakia. It stands flat on the road, with a clearly defined rear, narrow headlights and an angular front.
The EV4 in the hatchback version. However, the fold-out door handles don’t have to be there.picture: kia
For comparison: the EV4 as a sedan.picture: kia
Kia calls its design language “Opposites United” – contrasts that should be recognizable without provoking. The electrically folding door handles are stylish, but classic brackets would also have worked, as shown in everyday testing.
Everyday test – what is it?
During everyday testing, we examine new vehicles over several days or even weeks – in normal use: in city traffic, on the highway, while shopping, commuting or traveling. Unlike short tests at manufacturer events, we can also evaluate details that only become apparent in daily use: How comfortable is the chassis really? How intuitive is the infotainment to operate? How practical is the range? How much fits in the trunk? An everyday test shows how well a car works in real life.
More spacious than it looks in the photo: The rear of the EV4 is comfortable – the editor just deliberately keeps his head towards the camera. The headroom is okay. image: clausen
Good space with small limitations
Table of Contents
At 4.43 meters long, the EV4 belongs to the classic compact segment (its brother K4 is only one centimeter longer) – but thanks to the 2.82 meter wheelbase, it offers noticeably more space inside than many competitors. At the front the feeling of space is airy, at the back the raised floor structure ensures limited foot space but decent knee space. On very long journeys it might be a bit uncomfortable for passengers with long legs due to the high knees. At least there is heated seats in the back too. There is one small thing that bothers you: the full-length floor mat in the rear, which tends to spread crumbs around the interior when you take it out.
Typical for the class: trunk with an adjustable loading floor, but a high outer loading sill. image: clausen
There is no frunk under the hood (stands for front trunk), instead there is a double loading floor in the trunk, which holds 435 to 1415 liters depending on the configuration. As is typical for the class, the seats fold in a 40:60 ratio; there is no remote unlocking from the loading compartment.
Easy to find your way around the Kia
The cockpit is clearly structured – and doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary digital gadgets. Two 12.3-inch displays, plus a small climate screen that combines the most important functions, but is often hidden by the steering wheel from the driver’s perspective. Plus haptic buttons for navigation, media, etc. – exactly where you expect them.
Tidy: Clearly structured cockpit with buttons for all important functions and a fabric covering. Impeccable workmanship. image: clausen
Something hidden: the display for the air conditioning. The temperature can be adjusted with buttons. picture: kia
The voice control with AI support works solidly, the smartphone pairs easily via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Well solved: The annoying speed beeper can be deactivated by long pressing the roller button on the steering wheel. And once you know the menu navigation, it is largely logical and suitable for everyday use.
That’s how he drives
With a weight of over 1.8 tons, the EV4 sits comfortably on the road and the suspension is mostly comfortable. On rough surfaces or with transverse joints it becomes slightly wooden at the back – but not annoying. The overall comfort level is high for the compact class.
The steering is light and fits the character – in sport mode it becomes more direct without being sporty or jagged. Particularly convincing: the low noise level, even at high speeds on the motorway. With 204 hp, the EV4 has sufficient motor power without gimmickily pressing the occupants into the seats when accelerating. Also good: the “i-Pedal” system, which slows the EV4 to a standstill when the accelerator pedal is released, without the brake being necessary. In stop-and-go situations, the compact car floats along in a relaxed manner.
Tunnel vision: Rear visibility could be better. picture: kia
Typically modern car: The view to the rear is mainly limited by the wide D-pillar, the parking beeper and camera are useful helpers.
Range and efficiency
The tested version with 81.4 kWh battery promises a WLTP range of up to 625 kilometers – with 17-inch rims and early summer temperatures. With an outside temperature of 5 degrees and a speed of 130 on the motorway, there were still around 360 kilometers left. A good value in winter operation, but of course a clear difference to the measured values. The highway consumption was around 22 to 23 kWh/100 km, in the city it was a good 17-18 kWh/100 km at an outside temperature of 2 degrees. Kia states a consumption of 14.4 kWh – this is probably possible given the appropriate outside temperatures.
Charging is possible with up to 128 kW – from 10 to 80 percent, according to Kia, it takes 31 minutes, which is confirmed in the test. The battery can be preconditioned, i.e. preheated, using the app or navigation to ensure the shortest possible charging time. This proved to be very useful when driving on the highway in winter. It is also possible to pre-heat the interior, which is particularly practical in winter when the car is hanging on the wallbox and you want to get into a warm car. This also reduces power consumption while driving.
Technology & equipment
The test car in the Earth line was well equipped: heat pump (optional in the winter package), Harman/Kardon sound system, parking package with all-round view camera, technology package with adaptive LED headlights, in-car payment for charging processes (plug in the car, pull it out after charging, billing happens automatically), streaming services, software updates via wireless Internet “over the air”. There is also a comprehensive package of driver assistance systems, for example a highway assistant with adaptive cruise control and lane change assistant, front collision warning with intersection function, blind spot camera, cross traffic warning, parking assistant, emergency braking system. Technically, the EV4 is up to date.
Technical data Kia EV4 Earth (81.4 kWh)
- Power 150 kW (204 HP)
- Front-wheel drive
- Battery 81.4 kWh
- WLTP range up to 625 km
- Charging time (10 – 80%) approx. 31 minutes (DC 128 kW)
- 0-100 km/h 7.7 seconds
- Top speed 170 km/h
- Consumption (test, winter) 17 – 23 kWh/100 km
- Length/width/height 4.43 m / 1.86 m / 1.485 m
- Trunk 435 – 1,415 liters
- Trailer load 1,000 kg (braked)
- Turning circle 10.86 m
Power 150 kW (204 HP) Front-wheel drive Battery 81.4 kWh WLTP range up to 625 km Charging time (10-80%) approx. 31 minutes (DC 128 kW) 0-100 km/h 7.7 seconds Top speed 170 km/h Consumption (test, winter) 17-23 kWh/100 km Length/width/height 4.43 m / 1.86 m / 1.485 m trunk 435–1,415 liters trailer load 1,000 kg (braked) turning circle 10.86 m
The EV4 from Kia is currently available with a small battery from 34,450 francs and with a large battery and full equipment for well over 50,000 francs.picture: kia
That’s what it costs
In the basic “Lite” version with a small battery (58.3 kWh, 204 hp, range of up to 440 km), the EV4 is available from 34,450 francs. The EV4 Earth with 81.4 kWh costs from 43,450 francs, the test car price with extras comes to almost 54,000 francs. So it’s not a cheap home, but it’s absolutely fair given the amenities. The Kia also has a seven-year manufacturer’s warranty and an eight-year battery warranty (or up to 160,000 km).
Conclusion
With the EV4, Kia is bringing an electric car that doesn’t pander – but doesn’t scare you away either. Modern, quiet, well thought-out: Anyone who is traveling electrically for the first time will not feel overwhelmed, but rather welcomed. The EV4 is not a show star, more of a good buddy that works without constantly raising questions.
