Kia EV4 Review

Kia’s electric range is expanding so quickly that the numbered model names can take some unravelling. The EV4 sits above the compact EV3 and below the larger EV5, EV6 and EV9.

Unlike most of those cars, the EV4 hatchback isn't an SUV. It sits lower to the road and has more conventional family-hatchback proportions, giving buyers an alternative to the growing number of high-riding electric crossovers.

There's also an EV4 Fastback with a longer body, tapered rear end and conventional saloon-style boot lid. It's distinct enough in styling and practicality to warrant separate consideration, so this review focuses on the five-door hatchback.

The EV4’s closest rivals include the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and Renault Megane E-Tech. It's longer than all three, and Kia has used much of that extra length to create generous passenger space and a useful boot.

Its styling is unlikely to disappear into a car park. The upright front, angular lighting and sharply defined surfaces link it closely to Kia’s other recent electric cars, while the contrasting rear pillars and unusual tail-light treatment give it an identity of its own.

The hatchback is the more cohesive of the two EV4 body styles. It still looks unconventional, but its proportions are easier to understand than those of the stretched Fastback, whose long rear overhang and tapered tail will divide opinion more strongly.

Inside, the EV4 follows the design established by the EV3. The dashboard combines two 12.3-inch displays with a smaller climate-control screen between them, but Kia has resisted the temptation to move every function into the touchscreen. Physical temperature switches remain, along with proper steering-wheel controls and several useful shortcuts. That makes the EV4 easier to operate than many rivals and reduces the need to look away from the road for basic adjustments.

Buyers can choose between 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh batteries. Regular models use the same front-mounted electric motor, producing 204PS and driving the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. The smaller battery is available only with Air trim and offers 273 miles of official range. The 81.4kWh version can travel up to 388 miles in Air and Motion form, while the larger wheels and additional equipment fitted to GT-Line and GT-Line S reduce the figure to 362 miles.

The EV4 GT joined the range in October 2026, bringing a significantly more powerful dual-motor system producing 292PS and 468Nm. With all-wheel drive, it reaches 62mph in 5.6 seconds and has an official range of 313 miles.

Prices start at £34,745 before the Electric Car Grant, rising to £49,345 for the GT. The long-range Air is the most convincing all-rounder, combining the longest range with generous equipment and the most comfortable wheel and tyre combination.

The long-range EV4 Air is the strongest version in the range.

Its 81.4kWh battery gives it the maximum 388-mile official range, while its 17-inch wheels help preserve ride comfort and efficiency. It costs £2,250 more than the short-range Air before any grant or finance contribution is considered.

Air trim comes with most of the equipment buyers are likely to need. Standard features include heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic LED headlights, climate control, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full three-screen dashboard.

The short-range Air is worth considering for drivers who cover mostly local journeys and can charge at home. Its 273-mile official range remains useful, while the smaller battery reduces the purchase price and makes the car marginally quicker from 0 to 62mph.

The long-range Air is likely to be easier to recommend for most buyers, though. The additional range gives it more flexibility on motorway journeys and should make it easier to sell later, without introducing the larger wheels fitted to the sportier trims.

GT-Line adds more assertive styling, 19-inch wheels, automatic flush door handles, artificial-leather trim and electrically adjustable front seats. It looks more expensive, but the larger wheels reduce range to 362 miles and introduce a little extra brittleness to the ride.

Motion is an interesting alternative. It retains the 17-inch wheels and 388-mile range while adding features such as heated rear seats, a Harman Kardon sound system and a 360-degree camera. It also qualifies for the Electric Car Grant, making its effective purchase price more competitive.

GT-Line S brings the most comprehensive luxury equipment, while the GT adds substantially more performance. Neither is essential for most buyers, however, and the long-range Air offers a better balance of cost, comfort and range.

The Kia EV4 starts at £34,745 for the Air SR with the 58.3kWh battery.

The long-range Air with the 81.4kWh battery costs £36,995. That £2,250 step buys an additional 115 miles of official range, making it one of the easier upgrades in the range to justify.

GT-Line costs £39,445, while Motion is £40,495. GT-Line S is £43,945, increasing to £44,845 when fitted with the optional heat pump. The performance-focused GT tops the range at £49,345.

The Government's Electric Car Grant reduces the price of eligible Air and Motion versions by £3,750, bringing the starting price down to £30,995. The headline figures above are the full on-the-road prices before the grant.

The EV4 is competitively positioned, although it isn't an outright bargain. The Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born can cost less after available discounts, while the Renault Megane E-Tech is also attractively priced.

The Kia’s generous equipment and long warranty strengthen its value case, but buyers should compare the total payable amount and finance terms rather than focusing solely on the advertised monthly figure.

The Volkswagen ID.3 is the most obvious alternative. It's easy to drive, spacious for its size and available with a broad choice of battery and power outputs. Its interior has improved since launch, although the Kia’s physical controls and longer warranty are meaningful advantages.

The Cupra Born shares much of its engineering with the ID.3 but has sharper styling and a more engaging driving character. It's the better choice for buyers who find the standard EV4 too soft or restrained, although it can't match the Kia’s seven-year warranty. More powerful Born models also offer a convincing alternative to the EV4 GT.

The Renault Megane E-Tech has a smart interior, an excellent Google-based infotainment system and similarly refined road manners. Its 440-litre boot is fractionally larger than the standard EV4’s, although the Kia offers more maximum capacity with its rear seats folded.

The MG4 is cheaper and more entertaining to drive. It doesn't feel as upmarket or as polished inside, but remains a compelling value choice, particularly for buyers prioritising affordability over cabin quality.

Kia’s own EV3 is shorter and more SUV-like. It offers a similarly user-friendly cabin and competitive range, but feels more compact in the rear. The EV4 is the stronger choice for buyers who regularly carry adults or older children, while the EV3 may be easier to accommodate in smaller parking spaces.

The Kia EV4’s extra length pays off in both rear-seat space and luggage capacity.

The standard hatchback has a 435-litre boot with its rear seats in place. That's around 50 litres more than the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born, while the Renault Megane E-Tech is only fractionally larger at 440 litres. The difference is unlikely to be decisive in everyday use. All four can cope with a weekly shop, several suitcases or a folded pushchair, but the EV4’s broad opening and useful depth make its space straightforward to access. Folding the 60:40-split rear seatbacks increases capacity to 1,415 litres in regular EV4 models. That's more than the Renault Megane E-Tech’s 1,332-litre maximum and comfortably ahead of the Volkswagen ID.3’s 1,267 litres.

The rear seats don't provide the flexibility of a three-part 40:20:40 split, so carrying a long item while retaining both outer rear seats isn't as straightforward as it would be in some larger family cars.

The EV4 GT sacrifices some practicality for its second electric motor. Its boot holds 377 litres with the rear seats upright, reducing its advantage over smaller electric hatchbacks. There's also no substantial storage compartment beneath the bonnet. Drivers will therefore need to keep charging cables in the main boot or its underfloor section.

Passenger space is one of the EV4’s biggest strengths. Rear legroom is generous, helped by the car’s long wheelbase and flat floor, and adults can stretch out more comfortably than they can in several direct rivals.

Rear headroom is less impressive. Taller passengers may find the roof sits closer than expected, particularly in models fitted with darker trim. Even so, the hatchback is more accommodating than the Fastback is likely to be given the latter’s more heavily tapered roofline.

Up front, the seats provide plenty of adjustment and the driving position is easy to tailor. Storage is well considered, with three trays around the centre console and a pair of cupholders whose retaining arms deploy at the press of a button.

The cupholder arrangement is a small detail, but it demonstrates the everyday thought that's gone into the cabin. Bottles and cups are held securely without leaving permanent circular holes in the console when the holders aren't needed.

Families should find the rear doors open widely enough for child-seat access, and Isofix mounting points are provided on the outer rear seats. It's still sensible to check your own child seat for access and compatibility before ordering.

Air and Motion versions of the Kia EV4 hatchback measure 4,430mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,485mm high.

GT-Line and GT-Line S versions are 4,450mm long because their different bumper designs add 20mm to the overall length. Width and height remain unchanged. The GT is also 4,450mm long, but stands slightly taller at 1,495mm. That makes the EV4 longer than the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and Renault Megane E-Tech, although it remains compact enough to be manageable in town.

The EV4 Fastback stretches to 4,730mm and is 1,480mm high, but that version is covered separately. Buyers comparing dimensions should make sure they're looking at figures for the correct body style.

The hatchback's width is typical for the class, while its relatively low height contributes to a more conventional driving position than you get in an electric SUV. Parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard, helping with tight spaces and restricted rear visibility.

Every Kia EV4 has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a smaller 5.3-inch climate-control panel arranged in one wide unit.

The infotainment screen responds quickly and uses a clear menu structure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and both connect without the need for a cable. Built-in navigation and connected services are also included, while over-the-air updates help keep the software current.

The climate display can be partly hidden by the steering wheel depending on the driver’s seating position. Kia has reduced the problem by retaining physical temperature controls lower on the dashboard, so most routine adjustments don't require the touchscreen.

There are two USB-C ports in the front. One can switch between data connectivity and charging-only use, preventing a passenger’s device from replacing the driver’s smartphone interface unintentionally. Two further USB-C ports are provided in the rear.

The digital instrument display is clear and provides the expected range, energy and driver-assistance information. GT-Line S and GT models also include a configurable head-up display, reducing the need to look away from the road.

The standard six-speaker audio system is better than expected, while Motion, GT-Line S and GT upgrade to an eight-speaker Harman Kardon setup. The premium system is stronger and richer, but the standard arrangement should satisfy most users.

Higher-specification versions also include a 360-degree camera and blind-spot view monitor, while GT-Line S and GT add a digital key and entertainment functions for use while parked.

Driver-assistance alerts can be intrusive, particularly the lane-support functions. The lane-keeping system can intervene more aggressively than some drivers will like, encouraging them to switch it off on narrower or poorly marked roads.

The EV4’s interior is another reminder that Kia has moved far beyond its value-brand origins. Material quality is consistently good, with a convincing blend of soft-touch surfaces, robust fabrics and neatly finished harder plastics. The dashboard and doors feel solid, and the main controls operate with a reassuring sense of precision.

Entry-level Air models still feel well presented. They don't appear deliberately stripped out, and the same basic dashboard architecture and screen layout are used across the range. Grey cloth upholstery is standard, while Motion combines cloth and artificial leather for a slightly more upmarket appearance.

GT-Line introduces more decorative trim and two-tone artificial-leather upholstery, while GT-Line S adds further comfort and technology equipment. The GT has black artificial suede and leather bucket-style seats with contrasting neon green stitching and distinctive interior detailing.

The overall design is minimalist without becoming stark. There are enough physical controls to provide a clear sense of familiarity, while the screens are integrated into the dashboard rather than appearing to have been attached as an afterthought.

The EV4 is available with 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh batteries. Regular models use the same front-mounted electric motor, producing 204PS and 283Nm.

The short-range Air is the quickest of the regular versions because its smaller battery weighs less. It reaches 62mph in 7.5 seconds and has an official range of 273 miles.

The long-range Air reaches 62mph in 7.7 seconds and can cover up to 388 miles. Motion uses the same motor and battery, matching those performance and range figures. GT-Line and GT-Line S have larger wheels and additional equipment, increasing the 0-62mph time to 7.9 seconds and reducing range to 362 miles.

The EV4 GT uses the larger 81.4kWh battery with two electric motors producing a combined 292PS and 468Nm. With all-wheel drive, it reaches 62mph in 5.6 seconds and has an official range of 313 miles.

Every version has an electronically limited top speed of 105mph.

The standard EV4 doesn't deliver the hard initial acceleration associated with many electric cars. Progress is smooth and measured, and the car can feel leisurely when accelerating onto a motorway or attempting a quick overtake.

It isn't slow in ordinary terms, though. The motor responds immediately, and even the heavier long-range versions are quicker from 0 to 62mph than many conventional petrol family hatchbacks.

The smaller battery's 273-mile range should be more than sufficient for regular commuting and local journeys, particularly with home charging available. The long-range battery is the more flexible choice for drivers covering higher mileages, with fewer charging stops required on longer trips.

Compared with the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born, the regular EV4 offers competitive rather than outstanding acceleration. Those rivals are available with more powerful motors, while the GT brings the Kia closer to their sportier derivatives.

The GT also introduces a Virtual Gear Shift system that simulates the response of a conventional gearbox, complete with artificial engine sounds and interruptions in power delivery. It's intended to add engagement to a driving experience that's otherwise defined by the smooth, uninterrupted acceleration typical of electric cars.

Kia has resisted the temptation to give the standard EV4 unnecessarily firm suspension. The result is one of the more comfortable electric hatchbacks in the class.

Air and Motion models are the best-riding versions. Their 17-inch wheels have taller tyre sidewalls, allowing the car to absorb broken surfaces and sharp edges more effectively. GT-Line and GT-Line S move to 19-inch wheels. These introduce a little more brittleness over potholes and patched surfaces, although the EV4 remains comfortable by electric-car standards. The suspension is soft, but the damping prevents the car from continuing to float or bounce after a large bump. It controls longer undulations well and rarely feels loose or poorly tied down.

The trade-off is body lean in corners. The EV4 rolls more than a Cupra Born or some versions of the Volkswagen ID.3, and its steering is vague around the straight-ahead position. Grip is sufficient and the responses remain predictable, but there's little encouragement to drive it hard. Buyers seeking a sportier feel should consider the Cupra Born or the more powerful EV4 GT.

Around town, light steering, predictable acceleration and good forward visibility make the EV4 easy to manoeuvre. The suspension's ability to absorb speed bumps and poorly maintained surfaces is particularly welcome in everyday use, while parking sensors and a reversing camera help compensate for the car's relatively long body.

The EV4 is even more convincing as a quiet motorway car. Wind and tyre noise are well suppressed, despite there being no combustion engine to disguise them, and the cabin remains calm at higher speeds. Its comfortable seats and composed ride make it particularly well suited to covering longer distances.

Visibility is generally good in the hatchback. The Fastback’s unusual rear styling and small rear window create more significant problems, which is another reason to treat it as a separate proposition.

Regenerative braking can be adjusted through several levels using the steering-wheel paddles. Drivers can choose a lighter setting for open roads or stronger deceleration in urban traffic, including a one-pedal mode.

The GT has a different character. Its dual-motor system provides considerably more traction and acceleration, while electronically controlled suspension and torque-vectoring technology help manage its additional weight. It retains much of the standard car's comfort while offering better body control and more entertaining responses.

Even so, the GT remains a relatively refined performance hatchback rather than an uncompromising sports car. Its steering isn't the last word in feedback, and enthusiastic drivers may still prefer the sharper character of some rear-wheel-drive rivals.

The Kia EV4 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2025 and received two separate ratings. Cars with the basic European safety specification received four stars, increasing to five stars with the DriveWise ADAS safety pack fitted as standard to UK models.

DriveWise includes additional radar technology that improves the car's response to vehicles crossing its path, contributing to a stronger safety-assistance score.

The underlying crash protection was broadly strong. The passenger compartment remained stable in frontal testing, and the EV4 performed particularly well in side impacts. However, the driver's airbag didn't maintain sufficient pressure to prevent the head from contacting the steering wheel through the airbag, reducing its frontal-impact score.

Child protection was also strong, with good protection in side-impact testing.

Standard UK equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane support, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic assistance and Safe Exit Warning. Motion, GT-Line S and GT add extra parking assistance, 360-degree cameras and blind-spot view monitoring.

Both EV4 batteries use a 400-volt electrical system. The 58.3kWh battery supports DC rapid charging at up to 101kW, while 81.4kWh models, including the GT, can charge at up to 128kW.

Kia quotes 29 minutes for a 10% to 80% charge of the smaller battery under suitable conditions. The larger battery takes 31 minutes for the same top-up.

Those figures are competitive rather than exceptional. The EV4 can't match the charging speeds of 800-volt cars such as the Kia EV6, but its stops should still be short enough for a coffee or comfort break.

A typical 7kW home wallbox will take roughly nine hours to charge the smaller battery from empty, or around 12 hours for the larger one. Three-phase 11kW AC charging is also supported.

At 25p/kWh, a full charge costs approximately £15 to £20 before charging losses. A 10% to 80% top-up at a public rapid charger charging 75p/kWh costs roughly £30 to £43.

Battery temperature, charger performance and weather conditions can affect charging times, while off-peak domestic tariffs can significantly reduce costs.

GT-Line S and GT models also feature Vehicle-to-Load capability for powering suitable external devices.

The Kia EV4 is covered by a seven-year or 100,000-mile manufacturer warranty. That's substantially longer than the three-year cover provided with several direct rivals and remains one of the EV4’s strongest ownership arguments.

Kia separately covers the high-voltage battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, with a guarantee that it will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during that period. The battery warranty is transferable, providing additional reassurance for used buyers.

Electric cars have fewer routine mechanical service items than petrol or diesel models, but the EV4 will still require periodic inspections, brake-fluid changes, cabin filters and replacement tyres. The official service interval is every 24 months or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Kia has an extensive UK dealer network, which should make maintenance and warranty support more straightforward than it is with some less established electric-car brands.

The EV4 Air SR sits in insurance group 33 of 50, while the long-range Air and GT-Line are in group 35. Motion is in group 34, while GT-Line S is in group 36. The more powerful EV4 GT sits in group 41.

Those ratings aren't unusually high for an electric family car with more than 200PS, but premiums can still vary significantly according to postcode, driver history and repair costs.

The GT's higher performance and potentially more expensive components make it particularly important to obtain insurance quotes before ordering.

For 2026 to 2027, a new electric car pays £10 in Vehicle Excise Duty during its first year and the £200 standard annual rate from the second year.

The Expensive Car Supplement threshold for electric cars is £50,000. Vehicles with an original list price above this figure attract an additional £440 annually during years two to six.

Every current EV4 hatchback has a standard list price below that threshold, including the £49,345 GT. However, optional equipment could affect whether an individual car qualifies for the supplement.

The original list price is used rather than any Electric Car Grant deduction, finance contribution or dealer discount. Buyers specifying a high-end EV4 should therefore check the final official list price before ordering.

The supplement can make a significant difference to long-term ownership costs, potentially adding £2,200 over five years.