2026 Kia EV4 GT-Line Review

The new EV4 slots into Kia's EV line up, unsurprisingly between the EV3 and EV5. It offers a 150kW front-mounted motor and a claimed 633km range (Light Long Range version). Priced from $63,990, this all-electric fastback includes V2L capability, a comprehensive ADAS suite (that feels slightly tuned down compared to rest of the EV range), and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The EV4 is the fifth addition to Kia’s ever-expanding line up of battery electric vehicles. Closely related to the EV3, the EV4 slots just above its subcompact sibling and offers a more affordable fastback design compared to the larger and more expensive EV6 crossover. 

Kia has kept the EV4 range simple with just two trim options: either the Light Long Range 2WD or GT-Line 2WD. Both models are mechanically identical; they use the same 150kW front-mounted motor and long-range battery. So, your decision mostly comes down to specification and styling rather than driving performance.

The Light LR starts at $63,990, while the GT-Line comes in at $75,990 (a $12,000 jump). That extra money isn’t getting you any extra power or range – in fact it’s less range. Essentially, you’re paying for the GT-Line’s sportier look and a little extra kit.

That makes the Light LR the value pick on paper and puts the onus on the GT-Line to justify its premium price tag.

The EV4 is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, sending 150kW and 283Nm to the front wheels. It is far from performance focused, but Kia does quote an acceptable 0–100km/h time of 7.7 seconds.

For daily driving, the EV4 is a good fit. It merges onto the motorway confidently and overtakes without fuss. Around town it feels responsive, even if it’s a long way from pinning you to the back of the seat.

Paired with a 81.4kWh lithium-ion NCM battery, and a rated consumption of just 14.4kWh/100km, you get a claimed range of up to 633km for the Light LR and 612km for the GT Line, which are impressive figures for a compact EV.

Of course, real-world driving may not reach those figures, but at least on paper the EV4 looks capable of big distances without inducing range anxiety.

The EV4 supports a DC charging rate up to 128kW, which is enough to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes. It’s not class leading, but still manages to be more than acceptable for daily use and overnight charging. 

The EV4 features a lower roofline and longer wheelbase than its EV3 cousin. This increases on-road stability and legroom in the back, but headroom is compromised due to the sloping roofline and sunroof in the GT-Line.

The low-slung nose and long tail give the EV4 a sleek silhouette, and generates low aerodynamic drag – Kia quotes a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd. The vertical headlamps, oblong design elements, and corner-mounted roof spoilers – while not to everyone’s taste – is characteristic of Kia’s unique and bold EV design philosophy.

At 490-litres, boot space is decent, but access is limited thanks to the comically small boot lid. It would make more sense to have the entire rear windscreen and boot open like most fastbacks.

Inside, the cabin reinforces the EV4’s sensible and driver-focused approach. It features a 29.6-inch panoramic display that combines the instrument cluster, infotainment system and climate controls in one screen. Thankfully, Kia has avoided touchscreen-only controls and included physical buttons to control the temperature and fan speed.

The EV4 receives a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes loaded with Kia’s reliable driver-assist suite. It feels well calibrated and supportive without being aggressive – the lane guidance gently nudges you back instead of snapping at the wheel.

The EV4 delivers a solid option for anyone looking for an electric fastback with decent range and a unique design. The price difference between the two versions is still hard to wrap our heads around, but if you can live with the unique design, the EV4 is a well-rounded electric option that's slightly quirky, yet quietly confident.