Kia EV4 Review | Kia's new electric hatchback

Read Caroline’s Kia EV4 review for everything you need to know about buying Kia’s new electric car in Ireland.

Kia has been going from strength to strength in the Irish market with family favourites like the Sportage and Sorento selling well, along with the all-electric Kia EV3 and EV6.

Both of the latter feature among Ireland’s top five bestselling EVs. Kia is also the 2nd bestselling electric vehicle brand. That success didn’t happen overnight and is the result of years of steady progress, from early EV models like the Soul and Niro, to the acclaimed EV6 and EV3 crossovers.

In fact, Kia now sells more electric cars than petrol, diesel or hybrid models. The latest to arrive is the new Kia EV4, an electric hatchback retailing from €39,940.

Kia EV4 Design

The new EV4 brings something fresh to the brand’s EV line-up. While the EV3 and EV6 are both crossovers, the EV4 takes the form of an electric hatchback. It’s a sleek and sporty alternative to an SUV that broadens Kia’s electric appeal and rivals the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech with considerable style.

Visually, it carries a mini EV6 vibe, complete with Kia’s striking ‘Star Map’ lighting signature and smooth surfacing that gives it plenty of presence. The Wolf Grey paint option looks particularly smart.

17-inch alloy wheels come as standard on the entry level Earth 2 and everything else (Earth 3 and GT Line) get 19-inch. The GT Line also adds gloss black trim to the exterior for even more style.

The EV4 is also offered as a fastback with a saloon-like boot, but the hatchback is arguably the nicer option.

Kia EV4 Interior 

The EV4 shares its platform, batteries and motors with the EV3, but feels a little more upmarket inside in terms of the material quality and two-tone colour schemes. Equipment levels and seat upholsteries do differ depending on trim level, with the GT Line being the most salubrious. GT Line models also come with a unique three-spoke steering wheel, as well as sunroof, ventilated front seats and fully reclining relaxation seats for both driver and passenger.

Standard features are otherwise generous, including a reversing camera, heated seats and heated steering wheel. From Earth 3 upwards you also get wireless smartphone charging.

The digital driver display blends seamlessly into the touchscreen, which is crisp and easy to use. There is a row of shortcut buttons underneath and a few real buttons for the climate control. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are also included.

There’s loads of storage including two large cupholders.

Practicality

The EV4 has more rear legroom than in the EV3, and adult passengers can really stretch out. Other features include USB-C ports and an armrest.

There are Isofix points on the two outer seats.

Boot space is 435 litres in the hatchback, which is slightly smaller than the EV3’s but still larger than what you’ll find in a Volkswagen ID.3. A powered tailgate is included from Earth 3 upwards.

What is the range of the Kia EV4?

The EV4 is offered with choice of two battery options: Standard Range (58.3 kWh) with up to 440 km of range and the Long Range (81.4 kWh) offering up to 625 km.

Driving

On test was the GT Line Long Range with up to 584 km of range, 204hp and 0–100km/h in 7.7 seconds. Power goes to the front wheels, and the lower stance compared to the EV3 gives it a sportier, more connected feel on the road. Kia has also tuned it for European roads, and it shows. The EV4 feels natural and agile on the road, with nicely weighted steering.

The drive mode button on the steering wheel and paddles for the regenerative braking add to the sense of control, with one-pedal drive available too.

The EV4 is generally smooth and comfortable, though it does ride a tad firm so you feel any crevices or joints in the tarmac as you go over them. There is also some road noise at high speeds.

A heat pump is standard on long range models, helping efficiency in colder weather. During my time with the car, I averaged between 16-17kWh per 100 kilometres, which indicates a real world range in excess of 480 kilometres.

Charging the Kia EV4

Charging speeds are competitive. Using a fast DC charger, the EV4 can go from 10–80% in around 30 minutes (128 kW DC), while home or workplace AC charging can be done at 11 kW.

There’s also battery pre-conditioning, and the GT Line adds Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, with future readiness for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) applications.

Kia EV4 Video Review

Pricing

The standard range (58.3kWh) is available from €39,940 and that’s Earth 2 only with up to 440km of range. The long range (81.4kWh) offers up to 625km and is available in Earth 2 (€43,275), Earth 3 (€46,175) and GT Line (€51,250).

Verdict

The Kia EV4 is a strong addition to Kia’s electric family: stylish, well-equipped and enjoyable to drive. It might not be cheap, but the sense of quality and completeness makes it feel worth the money.

Kia has clearly mastered the electric formula, and the EV4 shows how far the brand has come. While in time it may not match the sales volume of SUVs like the EV3 or Sportage, the EV4 could easily become a quiet favourite for those who prefer a sleeker, more driver-focused hatchback.

There’s also the upcoming K4, a petrol-powered successor to the Ceed, starting from around €31,500, but if you’re ready to go fully electric, the EV4 is a great option.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year