Kia confirmed that its new compact electric sedan, the EV4, will be coming to the U.S. market in late 2025. It’s designed to compete with models like the Chevy Equinox EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf, and Toyota bZ4X. The announcement follows Kia’s recent global reveal of the EV4 sedan and hatchback at the 2025 Kia EV Day. However, the hatchback version will be limited to European markets.
Although Kia operates under Hyundai’s corporate umbrella, the EV4 is not a direct counterpart to the Hyundai Ioniq 6. While similar in width and height, the EV4 is about five inches shorter in overall length and wheelbase. Additionally, unlike the Ioniq 6’s rear-wheel-drive layout, the EV4 features a front-wheel-drive powertrain.
The EV4 will launch with a single-motor setup, producing 201 horsepower. The automaker claims the vehicle will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 106 mph.
Kia will offer two battery configurations: a standard 58.3-kWh pack and a larger 81.4-kWh long-range option. While official EPA estimates are still pending, Kia’s internal testing suggests a range of approximately 267 miles with the smaller battery and up to 391 miles with the larger pack under the European WLTP test cycle. U.S. range estimates are expected to be slightly lower.
Charging capabilities include DC fast charging that can replenish the long-range battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 31 minutes. In global markets, Kia has announced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bidirectional charging functionality, which could power homes during outages. However, the U.S. model will be limited to vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, allowing the EV4 to power small electrical appliances and tools.
The EV4 will come equipped with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of driver assistance technologies. While the complete list of standard features is yet to be confirmed, some of the most notable highlights include:
- Semi-Autonomous Driving: Highway Driving Assist 2, Kia’s hands-on semi-autonomous driving system
- Parking Assistance: Autonomous parking capabilities, 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors
- Driver Assistance and Safety: Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot intervention, blind spot cameras, and rear cross-traffic alert
Inside, the EV4 will feature a 30-inch digital dashboard, integrating a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. An eight-speaker sound system comes standard, with an optional Harman/Kardon upgrade.
The EV4 will also support AI-powered voice controls, over-the-air software updates, and entertainment streaming options such as YouTube and Netflix through Kia’s Theatre Mode.
The targeted starting price ranges between the mid-to-high $30,000 range and is positioned as an affordable entry into the EV segment while offering a sedan alternative to the growing number of electric crossovers. The vehicle is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in late 2025, with additional details on trims, pricing, and official EPA range ratings to be announced closer to launch.
