If you’ve followed Kia’s electric adventures, you’ll know the brand’s been on a roll. First came the sleek EV6, then the big, plush EV9, and most recently the compact and clever EV3.
Like Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth record, Kia doesn’t need a flashy name for its fourth outing; the EV4, a mid-sized electric hatchback, lets its performance do the talking.
It arrives as a refreshingly normal-looking alternative in a world obsessed with SUVs. And while normal might sound dull, the EV4 is anything but. It’s efficient, surprisingly practical, and, crucially, bold.
Walking up to the EV4, it’s immediately clear Kia isn’t afraid of doing things differently. The styling borrows the ‘Opposites United’ design language seen on the EV6 and EV9, but tightens it into a more compact, almost architectural shape. The long bonnet, squared-off flanks and vertical ‘star map’ headlights give it a purposeful stance.
It’s not conventionally pretty, and the Fastback version verges well into awkward territory with its extended rear overhang and narrow boot opening, but the hatchback’s proportions just work. It’s brave rather than beautiful, with design boss Karim Habib even admitting it’s polarising. He’s right, but I’ll take distinctive over dull any day.
Inside the EV4
There’s a quiet confidence inside the EV4. It feels solidly built, from the way the doors shut with a reassuring thud to the weighty click of the steering wheel buttons. It’s a calm, minimalist space that borrows much from the EV3, so there are clean surfaces, a sensible layout, and materials that feel durable without being joyless.
A wide twin-screen setup dominates the dash, flanked by a separate strip of physical climate controls and shortcut buttons that make day-to-day use pleasingly simple. Even Kia’s driver-assist systems, which can be a tad over-enthusiastic at times, now have one-touch disable buttons for anyone tired of their car nagging them.
Visibility is good, and space up front is generous, although GT-Line S models with the panoramic roof have only enough headroom for an average height man. In the back, legroom borders on limousine-like thanks to the stretched wheelbase, though headroom is again only average.
Boot space is an EV4 strength. Sort of. There’s 435 litres of space in the hatch, which is more than you’ll find in a Volkswagen ID3 or Cupra Born, and there’s an adjustable floor to flatten the load area. The Fastback’s boot is even bigger, at 490 litres, but the narrow bootlid opening, the high sill, and the long but very shallow space mean it’s going to be difficult to squeeze even one suitcase in, let alone two.
On the road
Kia’s electric cars tend to get the basics spot on, and the EV4 is no exception. Power comes from a 204hp motor driving the front wheels, which provides enough poke to make overtakes easy and junctions drama-free, but not so much torque that you’re constantly fighting for traction.
Performance feels brisk rather than fast, the 0–62mph dash taking about 7.5 seconds. It’s responsive and smooth, with none of the twitchiness that plagued older electric Kias. Four levels of regenerative braking are available, selectable via paddles behind the steering wheel, and the strongest mode allows near one-pedal driving in traffic.
What Kia hasn’t got right is the transition from electric regenerative braking to physical braking from the discs. There’s an obvious and awkward change as the switch is made that unsettles the calm in the cabin.
The EV4 rides on a suspension setup designed for comfort first. On the smaller 17-inch wheels fitted to the entry-level Air trim, it glides over broken tarmac with an easy suppleness. Step up to the GT-Line’s 19s, and the ride becomes a touch firmer and noisier, though still composed at speed. There’s a hint of bounce over repeated bumps, but the EV4’s refinement is otherwise impressive.
Handling is safe and predictable. The steering is well weighted but light on feel, meaning it’s secure rather than fun, something keen drivers may notice compared with the Cupra Born. But as a long-distance family companion, it’s excellent. You settle in, turn on the sound system to ‘Going to California’ rather than ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ and just waft.
Kia EV4 range and charging
The EV4’s two battery options cover most use cases. The standard 58.3kWh pack is good for an official 273 miles, while the 81.4kWh long-range version claims up to 388 miles.
Real-world figures are equally encouraging. During testing on mixed UK roads, I averaged 4.6 miles per kWh, which translates to 374 miles of range — just a handful of miles short of the official range, although the roads were easy and the drive gentle.
Charging speeds top out at 127kW, meaning a 10–80% top-up takes around half an hour. That’s not headline-grabbing, but matches rivals like the ID3 and MG4. Only Kia’s larger, 800-volt models (EV6, EV9) offer faster charging, but in everyday life, it’s unlikely to make much difference.
Kia EV4 trims and pricing
Kia keeps it simple. The range starts with the Air (£34,695 with the 58.3kWh battery, or £37,695 with the 81.4kWh pack), followed by the GT-Line (£39,395) and GT-Line S (£43,895), both with the larger battery. You’ll pay £1,500 more for the fastback version.
Even the base model gets heated seats, a heated steering wheel, twin 12.3-inch screens, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. GT-Line adds bigger wheels, a sportier look, faux-leather upholstery, and wireless phone charging, while GT-Line S brings premium touches like a sunroof, powered tailgate, and Harman Kardon audio.
The sweet spot? My money would go on the EV4 Air Long Range — it rides better, goes further, and still packs every feature most drivers actually need.
Kia EV4: Average Joes verdict
The Kia EV4 isn’t the most exciting electric hatchback on sale, but it might be the most complete. It’s comfortable, efficient, well built and genuinely family-friendly.
If you’re drawn to electric SUVs but secretly miss the grounded feel of a hatchback, this is the perfect middle ground. It’s the sensible choice that doesn’t feel sensible. Like Led Zeppelin’s famous fourth album, it shows the band’s still got it.
Tested: Kia EV4 GT-Line
Price: £39,395
Average Joes rating: ★★★★☆
Tested: Kia EV4 Fastback GT-Line S
Price: £45,395
Average Joes rating: ★★★☆☆
He is the founder of Huff Media, publisher of Professional Pickup, Professional Van, Average Janes, Average Joes, and CALIBRE. His work focuses primarily on light commercial vehicles, pickups, and real-world vehicle use, with much of his time spent on manufacturer launches, industry events, and long-term vehicle testing.