This story includes speculative renderings that are neither related to nor endorsed by Kia.
Kia is already an established player in the EV market, having introduced electric versions of the Soul and Niro, as well as dedicated electric models such as the EV6 crossover and the larger EV9 SUV. However, the Korean automaker has several new EVs in development, including the EV4 which is expected to compete in the subcompact SUV segment. This model will primarily cater to the needs of European buyers, and is intended to serve as a new entry point into Kia’s zero-emission range, at least before the smaller EV3 enters the market.
Kia has been tight-lipped about details regarding its upcoming EVs, aside from a vague group shot teaser released in 2021. However, as the automaker’s naming convention suggests, the EV4 will be a lot smaller than the EV6 (which measures 4,680 mm or 184.3 inches in length) as well as the upcoming production version of the EV5 concept. Reading between the lines, the EV4 will likely have a similar footprint to the second-gen Soul EV that debuted back in 2018 and the Seltos.
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Although there are no spy shots of the upcoming EV4 yet, our sources have created a speculative rendering based on rumors and using Kia’s styling language, “Opposites United.” The resulting vehicle takes cues from the larger EV6, such as the windowline, taillights that connect to the rear fenders, and profile surfacing. However, it has a less futuristic appearance than the EV9 flagship, with a front fascia reminiscent of the ICE-powered Carens. We can expect the EV4 to offer sportier GT-Line and GT trims, which have been popular with buyers in the past.
It’s expected that the interior of the Kia EV4 will feature a digital cockpit with dual screens housed in the same panel, similar to the setup found in the Kia Sportage. The company may also incorporate sustainable materials for the upholstery, as many of its rivals have done in this segment. Additionally, the electric platform of the EV4 will allow for similar interior space despite having a smaller footprint than some of its competitors, making efficient use of the available space.
Platform And Powertrains
Like all of the new zero-emission models from Hyundai and Kia , the upcoming EV4 is expected to ride on the dedicated E-GMP architecture. This platform will enable the crossover to borrow the 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh battery pack options from the larger EV6, providing a competitive range. Similarly, the single electric motor of the entry-level EV6 that produces 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque sounds like a great fit for the segment.
In terms of technology, the Kia EV4 is expected to come equipped with the latest version of Kia’s ADAS suite, which is called “AutoMode.” Additionally, the model will likely be compatible with over-the-air updates (OTA) and software-enabled feature-on-demand (FoD) services, which will be available at a cost. These features were first announced on the EV9 SUV flagship and are set to become available across the entire range in the coming years.
If rumors are true, the Kia EV4 is expected to debut as one of the new zero-emission models towards the end of 2023 or sometime in the first half of 2024. As a result, we should begin to see camouflaged prototypes of the EV wearing a production body in the near future. In addition to Kia, Volkswagen is also working on a smaller, fully electric SUV that is slated to debut prior to 2026.
