Comment The EV4 is Kia’s Model 3 moment. Pitched as an affordable electric sedan, it promises a comfortable, spacious, and tech-laden experience without breaking the bank. That’s the idea, anyway. With the threat of U.S. tariffs looming and EV tax credits in jeopardy, it’s hard to say whether the Kia EV4 will make good on its promises. But after spending a few hours behind the wheel in South Korea, one thing is certain: the EV4 is a serious player with lots of potential. 2026 Kia EV4 Sedan Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 Then there’s the ride. While the Model 3 handles well, I’ve never been impressed by its comfort. On a curvy back road, I’d take the Tesla. But anywhere else, the Kia has it beat on comfort and relaxation. The EV4 is far more pleasant on uneven roads, and while it’s a bit more wallowy around corners, I actually prefer that in my daily driver. Power delivery from the single, front-mounted motor isn’t as strong as the Model 3, so if outright grunt is important to you, you might be disappointed. But being an EV, the Kia still has plenty of punch down low, where it really matters. 3. The Kia EV4 Is A High-Tech Powerhouse EVs are sometimes stuffed with gimmicky features that their owners will seldom use. Thankfully, Kia’s been mindful about the type of tech offered on the EV4, resulting in some compelling gear. And that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, at long last on this family of EVs. You can also lock, unlock, and start the vehicle using a smartphone or smartwatch. Kia’s new iPedal 3.0 system comes standard, allowing the driver to adjust regenerative braking force with the paddles on the steering wheel. It is now smarter than ever, incorporating GPS and sensor data to better scan the road ahead and automatically deliver the level of braking you need under any circumstance. It can also be used to help autonomously navigate through low-speed traffic. While that might sound like a set-and-forget function, I found myself using it constantly to slow or accelerate the car in traffic, without having to touch the pedals. It’s the type of thing you’ll use way more than you think. 2026 Kia EV4 Sedan Interior 4 Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 Kia added Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to the EV4, unlocking the ability to power useful items without a generator or power domestic appliances in the case of a power outage. There’s also a digital key function, enabling owners to lock, unlock, and start the EV4 using a smartphone or smartwatch. You can assign up to 15 devices to one car, which is nice if you have a big family or plan to use the EV4 as a fleet vehicle. Perhaps the most gimmicky feature is a new “Theater Mode,” which lets users stream video to the 12.3-inch touchscreen, pumping sound through the car’s stereo system. It’s nice to have, seeing as how the charging times are a bit longer here than other Kia and Hyundai EVs. Except, EV4s sold in North America won’t have this feature due to “regulatory” reasons, according to Kia. Bummer. 2026 Kia EV4: Early Verdict In all, the EV4 is a compelling package that buyers should be excited about. After driving one, I’m certain I’d have it over a Model 3, and probably over a few other similarly priced EVs. But one question remains: How much? 2026 Kia EV4 Sedan