Kia EV4 – an Air-raising proposition

EYE-CATCHING electrics have become a hallmark of Kia cars in recent times – they look futuristic, stand out from the crowd and they represent value for money.

And the new EV4, which sits between the smaller EV3 and larger EV6 in the Korean brand’s fast expanding electric line-up, is one of those models.

It is also a very interesting one in that as a hatchback with sharp lines, distinctive lighting and chunky appeal it is pitched as an alternative to the ever-growing army of electric SUVs.

Through a combination of comfort, equipment and sensible practicality it has collected some significant recognition, including Family Car winner at the 2026 UK Car of the Year Awards while achieving a maximum five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating.

Our tested standard range EV4 Air model featuring a 58.3kWh battery, providing a range of up to 273 miles, represents good value for money at the bottom end of the model line-up but it isn’t necessarily the one that makes the most sense.

This power pack develops 201bhp and drives the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission and can reach 62mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds.

That’s more than enough for most daily driving, but the range figure does expose the biggest weakness of this particular EV4.

For around £3,000 more, Kia offers another Air model – with considerably larger 81.4kWh battery – which can travel up to 388 miles between charges, and for anyone regularly hitting the motorways  that’s a tempting upgrade.

Otherwise the smaller-battery EV4 is perfectly adequate – quiet, smooth and comfortable with enough performance to make overtaking slower traffic entirely stress-free.

Kia has also concentrated on making it a relaxing car rather than a sporty one, and that suits its character. The steering is light and the suspension does a good job of smoothing out most of our less-than-perfect roads.

Inside, the EV4 is pretty impressive with a modern, high-tech dashboard dominated by a 12.3-inch driver display and large central touchscreen plus standard kit like smartphone connectivity, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and a generous selection of safety and driver-assistance tech.

There’s also decent space for a family with plenty of rear-seat legroom, including in the centre rear position, and the 435-litre boot should swallow the weekly shop, luggage and family sports gear.

On the downside, some of the plastics don’t feel as expensive as the dashboard looks, while the multitude of screens, controls and menus can make the cabin feel unnecessarily complicated.

Charging is reasonably brisk rather than class-leading at around 29 minutes for a 10-80 per cent charge using a suitably powerful DC rapid charger or about eight hours from empty to full on a standard home wallbox.

But the EV4’s real strength is the overall package. It is stylish without being OTT, comfortable without being wallowy, quick without being unnecessarily sporty and well kitted out at a competitive price. You also get Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

At £34,745the EV4 Air 58.3kWh represents good value, particularly for drivers who mainly undertake shorter journeys and can charge at home. The attractive Blue Flame paint is another £650.

But if the added cost of the 81.4kWh version is manageable, then it’s worth stretching the budget as that extra range transforms the EV4 from a very good family EV into a much more convincing long-distance proposition.