The Kia EV4 is the first non-SUV model in the Korean brand’s electric lineup, and the first one that Kia produces in Europe in its hatchback version. A very interesting car, perhaps a bit expensive.
Kia EV4 Hatchback: our tops & flops
The Kia EV4 stands out for its spacious and well-designed cabin, offering plenty of room even for five passengers, without compromising comfort—especially for the middle rear seat. The absence of a central tunnel and the presence of climate vents, USB ports, and multiple storage compartments enhance practicality and the overall sense of airiness, further reinforced by a slim dashboard and a well-organized central area between the front seats. The infotainment system is intuitive thanks to the 12.3-inch main display, supported by large physical buttons, although the smaller screen dedicated to climate controls is partially obscured and awkward to use. Some ergonomic choices are less convincing, such as the gear selector hidden behind the steering wheel and the parking brake control positioned out of reach for passengers in emergencies. The boot capacity is good at 435 liters, though it lacks more practical solutions like a front trunk, and the parcel shelf is not particularly user-friendly.
From a design standpoint, the EV4 has strong character, with sharp lines and distinctive styling cues, although certain elements—like the exposed front headlights—may be vulnerable in everyday use. On the road, the car feels agile and responsive, with engaging handling, but this is somewhat undermined by a steering system that lacks precision. The different driving modes allow the vehicle’s behavior to be adjusted, while the regenerative braking system, which is easy to modulate and includes a one-pedal function, enhances usability, especially in urban traffic.
In terms of efficiency and charging, the EV4 delivers a solid real-world range of around 500 km under mixed driving conditions, which drops to roughly 300 km on highways in cold weather—figures that remain competitive for the segment. The charging experience is also a strong point: the car is capable of reaching peak charging speeds of up to 150 kW, and notably, it can achieve this even in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring consistent performance and reduced charging times in winter conditions.
However, when it comes to comfort, the sound insulation is not entirely convincing: at higher speeds, aerodynamic noise is clearly noticeable, making the car feel relatively noisy compared to expectations for this segment.
Prices in Denmark
Cabin Comfort and Interior Design
The first impression stepping inside is one of deliberate simplicity. The dashboard layout prioritizes space and airiness rather than technological maximalism. Its minimal design, aided by the absence of a traditional center console, creates a refreshingly open feel in the front seats. The two-seat arrangement benefits considerably from this approach, with easy access to multiple storage solutions and a thoughtfully positioned center armrest that houses a phone charging pad and numerous cubby spaces.
What truly impresses is the rear seating arrangement. Three passengers fit across the bench without compromise—the middle seat receives equal treatment from climate vents, USB ports, and foot space with no intrusive tunnel. This is particularly valuable for European buyers who frequently accommodate extra passengers on short urban journeys. The comfortable cushioning extends across all seats, though the center rear position lacks the lateral support of outboard positions.
The dashboard itself tells a story of restraint. Large, tactile buttons occupy the central control area, governing the infotainment system with straightforward logic. A 12.3-inch central display handles primary functions with clarity, flanked by smaller screens for climate control and instrument cluster. The 5.3-inch climate screen, however, sits partially hidden behind the steering wheel—a ergonomic compromise that becomes apparent during operation.
The trunk proves capacious at 435 liters with seats in use, featuring a practical dual-floor design that conceals the charging cables from view. The hatchback opening is generous and the cargo area well-proportioned for daily shopping and weekend trips. One minor frustration: the headliner rises minimally, making it easy to strike it while loading items or attaching roof racks. The absence of an under-bonnet storage compartment, common in many competitors, represents a small deficit.
A design with a lot of personality
Visually, the EV4 doesn’t apologize for its compact dimensions. Muscular bodywork, taut lines, and a distinctive dark accent stripe running the perimeter give it presence disproportionate to its size. A vertical black profile spanning the rear pillars and roof creates visual continuity and adds geometric interest from the side profile.
The front end deserves particular comment. Short overhangs and a sharp downward slope meet an aggressive face dominated by vertically-oriented headlights positioned at the corners of the bodywork. These lights are visually striking but practically vulnerable—positioned as they are, even minor parking contact risks damage. This represents a design-first approach that prioritizes aesthetics over durability, a choice that might frustrate owners in tight urban environments.
Driving Character and Handling
The five-door European specification represents a unique variant, and Kia calibrated the dynamic behavior specifically for European preferences. The result is a car that responds promptly to steering inputs with well-controlled body roll. The rear axle behavior adds breadth to cornering lines—a characteristic that requires driver adaptation but ultimately aids entry to turns. Agility is genuine, though the steering itself lacks the precision expected in a vehicle that otherwise demonstrates good handling manners.
The multiple driving modes reflect modern EV philosophy. Sport mode stiffens the steering (though without significantly improving feedback) and sharpens throttle response with an almost aggressive character. Normal and Eco modes offer progressively softer power delivery. Snow mode optimizes traction on slippery surfaces, while a customizable My Drive mode allows independent adjustment of steering weight and motor response characteristics.
A truly practical feature is the regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle switches to three intensity levels. The one-pedal driving mode—where liftoff decelerates the car to a complete stop without brake pedal input—proves genuinely useful in congested traffic, reducing pedal work and smoothing the driving experience.
The brake pedal itself deserves praise for its modularity, responding naturally to varying inputs without the abruptness common in many electric vehicles. At motorway speeds, the cabin remains effectively insulated from wind and road noise—a significant comfort factor that speaks to Kia’s material choices and acoustic treatment.
