Kia Rolls Out More Affordable EV4 at NY Auto Show

Kia continued its aggressive roll-out of battery-electric vehicles with the launch of the new EV4 at the New York International Auto Show. With a range of up to 330 miles per charge, the compact EV will become the brand’s new all-electric price leader. The automaker also rolled out a special version of its big EV9, the Nightfall Edition. Headlight.News has more.

Few automakers have done more to plug into the emerging battery-electric vehicle market, Kia rolling out its latest entry at this week’s New York International Auto Show.

First shown in concept form at the 2023 LA Auto Show, the EV4 picks up on many of the design cues of the bigger Kia EV6, and offers similar range in its most efficient trim, as much as 330 miles per charge. But it is set to become the more affordable model in the Korean carmaker’s all-electric line-up – though the new Trump tariffs on auto imports could add several thousand dollars to its eventual price tag.

The EV4 made its debut Wednesday during the annual auto show’s media preview – and it had company, Kia also rolling out a special edition for its biggest all-electric model, the EV9, as well as a hatchback version of its gas-powered K4.

What’s new – EV4

“The EV4 makes all-electric ownership accessible for those customers who are seeking a more practical and affordable option on the EV landscape while still desiring an advanced, technology-driven in-car experience,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America.

The new Kia battery-electric vehicle will be offered in three trims, Light, Wind and GT-Line, with two battery pack options delivering as much as 330 miles per charge. For now, EV4 will be offered only with a single, front-mounted motor. It remains to be seen if an all-wheel-drive version might follow.

Like its bigger sibling, the new EV4 puts an emphasis on technology, including dual 12.3-inch displays, along with a 5-inch touchscreen for climate control functions.

Design

In concept form, the EV4 prototype closely resembled the bigger, more expensive EV6 crossover, albeit with a lower stance and a more coupe-like roofline. The show car maintained the brand’s EV signatures, including a sealed grille and the brand’s “Star Map” lighting.

In production form, it doesn’t stray far, designers adopting the brand’s latest “Opposites United” styling theme. It picks up Kia’s map lightning, now used across the brand’s EV line-up, but adopts a new take on Kia’s long-running Tiger Nose grille. Twin vertical taillights and an integrated spoiler distinguish EV4’s back end. Depending upon the package, the battery-crossover features 17 or 19-inch wheels. The GT-Lin adopts a more sporty look than the base and mid-level trims.

Inside, there’s an open layout with a two-spoke wheel and those three digital displays dominating the instrument panel. Taking advantage of the e-GMP architecture, a skateboard-like platform with batteries and key drivetrain components housed under the load floor, the Kia EV4 offers near class-above cabin roominess.

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Powertrain

EV4 will offer a variety of powertrain configurations.

That starts with two battery packs: a standard 58.3 kWh battery in the Light trim, or a long-range 81.4 kWh battery for the Wind and GT-Line. The standard pack delivers an estimated 235 miles between charges, the long-range alternative up to 330 miles.

For now, at least, EV4 will be offered only in single-motor, front-wheel-drive configuration. It hasn’t released torque or horsepower figures yet.

The 400-volt electrical architecture permits relatively quick charging – about 29 minutes to go from 10 to 80% with the standard battery at a DC quick charger, 31 minutes with the long-range pack.

EV9 Nightfall Edition

Kia also rolled out a new version of its biggest EV9 in New York. The 2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition delivers both unique design details and improved performance.

The Nightfall package Increases torque from 443 lb.-ft. to 516 lb.-ft. while cutting 0-60 launch times to 4.5 second.

It adds a variety of gloss black exterior touches, as well as new interior stitching and a black-accented interior scheme.

Availability and pricing

Pricing for both EV4 and EV9 Nightfall Edition will be announced closer to their on-sale dates. Like other automakers, Kia is racing to figure out the impact of the new Trump administration automotive tariffs.’

The EV9 Nightfall Edition will reach U.S. showrooms by the end of this quarter.

Expect the 2026 Kia EV4 to go on sale early next year.