2026 Kia EV4 GT-Line Review: Handling Like an Audi e-tron GT, but for One-Fifth the Price

Electric sedans seemed like a sure bet a year ago, but the situation has changed. Back in October last year, Kia planned to produce and sell the fully electric EV4 in the United States to compete with the popular Tesla Model 3.

However, the American EV market now looks significantly different than at the start of 2025, largely due to the Trump administration’s policies aimed at supporting internal combustion engines and the cancellation of the federal tax credit for electric vehicles. This forced Kia to indefinitely postpone the EV4’s launch in the US. While the States won’t get it, at least for now, the EV4 has already appeared in several markets, including Australia.

To figure out whether the States are missing out on an exceptional electric sedan, or perhaps better off without it, we spent a week with it. Unfortunately for our American readers, they are missing out on the chance to evaluate a very competitive EV.

Key Specifications of the Kia EV4 GT-Line

Design and Interior: Futuristic, but Not for Everyone

While in many ways the EV4 is similar to other modern Kia EVs, it also has unique features. It is designed in two body styles: sedan and hatchback. Australia gets only the sedan, which was also planned for the US.

Underpinning the EV4 is the familiar E-GMP platform from Hyundai, but here it uses a 400-volt system, not the 800-volt one found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6. The downside to this is slower charging: the maximum DC charging power is 128 kW. On the other hand, the cheaper platform allowed Kia to make the EV4 more affordable. Prices start at AU$49,990 for the base Air Standard Range version and reach AU$64,690 for the tested GT-Line Long Range version.

For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 starts at AU$54,900, and the BYD Seal at AU$46,990.

The EV4’s cabin is similar to other Kia models but has unique elements. Key features include two 12.3-inch screens and a smaller 5.0-inch display for climate control. There are physical switches for seat heating and ventilation, as well as wireless smartphone charging.

The surfaces look a bit more premium than in the EV5. The GT-Line seats have soft headrests and a one-touch recline mode. They can be lowered very low, providing ample space for tall drivers.

The drawbacks of the sedan shape are felt in the second row. If you are over 180 cm tall, your hair might touch the ceiling. There is almost no legroom if the front seat is lowered. In the rear, there are air vents, but no temperature or fan speed controls.

Trunk volume is 490 liters. Both rear seats fold down, creating a large opening for carrying long items.

Driving Impressions: Premium-Level Comfort

Given the EV4’s specifications, don’t expect sporty performance from it, even in the GT-Line version. However, it feels as confident and polished to drive as its competitors, as well as some more expensive electric offerings from Hyundai, including the Ioniq 6.

The EV4’s main advantage is not its powertrain or efficiency, but its exceptional ride quality. Like all Kia models for Australia, the EV4 underwent thorough local testing to tune the suspension so it perfectly smooths out bumps on the country’s often poor roads.

It’s not an adjustable system, but it doesn’t need adjustments. It is simply perfect and one of the most comfortable I’ve driven in recent times. Potholes and speed bumps cease to be a problem. The ride quality is almost on par with the Audi e-tron GT, which can cost five times as much.

Despite having less power compared to the EV5, the EV4 does not suffer from torque steer when the accelerator is floored. It’s not very fast (0-100 km/h takes about 8 seconds), but it never feels underpowered.

It’s a shame the GT-Line doesn’t have a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, like the cheaper BYD Seal Performance. Kia has introduced a GT version of the EV4 with two motors producing 282 hp, but one would like to see such a powertrain in the GT-Line, considering the price.

On the positive side is efficiency. Over a week of testing, the average consumption was 14.3 kWh/100 km, giving a real-world range of about 550 km. The steering is well-calibrated, and the brakes have smooth and predictable action. Despite the lack of performance focus, the EV4 handles surprisingly well thanks to its Goodyear tires.

Verdict

While the Kia EV4 looks a bit odd, that doesn’t diminish the fact that it is precisely what an electric sedan in this price category should be. It is exceptionally efficient, cheaper than many competitors, and offers the confidence of buying from a well-known brand with an extensive dealer network. Its ride quality is its main advantage, the cabin is well-equipped, and the range is sufficient. If it were based on an 800-volt architecture with faster charging, it would be hard to criticize. It’s a pity it won’t be sold in the US.

It is worth noting that Kia’s decision not to launch the EV4 in the US market is a telling example of how changing regulatory policies can impact global automotive strategies. Although the model proved highly competitive in the Australian market, where it offers excellent value for money, American consumers looking for an affordable and comfortable EV have temporarily lost an interesting alternative. It also underscores how important government incentives are for the mass adoption of electric vehicles, and how their absence can force manufacturers to reconsider their plans.