YOU don’t have to look very far to see where the market has gone.
SUVs dominate just about every segment now, each one a little taller, a little heavier and often a little less engaging to drive than the cars they’ve replaced. The Kia EV4 takes a different route.
Rather than following the crowd, it steps slightly to one side. It’s lower, more compact and closer in spirit to a traditional hatchback – but with just enough crossover influence to keep it relevant. The result is something that feels refreshingly normal in a sea of overstyled alternatives.
The version tested here is the entry point into the range – the EV4 ‘Air’ with the larger 81.4kWh battery. On paper, it might look like the sensible option because despite sitting at the bottom of the range, it lacks very little.
Overview
The EV4 represents something of a shift for Kia.
It’s the brand’s first electric car in this hatchback space, bringing EV power to a part of the market that has traditionally been defined by cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
Built on Kia’s E-GMP platform, but adapted for a lower, more conventional bodystyle, the EV4 offers a choice of two battery sizes. The car driven here uses the larger 81.4kWh unit, paired with a single front-mounted motor producing 201bhp and 283Nm of torque.
Performance is respectable rather than dramatic. A 0–62mph time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 105mph put it firmly in the “more than enough” category.
Where it really makes its case is range. With a WLTP figure of up to 388 miles, it’s one of the longest-range EVs Kia currently offers – and a figure that makes it genuinely usable for longer journeys.
From my home in Fife, I could get down to Manchester to visit family and still have almost 100 miles to ‘do the running around’ before I needed to think about a re-charge for the journey home. Range anxiety be-gone!
The range structure itself is refreshingly straightforward. It starts with the ‘Air’ model, available with either a 58.3kWh battery or the larger 81.4kWh version tested here, priced from £35,495 OTR. From there, it moves up to the Motion for £38,995 and onto the GT-Line and GT-Line S trims, both paired with the larger battery and priced at £39,445 and £43,945 respectively. Add £900 for a heat-pump.
There’s also a Fastback variant, offering a slightly different silhouette while following a similar trim hierarchy – I can’t decide whether the rear-end looks cool or clumsy, though. Expect to pay upwards of an extra £1,000 for the privilege.
However, what stands out is how little you feel you’re missing in this entry-level ‘Air’ model. While the higher trims bring added visual flair and a few extra convenience features, the fundamentals – range, technology, comfort and usability – are all present from the outset.
At £36,995 on the road – or £35,495 including the current UK EV grant – it feels keenly priced given what’s on offer, and arguably sits right in the sweet spot of the range.
Design
The EV4 is an interesting-looking car.
It follows Kia’s now-familiar ‘Opposites United’ design language, but interprets it in a way that feels less dramatic than the EV6 or EV9. The result is something that sits comfortably between a traditional hatchback and a crossover.
It’s lower than most SUVs, which immediately gives it a more planted, purposeful stance. At the same time, details like the black wheel arches and slightly raised ride height give it a subtle crossover edge.
In Magma Red, the press car colour, it works particularly well. It highlights the sharper lines and distinctive front-end design which I think is sleeker looking than its larger siblings.
There’s a sense that this is a car designed to appeal broadly – but with just enough individuality to avoid blending into the background.
Interior
Inside is where the EV4 really begins to impress – particularly given this is the entry-level ‘Air’ model.
The layout is clean and modern, centred around a wide, triple-screen setup combining two 12.3-inch displays with a 5.3-inch climate control screen. It’s a familiar Kia setup, but one that works well in practice.
Material quality is better than expected at this level. While you won’t find the more premium finishes of the GT-Line S, nothing feels cheap or out of place. The grey cloth upholstery is simple but comfortable, and the overall fit and finish is solid.
The seating position is slightly lower than in many EVs, which contributes to that more car-like feel. It also creates a slightly more cocooned driving position, which suits the EV4’s character.
Rear passenger space is a particular highlight.
Thanks to the 2,820mm wheelbase, there’s a surprising amount of legroom in the back. Even taller passengers will find it comfortable, and headroom is generous enough despite the lower roofline.
It’s a space that feels properly usable for adults, not just occasional use. Add in rear USB-C ports, decent visibility and a generally airy feel, and it becomes clear that this is a car designed with families in mind.
Practicality
Practicality is another area where the EV4 performs strongly.
Boot space stands at 435 litres with the rear seats in place, which is competitive for the class and easily enough for everyday use. The opening is wide and well-shaped, making it easy to load bulkier items.
Fold the rear seats down, and capacity increases to 1,415 litres. The flat load floor and generous opening mean it’s well suited to everything from holiday luggage to more awkward loads.
There’s also useful underfloor storage for cables and smaller items, helping to keep things tidy.
Overall, it’s a practical, family-friendly setup that feels well thought out rather than simply adequate.
Technology and Connectivity
Kia continues to lead in this area, and the EV4 benefits from the brand’s latest systems.
The infotainment is quick, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, and the inclusion of Kia Connect services for seven years adds useful functionality.
There’s also a built-in AI assistant powered by ChatGPT, which allows for more natural interaction with the car’s systems. It’s a feature that feels forward-looking, even if not essential.
Importantly, Kia hasn’t gone fully touchscreen dependent. Physical rocker switches for key climate controls remain, which makes day-to-day use much easier than in some rivals.
Driving Impressions
This is where the EV4’s slightly different approach really pays off.
Because it isn’t an SUV, it doesn’t carry the same height or weight penalties. The result is a car that feels more composed, more predictable, and ultimately more enjoyable to drive.
The front-wheel drive setup works well. Power delivery is smooth, and while it’s not especially quick, it’s more than adequate for real-world driving.
Where the EV4 stands out is in its balance.
Ride quality is excellent. The suspension, with its EV-specific tuning and frequency-responsive dampers, deals well with uneven surfaces and keeps the car settled.
At the same time, there’s a level of control that’s often missing from taller SUVs. Body roll is well managed, and the car feels stable and composed through corners.
Steering is light but accurate, making it easy to place on the road. It’s not a driver’s car in the traditional sense, but it’s engaging enough to remind you that lower, lighter cars still have their advantages.
Refinement is strong, too. Road and wind noise are well controlled, making longer journeys comfortable and relaxed. It’s a pity the climate part of the screen is covered by the steering wheel though; whenever you need to change or check the temp or air direction, you find yourself bobbing your head around to get a decent view.
Range and Charging
With up to 388 miles of WLTP range, the EV4 ‘Air’ long range model is one of the most usable EVs in its class.
Real-world figures will vary, of course, but even allowing for that, it offers enough range to make range anxiety largely irrelevant for most drivers.
Charging is based on a 400V architecture, with a maximum rate of 127kW. That’s not class-leading, but it’s competitive. A 10–80% charge takes around 31 minutes on a suitably powerful DC charger.
For home charging, an 11kW AC setup will take the battery from 10–100% in just over seven hours, making overnight charging straightforward.
Safety and Driver Assistance
As you’d expect from Kia, the EV4 comes well equipped with safety systems.
Even in ‘Air’ trim, you get a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist 2.0, Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist.
These systems are generally well calibrated, offering support without becoming intrusive.
Rivals
These include the Volkswagen ID.3, MG4 and Cupra Born, as well as more conventional hybrids and petrol hatchbacks.
Where the Kia stands out is in its balance. It may not be the most exciting or the cheapest, but it offers a compelling mix of range, practicality, and usability.
Verdict
The Kia EV4 ‘Air’ 81.4kWh is a quietly convincing car – and arguably all the EV most people will need.
As an entry-level model, it gets remarkably close to feeling complete. It’s well equipped, thoughtfully designed and genuinely practical, with enough range to remove most of the usual EV compromises. More importantly, it drives like a proper car. Lower, lighter and more composed than the SUV alternatives that dominate this part of the market.
It’s not without fault. Charging speeds are good rather than class-leading, and some rivals offer a slightly sharper edge or more visual drama. But those feel like marginal gains rather than meaningful advantages.
What the EV4 does better than most is get the fundamentals right – EV range being the most important of all.
At a Glance:
- Make & Model: Kia EV4 ‘Air’ 81.4kWh FWD
- Price (OTR): £36,995 (£35,495 with grant)
- Power: 201 bhp
- Torque: 283 Nm
- 0-62 mph: 7.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 105 mph
- Battery: 81.4 kWh
- WLTP Range: Up to 388 miles
- Charging: 10–80% in ~31 mins (DC)
