The Kia EV4 Is the Affordable Electric Sedan That’s About to Embarrass Tesla
If you thought going electric meant spending luxury-car money, Kia is about to prove you dead wrong. The 2026 Kia EV4 isn’t just another electric sedan, it’s an all-out assault on overpriced EVs. Tesla has been getting away with charging over $50,000 for a Model 3 long enough, and Kia is coming for its lunch money.
The best part? This thing is going to be cheap. And not “cheap and depressing” like some of those glorified golf carts they call city EVs in Europe, we’re talking about a real electric sedan, with range, tech, and a price tag that won’t make your bank account cry.
Let’s break down why the EV4 might be the most important electric car Kia has ever built, and why it’s about to ruin the game for overpriced EVs everywhere.
The EV4’s Price Will Make Other Automakers Sweat
Here’s the problem with electric cars right now: unless you’re dropping $60K on a Tesla or an Ioniq 6, you’re stuck choosing between a compact EV with barely enough range to get across town or some underwhelming compliance car that looks like a microwave on wheels.
Kia knows this. That’s why the EV4 is expected to start at under $40,000, making it one of the most affordable long-range EVs on the market.
Here’s how it stacks up against its biggest rivals:
| Model | Estimated Starting Price (CAD) | Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kia EV4 | $39,000 – $45,000 | 380 – 500 km |
| Tesla Model 3 | $54,990 | 438 – 567 km |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | $54,999 | 412 – 581 km |
| Polestar 2 | $54,950 | 435 – 550 km |
Let’s be real, paying $15K more for an extra 40 km of range isn’t exactly a great deal. Unless you just love burning money for fun, the EV4 makes way more sense for actual buyers who want an EV that won’t force them to take out a second mortgage.
An Affordable EV That Doesn’t Feel Like a Penalty Box
The problem with “cheap” EVs? They usually feel cheap. Hard plastics everywhere, outdated tech, and infotainment systems that look like they were pulled straight from a 2008 rental car.
Kia isn’t playing that game.
The EV4 brings all the tech and features that make the EV6 and EV9 great, just in a more budget-friendly package. Here’s what you can expect:
- Dual 12.3-inch screens with Kia’s next-gen infotainment
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (because it’s 2025, and this should be standard)
- Mind Modes interior lighting that changes based on your mood (so yes, you can literally set your car to “chill mode” after a bad day)
- Fast charging that actually matters, expect 10-80% in under 20 minutes
- Tesla Supercharger compatibility coming soon
And if Kia’s recent EVs are anything to go by, expect a cabin that actually feels premium, unlike some rivals (cough Model 3 cough).
Why the EV4 Could Be the Best-Selling EV Kia Has Ever Made
There’s a reason the EV4 might be Kia’s most important EV yet—it actually makes sense for normal people.
- It’s priced like a gas car, making it easier for drivers to make the switch.
- It’s stylish and futuristic, proving that affordable doesn’t have to mean boring.
- It’s practical and efficient, with great range, fast charging, and tech that makes daily driving better.
If Kia delivers on its rumored sub-$40K starting price, other automakers are going to have a serious problem on their hands. The EV4 could force Tesla, Hyundai, and others to rethink their pricing strategies, making EVs more accessible across the board.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for the Kia EV4?
If you’re in the market for an electric sedan that won’t destroy your budget, waiting for the Kia EV4 is a no-brainer.
It’s shaping up to be the most affordable long-range EV Kia has ever made, and if early reports are correct, it could undercut competitors by thousands while offering the same, or better, performance.
And if you’re wondering just how game-changing the EV4 really is, we broke it all down in our full deep dive: Kia Just Dropped the EV4 – And You Won’t Believe What It Can Do.
So, should you wait? If you’re even remotely interested in going electric without breaking the bank, yes. Absolutely.
What’s Next?
Kia is officially unveiling the EV4 at EV Day on February 27, so stay tuned for full details. If the rumors are true, this might just be the most important EV launch of the decade.