Kia has officially unveiled its 2026 EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show, marking the company's first global electric sedan designed to make electric ownership more accessible to a wider audience. The EV4 is set to launch in South Korea and Europe by the end of the year, with US sales expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025 or first quarter of 2026.

The EV4's primary selling point is its affordability, with estimated US pricing starting at around $35,000, making it a competitor to the Tesla Model 3. However, the proposed automotive tariffs by President Donald Trump could add 25% to the cost of imported vehicles, including the EV4, which is built in South Korea. This uncertainty may impact the car's pricing and appeal to US buyers.

Despite the potential pricing hurdle, the EV4 boasts several features that could make it an attractive option for consumers. The standard 58.3 kWh battery provides a range of 235 miles, while the long-range 81.4 kWh battery can go up to 330 miles. The vehicle's aerodynamic design, with a coefficient drag of .23, similar to the Tesla Model 3, likely contributed to its respectable range.

The EV4 also features advanced technology, including V2L4 functionality, which allows drivers to use the car's battery to charge devices like laptops and smaller electronics. The vehicle can charge with a DC fast-charger in 30 minutes, and its NACS charging port is conveniently located on the front passenger side. Additionally, the EV4 comes with Kia's i-Pedal 3.0 system, which captures energy and stores it in the battery, giving drivers more control over the speed of deceleration using only the accelerator pedal.

In terms of design, the EV4 has a unique aesthetic, with a "business in the front, party in the back" vibe. The car's low nose, long-tail silhouette, and fastback roofline evoke a classic sports car, while its vertical taillights, two-piece roof spoiler, and sleek bumper design give it a more aerodynamic, tech-forward presence.

The interior of the EV4 is equally impressive, with a futuristic, minimalistic design featuring a two-spoke steering wheel, 64-color dynamic ambient lighting, and a free-floating user interface comprised of dual 12.3-inch screens and a five-inch climate display. The car also offers wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, as well as the ability to enhance connectivity and entertainment features through over-the-air updates.

In addition to its tech features, the EV4 comes standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including Kia's Highway Driving Assist, forward collision avoidance, lane following, remote smart parking, driver attention warning, and hands-on steering wheel detection. The car also features Kia's AI Assistant, which uses voice recognition and natural language processing to help drivers control vehicle functions, trip plan, and more.

Overall, the Kia EV4 has the potential to make electric ownership more accessible to a wider audience, but its success in the US market will depend on how the tariff landscape evolves. If priced competitively, the EV4 could be a game-changer for Kia and the electric vehicle market as a whole.