As a journalist, I get to drive a variety of automobiles. Whereas I get pleasure from huge engines and a few of the tech that premium fashions have to supply, I discover myself more and more drawn to budget-friendly alternate options which are really respectable. These have gotten fewer and farther between as stricter emissions and security laws come into place, however I feel Kia’s new, 2026 K4 hatchback is a superb automobile for a few causes.
As with nearly any latest compact mannequin that comes from a Korean or Japanese carmaker, the entry-level Kia K4 comes with a CVT (Kia and Hyundai name it the IVT). To make issues worse, it is paired to a usually aspirated, 2.0-liter engine that makes 147 horsepower. Though the K4 comes generously geared up as normal and the $23,165 is alluring, I might go for the GT Line Turbo mannequin.
Beginning at $28,090, the Kia K4 sedan GT Line Turbo provides an incredible worth for cash, and the just lately unveiled K4 hatchback Turbo will probably be priced equally. You get Hyundai-Kia’s well-known, 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four with 190 horsepower and 194 pound-feet (which you get from 1,700 RPM), however even higher, you get an eight-speed automated.
This makes the 0 to 60 mph dash potential in below 7.0 seconds. The one draw back is that you could sacrifice round 4 MPG in comparison with the bottom engine, however the efficiency advantages far outweigh the more serious gas economic system, which continues to be a good 29 MPG mixed (EPA) – 26 MPG metropolis/ 36 MPG freeway.
The 2026 Kia K4 is likely one of the best-equipped compact fashions you may get
The K4 is generously geared up even in base trim, however the range-topping fashions convey issues to a different degree. Kia’s compact mannequin is likely one of the only a few choices within the phase that include heated and cooled seats. These features are operated by bodily buttons, conveniently positioned close to the internal door deal with.
The Kia Stinger could have been discontinued, however a few of its character has rubbed off on the K4. Increased-spec fashions present a premium really feel due to intensive use of Syntex leather-based and customizable ambient lighting. Some supplies aren’t precisely premium, however general, the K4 is a pleasant place to be, and most contact surfaces is not going to disappoint. The elective two-tone inside jogs my memory of what Volvo is doing with its newer fashions, and that is excessive reward.
You additionally get a mixed 30 inches of screens in entrance of you – a 12.3-inch highly-customizable, digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5.0-inch local weather management display. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal on all Kia K4 trims, and the infotainment system is likely one of the most responsive within the phase.
Extra practicality in hatchback type and refreshingly conventional
The Kia K4 shares a platform with the seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra. Regardless of the K4 hatchback being roughly 11 inches shorter than the K4 sedan, the physique fashion offers extra practicality. With the seats up, you get 22.2 cubic toes of cargo house. This goes as much as nearly 59 cubic toes, with an nearly flat cargo space. The dearth of an electrical tailgate is anticipated on this phase and never missed (by me). You additionally get further house close to the space-saver spare tire.
The 2026 Kia K4 hatchback is refreshingly conventional whereas trying the enterprise. I like the truth that there isn’t any overreliance on tech, as a few of the newer fashions appear to be attempting too laborious. I just like the intelligent options within the inside and cargo house departments, and the 1.6-liter turbo is peppy sufficient for many conditions, particularly with the eight-speed automated. The K4 is an sincere, sub-$30,000 hatchback, which works.
I’m curious to listen to what you consider Kia’s new compact hatchback mannequin. Would you purchase one over the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla? I feel the Civic e:HEV is a robust argument, if you’re prepared to pay over $30,000 for a compact mannequin, whereas the Corolla provides much less practicality and a much less potent, however extra environment friendly hybrid model. Be happy to share your ideas within the remark part under.
Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive pursuits made him an professional in all kinds of automobiles. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota are closest to his coronary heart, though efficiency automobiles on the whole are his favourite phase, which is why he’s continuously looking out for the very best offers available on the market. Dimitar Angelov’s automobile ardour and knack for the written phrase led him to finish a Grasp of Arts in Media and Communications, and traditional automobile restoration. Dim is pleased to get behind the wheel of any automobile and share his impressions. You possibly can comply with Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Fb.
Picture supply: 2025 Kia K4 Hatchback press launch
