Double whammy missing subsidies for tariffs..Kia EV4 U.S. competitive edge
Jul 03, 2025
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From the time EV4 sales began, the decrease in EV3 sales by EV4 sales can be inferred from the fact that sales interference between the two models occurred. The EV4's competitive target overseas is the Tesla Model 3. Although there are some differences in driving methods and sizes, it can be said to be a competitive model because there are not many sedan electric vehicles.
EV4 has also entered the U.S. market. I tested EV4 at Motor One, a local automobile media outlet, and checked its competitiveness. Tesla's entry-level electric vehicles are now aging.Kia's new electric sedan not only can fill the position, but it has more potential than that.
EV4 is a fascinating proposition.The car, which is aimed directly at the Tesla Model 3, is an electric sedan scheduled to launch early next year in North America in a crossover-dominated world.Why Kia is launching a four-door electric sedan in the U.S. when sedan style is in decline.
At least not Kia's idea.Equipped with a similar-sized gasoline engine, the Kia K4 was the best-selling model among Kia models in the North American market in January. That's more convincing after sitting in the driver's seat. EV4 style might make you wonder, but the fun of driving is really interesting.
Not sporty or fast, but this electric sedan offers enough comfort, solid driving range, and a variety of useful features at a reasonable price.When Kia EV4 launches in the North American market in early 2026, buyers can choose between two battery capacities: 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh.
Whatever battery you choose, it is combined with a single motor mounted under the bonnet to roll the front wheels.It exerts 201 horsepower and 283 Nm of torque. It's by no means a breakthrough figure, but it's enough to increase the speed of the vehicle to some extent.
Charging is a bit of a bummer. While vehicles such as the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9 use an 800-volt architecture, EV4 and its sister vehicle EV3 use a 400-volt layout.Kia describes this differentiated application as "to achieve the right balance between charging time, mileage, and performance".
Specifically, it is actually intended to reduce costs.Hyundai and Kia are automakers at the forefront of easy-to-use and seamless infotainment systems.The same goes for EV4.Of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. I can connect my phone in seconds, and after that, I reconnect without any problems every time.
The UI menu is easy to navigate and the touch screen responds smoothly.Above all, it is good that the steering wheel and dashboard have physical buttons for media and air conditioning system control. The EV4 is equipped with a six-speaker sound system as standard. We were able to test the optional 8-speaker Harmankadone system. It was quite impressive for a budget audio system. The high-pitched distortion was not severe.
Kia has installed digital key 2.0 software on its EV4. Using this software, up to 15 devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, can be connected to the vehicle to serve as a digital key for entering and starting the vehicle. The most controversial part of EV4 is by far its appearance.It creates a futuristic atmosphere with strange curves and suspicious ratios with the feeling of mass production tea applied as it is.It's not beautiful or elegant, but it's far from boring.
Thanks to this unique exterior, both the front and rear seats provide ample interior space.Both the driver's and passenger's seats are sufficient, and seat adjustment functions are diverse.The rear seat is much wider than the Model 3. It's a generous space for all body types of riders.The trunk is equally spacious.Too bad there's no hatch, but it opens wide enough to fit big stuff in the trunk.
Unfortunately, there is no frunk. The space is occupied by motors and coolers. The interior has an open view but is slightly tilted.The steering is soft and light, but overall it lacks sensation.Like other electric vehicles, the accelerator pedal provides immediate and thrilling momentum. The higher the speed, the faster the acceleration disappears. The ride is smooth and pleasant. The brakes can be easily adjusted to allow for a smooth stop.
The sole driver-centric feature, Kia iPedal 3.0, allows the driver to adjust the regenerative braking intensity of EV4 through a paddle mounted on the steering wheel.I used iPedal 3.0 more than I thought to slow down without pushing the brake pedal during the traffic jam section.
EV4 doesn't feel too rough or heavy at all.Everything is easy and intuitive. If you expect comfortable means of transportation, EV4 is a car with high satisfaction. Although the exterior design may not be suitable for everyone, it is the result of a functional design to achieve an air resistance coefficient of 0.23CD.
The official mileage of EPA has not yet been released, but Kia expects the mileage of its large-capacity battery pack model to reach about 540 km. The 400 volt architecture prevents the EV4 from charging fast among Kia lineup EVs, but according to Kia, the battery pack only takes 31 minutes to charge 10% to 80% when using a DC fast charger.
EV4 North American Sales Has Unexpected Stumbling Blocks.EV4 is expected to be a contender for Tesla Model 3, but it will be produced in South Korea and exported to North America, which will be affected by import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. In addition, the federal tax credit for electric vehicles could soon disappear.
As a result, EV4 experienced the double whammy of imposing tariffs and the absence of tax incentives. Kia is expected to be much less competitive in the sector than originally expected. If EV4 is in the early 50 million won range, it seems reasonable.
But it may not be easy to sell if the price is higher than that. Hyundai's electric sedan Ioniq 6 starts at less than $40,000 (about 54 million won). The rear-wheel drive model provides similar mileage.
There must be quite a few consumers who think it is not reasonable to pay more for front-wheel-drive electric cars with unusual looks. In the end, the pricing of Kia EV4 in the North American market seems to be the point of success.
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Editor Song Moon-chul mc.song@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
