2026 Kia EV4 Review: The Electric Sedan Built for Grand Touring

2026 Kia EV4 Review

After spending time with the 2026 Kia EV4 GT-Line, I came away impressed by how different it feels from many of today's electric vehicles. While plenty of EVs focus on performance figures and futuristic gimmicks (and lack of buttons), the EV4 feels like it has been designed around comfort, practicality and making every day driving easier.

In many ways, it reminds me more of a modern grand tourer than a traditional EV.

With fuel prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, the appeal of an EV with impressive efficiency and long driving range has never been stronger.

However, can comfort, practicality and real-world usability beat outright performance in the battle for EV buyers?

Let's find out...

Interior & Comfort

As soon as I settled into the driver's seat, the first thing that stood out was the comfort. The headrests might sound like a small detail, but they genuinely feel like resting your head on a plush pillow. Combined with the supportive seats and spacious cabin, it creates a relaxing environment that makes long drives effortless.

I also really like Kia's latest interior design language. The clean layout, premium materials and white accents give the cabin a modern, upmarket feel without being overcomplicated. It feels futuristic but not intimidating.

Technology is another area where Kia continues to impress. The EV4 features Kia's latest interface, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment screen, creating a seamless panoramic dashboard experience.

The system is responsive, intuitive and easy to navigate, while advanced driver assistance technologies work quietly in the background to reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys (can be turned off).

On The Road

Behind the wheel, the EV4 GT-Line feels composed. Powered by a 150kW electric motor producing 283Nm, it delivers smooth, effortless acceleration that's more than adequate for everyday driving.

While the 0-100km/h sprint takes around 7.8 seconds, outright performance isn't really the EV4's focus. Instead, I found myself appreciating just how comfortable and refined it feels.

The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, making it particularly well suited to Australian roads. Around Brisbane's urban streets and rougher suburban roads, it remained settled and composed where some firmer EVs can feel busy.

Rather than encouraging you to drive aggressively, the EV4 encourages you to relax and enjoy the journey. That's why I kept coming back to the idea of it being a grand tourer. It's quiet, refined and comfortable in a way that makes longer trips genuinely enjoyable.

EV4 vs Tesla Model 3

Having driven both back-to-back, I think the biggest difference between the Kia EV4 GT-Line and Tesla Model 3 is their personalities. The Model 3 feels sharper, quicker and more performance-focused (and minimalistic), while the EV4 prioritises comfort, refinement and everyday usability.

The drivetrains also contribute to that difference. The EV4 GT-Line uses a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout with a 150kW electric motor producing 283Nm, whereas the Model 3 is rear-wheel drive (RWD) in its standard form.

On paper, the Tesla's RWD setup delivers a more engaging, sporty feel when pushed through corners, but I found the EV4's FWD configuration contributes to its relaxed, predictable nature. The EV4 rewards smooth inputs and delivers the kind of confidence-inspiring behaviour that suits commuting, long-distance touring and everyday family use.

Personally, I preferred the EV4's suspension tuning for Australian roads. While it's not as aggressive or responsive as the Tesla, the ride is noticeably more compliant over imperfect surfaces and less fatiguing during longer journeys. I also appreciated having physical buttons for commonly used functions rather than relying almost entirely on a touchscreen.

I also appreciated some of the EV4's EV-specific features. Kia's i-Pedal driving system makes stop-start traffic smoother and more relaxing, while Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality lets you power external devices directly from the car (interior and exterior). It's a genuinely useful feature for camping, road trips or outdoor activities, and notably, it's something the Tesla Model 3 doesn't offer.

With its 81.4kWh battery, up to 612km WLTP driving range, generous cabin space and comfortable ride quality, the EV4 GT-Line feels more like a modern electric grand tourer. The Model 3 is the driver's car, but the EV4 is the one I'd choose for a long road trip from Brisbane to the coast or a weekend away, thanks to its comfort-focused character and more traditional approach to vehicle design (the interior at least).

Spacious and Practical

The EV4's long 2,820mm wheelbase pays dividends when it comes to passenger accommodation. I immediately noticed how much rear legroom was available, with the cabin feeling noticeably larger than the vehicle's sleek exterior might suggest. Storage is another strong point. The floating centre console creates useful storage spaces throughout the cabin, while the sedan offers a generous 490-litre boot, making it practical for everything from the weekly grocery run to a weekend away.

Ownership & Charging

For buyers making the switch to electric, the EV4 also makes life easy when it comes to charging. The 81.4kWh battery can be charged from 10-80% in as little as 29-31 minutes using a DC fast charger, making longer road trips far more convenient.

Combined with Kia's industry-leading warranty and extensive dealer network across Australia (150+), it provides the peace of mind many first-time EV buyers are looking for.

EV4 Pricing

Kia has positioned the EV4 range competitively. The lineup opens with the EV4 Air from $52,990 drive away, while buyers wanting maximum range can step into the EV4 Earth Long Range from $62,990 drive away.

The GT-Line Long Range reviewed here sits at the top of the range from $68,490 drive away, bringing the larger 81.4kWh battery, a claimed 612km WLTP range, and a host of premium features including unique styling, a head-up display and upgraded interior appointments. Considering its technology, range and equipment levels, the GT-Line feels like the sweet spot for buyers looking for a genuinely premium electric sedan without stepping into luxury-brand territory.

Final Verdict

The Kia EV4 GT-Line proves that an electric vehicle doesn't need to be the quickest or most futuristic car on the road to be compelling. Instead, it focuses on what matters most: comfort, refinement, technology and real-world usability. For me, it feels less like a traditional EV and more like a modern grand tourer that just happens to be electric.

To see what makes the EV4 GT-Line one of Kia's most exciting new models, visit Motorama Kia and book your test drive today.