As a journalist, I get to drive quite a lot of vehicles. Whereas I take pleasure in huge engines and a number of the tech that premium fashions have to supply, I discover myself more and more drawn to budget-friendly alternate options which are really first rate. These have gotten fewer and farther between as stricter emissions and security laws come into place, however I believe Kia’s new, 2026 K4 hatchback is an excellent automobile for a few causes.
As with virtually 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 commonplace 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 gives a fantastic worth for cash, and the just lately unveiled K4 hatchback Turbo shall 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 computerized.
This makes the 0 to 60 mph dash attainable in underneath 7.0 seconds. The one draw back is that it’s essential to sacrifice round 4 MPG in comparison with the bottom engine, however the efficiency advantages far outweigh the more severe gasoline financial system, which continues to be a decent 29 MPG mixed (EPA) – 26 MPG metropolis/ 36 MPG freeway.
The 2026 Kia K4 is without doubt 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 carry issues to a different degree. Kia’s compact mannequin is without doubt one of the only a few choices within the section that include heated and cooled seats. These capabilities are operated by bodily buttons, conveniently positioned close to the inside door deal with.
The Kia Stinger could have been discontinued, however a few of its character has rubbed off on the K4. Larger-spec fashions present a premium really feel because of 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 commonplace on all Kia K4 trims, and the infotainment system is without doubt one of the most responsive within the section.
Extra practicality in hatchback kind 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 gives extra practicality. With the seats up, you get 22.2 cubic ft of cargo area. This goes as much as virtually 59 cubic ft, with an virtually flat cargo space. The shortage of an electrical tailgate is anticipated on this section and never missed (by me). You additionally get extra area 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 a overreliance on tech, as a number of the newer fashions appear to be making an attempt too onerous. I just like the intelligent options within the inside and cargo area departments, and the 1.6-liter turbo is peppy sufficient for many conditions, particularly with the eight-speed computerized. The K4 is an trustworthy, 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 believe the Civic e:HEV is a powerful argument, in case you are keen to pay over $30,000 for a compact mannequin, whereas the Corolla gives 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 skilled in all kinds of autos. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota are closest to his coronary heart, though efficiency vehicles normally are his favourite section, which is why he’s consistently 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 blissful to get behind the wheel of any automobile and share his impressions. You’ll be able to comply with Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Fb.
Picture supply: 2025 Kia K4 Hatchback press launch
