As a journalist, I get to drive lots of automobiles. Whereas I take pleasure in massive 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 can be truly first rate. 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 automotive 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 customary 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 presents an amazing worth for cash, and the just lately unveiled K4 hatchback Turbo can 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 beneath 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 gasoline financial system, which remains 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 carry issues to a different stage. Kia’s compact mannequin is likely one of the only a few choices within the section that include heated and cooled seats. These capabilities are operated by bodily buttons, conveniently situated close to the internal door deal with.
The Kia Stinger might 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 won’t 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 customary on all Kia K4 trims, and the infotainment system is likely 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 offers extra practicality. With the seats up, you get 22.2 cubic toes of cargo area. This goes as much as virtually 59 cubic toes, with an virtually flat cargo space. The shortage of an electrical tailgate is predicted 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 attempting too laborious. 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 automated. 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 feel the Civic e:HEV is a powerful argument, if you’re keen to pay over $30,000 for a compact mannequin, whereas the Corolla presents much less practicality and a much less potent, however extra environment friendly hybrid model. Be happy to share your ideas within the remark part beneath.
Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive pursuits made him an knowledgeable in all kinds of autos. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota are closest to his coronary heart, though efficiency automobiles on the whole are his favourite section, which is why he’s continually looking out for the very best offers in the marketplace. Dimitar Angelov’s automotive ardour and knack for the written phrase led him to finish a Grasp of Arts in Media and Communications, and basic automotive restoration. Dim is blissful to get behind the wheel of any automotive 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
