As a journalist, I get to drive loads of vehicles. Whereas I take pleasure in large engines and a number of the tech that premium fashions have to supply, I discover myself more and more drawn to budget-friendly options which might be truly 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 outfitted as commonplace and the $23,165 is alluring, I would go for the GT Line Turbo mannequin.
Beginning at $28,090, the Kia K4 sedan GT Line Turbo provides an ideal worth for cash, and the 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 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 serious gas economic system, which continues to be a decent 29 MPG mixed (EPA) – 26 MPG metropolis/ 36 MPG freeway.
The 2026 Kia K4 is among the best-equipped compact fashions you may get
The K4 is generously outfitted even in base trim, however the range-topping fashions carry issues to a different stage. Kia’s compact mannequin is among 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 might have been discontinued, however a few of its character has rubbed off on the K4. Greater-spec fashions present a premium really feel due to in depth 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 non-obligatory two-tone inside jogs my memory of what Volvo is doing with its more moderen 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 among 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 supplies extra practicality. With the seats up, you get 22.2 cubic ft of cargo house. This goes as much as virtually 59 cubic ft, with an virtually flat cargo space. The dearth of an electrical tailgate is predicted 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 wanting the enterprise. I like the truth that there isn’t any 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 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 believe 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 at liberty to share your ideas within the remark part under.
Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive pursuits made him an knowledgeable in all kinds of automobiles. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota are closest to his coronary heart, though efficiency vehicles usually are his favourite phase, which is why he’s consistently looking out for the perfect 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 basic automobile restoration. Dim is completely satisfied to get behind the wheel of any automobile and share his impressions. You possibly can observe Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Fb.
Picture supply: 2025 Kia K4 Hatchback press launch
