Kia EV4 2025 review
Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Kia EV4 is the car that finally gives Kia a proper rival for the Volkswagen ID.3, Renault Megane E-Tech and Cupra Born: its first dedicated electric C-segment hatchback, engineered in Europe and built in Slovakia for European buyers. It arrived in UK showrooms in autumn 2025 with prices from £34,695, and it did not take long for the judges to notice — the EV4 was named Best Family Car at the 2026 UK Car of the Year awards.
Buyers choose between two battery sizes. The 58.3 kWh standard-range car officially manages up to 273 miles, while the 81.4 kWh long-range version stretches that to 388 miles — the longest range Kia has ever offered from an EV. Every EV4 uses the same front-mounted 201 bhp motor driving the front wheels, good for 0–62 mph in 7.5 seconds and a 105 mph top speed. The 400 V E-GMP architecture allows DC charging at up to 127 kW, so a 10–80% top-up takes around 31 minutes.
Inside, the EV4 borrows the connected-car Navigation Cockpit from its bigger siblings: twin 12.3-inch displays plus a 5.5-inch climate panel, sensibly backed up by physical buttons. Sustainable materials are used throughout the cabin, and the 435-litre boot is among the biggest in the class. Standard kit is generous — LED lights, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone mirroring and Highway Driving Assist 2.0 all come as standard.
Against the ID.3, the EV4 undercuts on price while beating it on range and equipment. The seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty seals the deal for private buyers, and GT-Line S cars look genuinely sharp. If you want a family-sized electric hatch that just works, the EV4 is the new benchmark.
Related reviews: Kia Ceed 2024 review · Kia Ev3 2025 review · Kia Ev6 2024 review
UK price from: £34,695
Specifications
| Battery | 81.4 kWh (58.3 kWh standard range) |
| Power | 150 kW (201 bhp) |
| 0-62 mph | 7.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 105 mph |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 388 miles |
| Charging (DC max) | Up to 127 kW (10–80% in ~31 min) |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 435 litres |
Features
- Triple panoramic display: twin 12.3-inch screens plus 5.5-inch climate panel
- LED headlights, heated front seats and heated steering wheel as standard
- Highway Driving Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise and lane keeping
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring
- Up to 388 miles of WLTP range (Air 81.4 kWh version)
- 127 kW DC rapid charging: 10–80% in around 31 minutes
- 19-inch alloy wheels and sporty GT-Line styling pack
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability on GT-Line S trim
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £24.99 | Activated carbon type; replace every 2 years |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £27.99 | 26-inch driver / 16-inch passenger flat blades |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £129.99 | AGM type; powers accessories and computers |
| Front brake pads (set) | £64.99 | Regen braking means long pad life on EVs |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £119.99 | Vented; check for corrosion from low use |
| Brake fluid change | £59 | Workshop service; recommended every 2 years |
| Key fob battery (CR2032) | £4.99 | DIY replacement in under a minute |
Pros
- Class-leading 388-mile range on the long-range Air
- Huge standard equipment list for the money
- Kia seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty
- Spacious cabin with a 435-litre boot
Cons
- 105 mph top speed feels modest next to rivals
- GT-Line S strays into £40k+ expensive-car tax territory
- 127 kW charging lags behind 800 V Korean stablemates
- Fastback saloon costs far more than the hatch
