Kia EV4 Spacious Review: Comfort and Space Take Center Stage in This Compact EV
In the ever-growing world of electric vehicles, Kia has steadily carved a niche with practical, well-rounded EVs that prioritize comfort and usability over sheer performance. The new Kia EV4 continues this philosophy, offering drivers a compact yet spacious electric car that blends everyday practicality with thoughtful design. During our first test drive in Spain, it became clear that the EV4 is a car designed for real life—one that combines comfort, long range, and intelligent interior space to deliver a refined driving experience.
Striking Design and Thoughtful Dimensions
Kia’s design team has never shied away from experimentation, and the EV4 is a testament to that confidence. With its steeply sloped front and upright headlights, the hatchback version commands attention without appearing over-the-top. The fastback saloon variant stretches even longer, appealing to markets where sedans remain a popular choice. At 4.43 metres in length for the European hatchback and 4.73 metres for the fastback, the EV4 offers more interior space than many of its competitors. Its wheelbase of 2.82 metres provides generous legroom, making rear-seat passengers feel unusually comfortable for a compact car.
The boot space is equally impressive, offering 435 litres in the hatchback and 490 litres in the fastback, expanding significantly when the rear seats are folded. While there’s no frunk, the EV4 prioritizes passenger space and comfort, emphasizing practicality for daily life.
A Cockpit Designed Around You
Inside, the EV4 feels more like a mid-range car than a compact. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel pairs with an equally sized infotainment screen, bridged by a 5.3-inch climate control display. Kia has introduced an AI-controlled voice assistant, capable of over-the-air software updates, making it easy to keep the system current without frequent visits to service centers.
The interior’s design balances modernity with functionality. Harder plastics appear in a few places, but overall, the cabin feels bright, spacious, and thoughtfully laid out. The mid-range “Earth” trim stands out with light-colored accents, providing a more welcoming environment than the darker, higher-end GT-Line.
Comfort-Focused Ride
Driving the EV4 reinforces Kia’s emphasis on comfort. Its suspension, equipped with frequency-selective shock absorbers instead of adaptive dampers, absorbs longer bumps effortlessly, ensuring a smooth ride. Short jolts, like speed bumps, are transmitted more sharply, but the overall effect is one of composure and serenity. Steering is well-tuned for stability rather than sporty feedback, encouraging relaxed cruising rather than aggressive handling.
The EV4’s powertrain consists of a 150 kW electric motor delivering 283 Nm of torque on the front axle. Acceleration is competent but not thrilling, with the long-range version taking around 7.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and topping out at 170 km/h. It is clear that Kia’s intention is not to compete with sporty EVs, but to provide a calm, reliable daily-driving experience.
Range and Charging
Range is a standout feature of the EV4. The long-range model with an 81.4 kWh battery achieves a WLTP range of 625 km, comfortably exceeding most compact EV rivals. On real-world drives, the car achieved just under 500 km, reflecting typical motorway conditions. While the DC charging power is capped at 128 kW for the long-range variant, it remains sufficient for most occasional long journeys, taking around 31 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent.
Competitor Landscape
The EV4 positions itself against rivals such as the VW ID.3, Opel Astra Electric, and Peugeot e-308. While some competitors offer higher peak charging power, the EV4 excels in passenger comfort, interior space, and a practical approach to electric mobility. It is a vehicle for those prioritizing a smooth, refined ride over raw speed or aggressive performance metrics.
Conclusion
The Kia EV4 is a compelling addition to the compact EV segment. It impresses with generous interior space, a long electric range, and an unwavering focus on comfort. While its charging performance and sporty flair may lag slightly behind some competitors, the EV4 shines as a practical, well-rounded car for daily life. Kia’s choice to prioritize passenger comfort and usable space in a world increasingly obsessed with speed and power makes the EV4 a refreshing contender in the electric car market.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a test drive of the Kia EV4 and publicly available specifications. Real-world range, performance, and features may vary depending on driving conditions, regional variants, and software updates
