Kia EV4
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about making the switch to electric but worried about compromising on style or practicality? The Kia EV4 might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. This striking electric hatchback represents Kia’s bold step into the premium EV market, offering genuine competition to established players. It’s the car for drivers who want cutting edge electric technology wrapped in genuinely desirable packaging.

From first glance, the EV4 makes a statement with its swooping fastback silhouette and distinctive lighting signature. This isn’t just another electric conversion of an existing model. Kia has built the EV4 from the ground up as an electric vehicle, and it shows. The interior feels spacious and modern, with a focus on sustainable materials and intuitive technology. You get the sense that this is what electric cars should be like, rather than feeling like you’re making compromises.

On the road, the EV4 delivers the refined, whisper quiet experience that makes electric driving so appealing. The instant torque gives you confident overtaking power, while the sophisticated suspension soaks up road imperfections with ease. With up to 388 miles of range available, range anxiety becomes a thing of the past for most drivers. While the initial purchase price reflects its premium positioning, you’re investing in genuinely advanced technology and a car that feels years ahead of many rivals like the Nissan Ariya or Volvo EX40.

How Does the Kia EV4 Drive?

The Kia EV4 is engineered to deliver smooth, refined electric performance rather than jaw dropping acceleration. The standard rear wheel drive setup produces 210 horsepower from its single electric motor, providing brisk acceleration that feels effortless in everyday driving. The 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds is respectable for this class, giving you plenty of power for safe motorway merging and confident overtaking. The available all wheel drive variant bumps power up to 320 horsepower for those wanting more spirited performance.

Where the EV4 truly excels is in its composure and refinement. The low mounted battery pack gives the car a planted, stable feel that inspires confidence on winding roads. The regenerative braking system can be adjusted to suit your preference, from gentle coast down to aggressive one pedal driving. Road and wind noise are exceptionally well controlled, creating a serene cabin environment that makes every journey feel premium. The electric hatchback delivers the kind of polished driving experience that makes switching from petrol feel like a genuine upgrade rather than a compromise.

Kia EV4 Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the EV4 and you’re greeted by one of the most thoughtfully designed electric car interiors available today. The dashboard features a clean, minimalist design dominated by twin curved displays that house both the digital instruments and infotainment system. The build quality feels genuinely premium, with soft touch materials used throughout and satisfying tactile switches for key functions. Sustainable materials like recycled plastics and bio based leather alternatives give the cabin an eco friendly feel without compromising on luxury.

The front seats are exceptionally comfortable with excellent support for longer journeys, while the rear seats offer surprising space thanks to the flat floor design. Climate control is handled efficiently by the heat pump system, ensuring you stay comfortable without dramatically impacting range. Standard equipment includes wireless phone charging, premium audio, and Kia’s latest infotainment system with over the air updates. The cabin ambience is further enhanced by the panoramic sunroof that floods the interior with natural light, creating an airy, spacious feel that belies the car’s compact footprint.

The Kia EV4 represents a significant step forward for electric vehicle design and engineering. It successfully combines striking fastback styling with genuine everyday practicality and impressive electric range. The interior quality and technology integration feel genuinely premium, while the driving experience delivers the refinement and quietness that makes electric motoring so appealing. The generous warranty and Kia’s improving dealer network add further confidence to the ownership proposition. The main considerations are the higher purchase price compared to conventional alternatives and the ongoing need for home charging infrastructure to maximise convenience. However, for buyers ready to embrace electric driving, the EV4 offers a compelling combination of style, technology, and real world usability. It’s a car that makes electric driving feel like a genuine upgrade rather than a compromise, targeting buyers who want the latest technology wrapped in genuinely desirable packaging.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Kia EV4?

As a premium electric vehicle, the EV4 commands a higher initial purchase price starting from around £34,700, but the running costs tell a very different story. Electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel, with a full charge costing roughly £15-20 depending on your tariff. Insurance groups are reasonable for the performance on offer, typically falling into groups 25-30. The seven year warranty provides excellent peace of mind for long term ownership costs.

The biggest advantage comes in daily running expenses and company car tax benefits. Business users will particularly appreciate the minimal Benefit in Kind tax rates for electric vehicles. Servicing requirements are much reduced compared to traditional engines, with no oil changes, spark plugs, or complex exhaust systems to maintain. While the purchase price is higher than mainstream alternatives, car finance options make the EV4 accessible, and the total cost of ownership often works out favourably when you factor in fuel savings and reduced maintenance over several years.

Is the Kia EV4 Practical for Everyday Use?

For an electric vehicle prioritising style, the Kia EV4 proves surprisingly practical for real world use. The 435 litre boot is generous for this class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage for four people. The hatchback opening provides excellent access, while the flat loading floor makes loading bulky items straightforward. Interior storage is well thought out with multiple USB ports, wireless charging, and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin.

The rear seats offer good space for adults on shorter journeys and excellent comfort for children on longer trips. The flat floor design means the middle seat is actually usable, making this a genuine five seater for occasional use. Where the EV4 really shines is in its range capability, making it suitable for long distance travel without constant charging stops. For families considering the switch to used Kia cars, the EV4 offers the space and versatility needed for everyday life while delivering the environmental benefits of electric driving.

The Kia EV4 establishes itself as a serious contender in the growing premium electric vehicle segment. It packages impressive range, refined performance, and genuinely desirable styling into a practical everyday package. The build quality and interior design demonstrate that Kia is serious about competing with established premium brands, while the generous warranty provides additional peace of mind for early electric adopters.

You choose the EV4 because you want an electric car that doesn’t feel like you’re making compromises. Its combination of style, technology, and impressive range makes it suitable for both urban commuting and longer journeys. For buyers looking to make the switch to electric driving with how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk, the EV4 offers a compelling proposition that proves electric vehicles can be both practical and desirable.