Kia has officially launched the EV4 in Australia, marking the brand’s first fully electric sedan and placing it squarely against established rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Chinese contenders led by BYD. The EV4 arrives in showrooms this month, with first customer deliveries expected by the end of January.
Built on the 400-volt, front-wheel-drive version of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the EV4 shares its battery options with the EV3, prioritizing efficiency and cost control over ultra-fast charging architectures. In Australia, the 2026 EV4 is offered in three trims—Air, Earth, and GT-Line—starting at AUD $49,990 before on-road costs.
Powertrain, range, and charging
The entry-level Air uses a 58.3 kWh NCM battery, delivering a WLTP range of 456 km (283 miles). Stepping up to Earth and GT-Line brings a larger 81.4 kWh pack rated at 612 km (380 miles) WLTP. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes about 29 minutes for the Air and 31 minutes for the long-range versions—competitive for a 400-V setup.
While not class-leading, these figures are practical for Australian commuting and intercity travel, especially along the east coast where charging infrastructure is denser.
Price and segment comparison
Pricing is where the EV4 aims to win hearts:
Kia EV4 Air: AUD $49,990 / 456 km
Kia EV4 Earth: AUD $51,190 / 612 km
Kia EV4 GT-Line: AUD $64,690 / 612 km
By comparison, the Tesla Model 3 RWD starts at AUD $54,900, offering 520 km (323 miles) WLTP, while the Model 3 Long Range stretches to 750 km (466 miles) WLTP at a higher price. Kia undercuts Tesla on entry price, though Tesla retains a range advantage.
BYD Seal remains the value leader, starting at AUD $46,990 with 570 km (354 miles) WLTP. It’s cheaper than the EV4 Air, but doesn’t match the EV4 Earth’s long-range figure. In short: BYD wins on price, Tesla on range, Kia aims for balance.
Interior, tech, and features
Inside, the EV4 mirrors Kia’s latest design language seen in the EV3 and EV5, featuring the ccNC infotainment system with nearly 30 inches of combined display area (dual 12.3-inch screens plus a 5.2-inch climate panel). The Earth trim adds vehicle-to-load (V2L) for powering camping gear or tools—useful for Australia’s outdoor lifestyle—along with heated seats and larger wheels. The GT-Line layers on premium touches such as a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and surround-view monitoring.
Is the EV4 a good fit for Australians?
For Australian buyers, the EV4 makes sense as a mainstream electric sedan: priced below Tesla’s entry point, offering a long-range option without jumping to luxury pricing, and backed by Kia’s strong dealer network. It may not excite enthusiasts chasing maximum range or performance, but it suits drivers who value predictable ownership, modern tech, and competitive pricing.
Final outlook
The Kia EV4 won’t be the cheapest nor the longest-range electric sedan in Australia—but it doesn’t need to be. Its appeal lies in balance: sensible pricing, usable range, and a well-equipped interior. If Kia can maintain supply and sharp drive-away deals, the EV4 has a real chance to carve out steady demand in Australia’s fast-growing EV sedan segment—even as it remains off-limits to U.S. buyers for now.
