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After teasing it last year, Kia has officially unveiled the 2026 K4 hatchback at the New York Auto Show, and it’s clear the brand isn’t just phoning this one in. This isn’t simply a K4 sedan with a stretched roof—it’s a fully thought-out compact hatch designed with practicality, performance, and style in mind. And yes, it’s coming to the U.S.
The hatchback rides on the same platform as the K4 sedan but features a significantly shorter body. Kia chopped over 10 inches off the overall length—11 inches for base models, 10.6 for the GT-Line—which is a bold move in a market that often favors more space. But what the hatch loses in length, it more than makes up for in usability. Thanks to its taller roofline and versatile cargo area, the K4 hatch offers a massive 22.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Fold them flat, and that expands to 59.3 cubes, making it one of the most cargo-friendly vehicles in its segment. Rear legroom stays the same as the sedan, while rear headroom actually increases by about an inch.
Under the hood, the hatchback mirrors the sedan’s powertrain lineup. The base engine is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. For more punch, the GT-Line Turbo comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft, mated to an eight-speed automatic. The GT-Line also upgrades the suspension setup to a multi-link independent rear design, replacing the standard torsion beam. Larger 16-inch front brakes come with the Turbo trim as well, hinting at its more spirited driving character.
From a design standpoint, the K4 hatch follows Kia’s current sharp-edged design language with some unique touches. The GT-Line, for example, gets gloss black accents, 18-inch wheels, and an exclusive Sparkling Yellow paint option that sets it apart from more conservative rivals. Standard versions come with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the top-spec GT-Line Turbo adds LED projector headlights, fog lights, and a sunroof.
Inside, the tech and comfort offerings are more than generous. All trims come standard with a dual-screen layout—one for digital gauges, one for infotainment—along with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Kia’s excellent suite of safety features is also included across the board, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Buyers can also spec the hatch with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, phone-as-key functionality, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and advanced driver-assist systems like Highway Driving Assist and a 360-degree camera.
Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but expect the K4 hatchback to start slightly above the sedan’s $21,990 base price (excluding destination). That still positions it competitively against compact five-door rivals while offering more standard tech and utility. Look for the new K4 hatchback to hit dealerships toward the end of 2025, with full pricing and trim details arriving closer to launch. If you’ve been missing a sharp, practical, well-equipped compact hatch from a mainstream brand, the K4 might just be the one to watch.
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