New K4 hatchback, EV4, and EV9 Nightfall editions make their debuts.
Kia was busy at the 2025 New York Auto Show, presenting two brand new vehicles and a flagship trim for its popular three-row fully electric SUV. All are slated to debut for the 2026 model year.
New York Auto Show
The K4 hatchback will join Kia’s K4 sedan as the brand’s gateway vehicle. The styling has a decidedly European flair, with this model looking more like a “shooting brake” wagon than a typical hatch. Arguably the most stand-out element are the rear door handles, which are integrated into the C-pillar, reminiscent of the design used by the now-discontinued Hyundai Veloster hatchback (Kia and Hyundai are corporate partners).
K4 Hatchback
Hatchback drivetrains carry over from the sedan. These include a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque plus a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Also similar are the available safety and convenience features and the trim-level structure, which ascends through LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. The 2026 Kia K4 hatchback is slated to arrive at dealers in late 2025 with pricing to be announced closer to that time.
EV4 EV
The 2026 EV4 compact hatchback made its North American debut in New York. This will be Kia’s new entry-level electric car. Looking like a cut-down version of the EV6, the front-wheel-drive EV4 will come in two battery sizes: 58.3 kWh for the base Light grade and 81.4 kWh for the higher-end Wind and performance-minded GT-Line trims. Estimated driving ranges are 235 and 330 miles, respectively, with 10 to 80 percent state of charge taking 29 or 31 minutes via a supported DC fast charger. Single-pedal driving will be available via Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 system. Pricing and availability for the EV4 should happen in early 2026.
EV9 Nightfall
Lastly, the 2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition is designed to add power and prestige to the brand’s three-row electric SUV. This new grade adds high-gloss black exterior trim pieces and wheels along with black stitched leather upholstery. The dual-motor propulsion system retains its 379-horsepower rating, but the Nightfall sees a substantial torque boost to 516 pound-feet from 443. Kia says this will allow the SUV to go from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Pricing was not announced, but the EV9 Nightfall Edition will qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. It’s slated to go on sale in the second quarter of 2025.
CG Says:
Kia’s New York Auto Show display was a signal of where the brand is headed in terms of design, tech, and its commitment to electrification. It remains to be seen where the new EV4 will come in on the pricing scale; hopefully it will be somewhere that’s accessible to more people (assuming tariffs don’t wreak havoc). The EV9 Nightfall Edition is a nice addition for buyers who want a bit more pizzaz from their gas-free ride. The K4 hatchback also signifies that the internal combustion engine isn’t dead yet, and it should provide some welcome competition to the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla hatches.
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Kia: 2025 New York Auto Show Pictures
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