Kia has lifted the veil on its 2025 EV4 compact electric – offered in both sedan and hatchback forms – positioning it as a potential rival to the Tesla Model 3 as the brand gears up for a broader EV push.
The Korean carmaker is holding back the full interior reveal and detailed specifications until its Kia EV Day on 27 February in Tarragona, Spain. That event will also showcase the production version of the PV5 commercial vehicle and the first concept iteration of the EV2 compact hatch, alongside an expanded electrification strategy. Kia has indicated the EV4 and PV5 are expected to arrive in Australia; the EV2, however, has reportedly been ruled out for our market because its Slovakian production base would push up local prices.
Design and positioning
The EV4’s exterior blends cues from Kia’s electric and ICE line-ups. Notable features include a reinterpretation of Kia’s “Tiger Face” grille for EVs, a low nose and long-tail silhouette on the sedan, and a compact, versatile hatchback option. The GT-Line images released by Kia show 19‑inch alloy wheels and distinctive wing-shaped front and rear bumpers. “The Kia EV4 is a clear reflection of our commitment to rethink mobility, and expand the boundaries of what design can achieve,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. He added that offering both sedan and hatch variants aims to deliver modernity and practicality for varied lifestyles.
Platform, powertrain and expected range
Underpinning the EV4 will be Hyundai‑Kia’s e-GMP architecture, closely related to the EV3 small SUV that is due in Australia shortly. Unlike the higher-end 800V systems used in some of Kia’s larger EVs, the EV4 will use a 400V electric architecture – a cost-effective choice for this segment. Early expectations suggest the EV4 could better the EV3’s quoted 620 km range thanks to a more aerodynamic body form, though Kia has not confirmed official WLTP or NEDC figures ahead of the February event.
PV5 and other models
The PV5 will be built on Kia’s Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) platform, a flexible architecture intended to spawn vans, people movers and even ute-style derivatives. This indicates Kia’s intention to compete across commercial and family-oriented segments as fleets and private buyers transition to electric options.
EV2 concept and production plans
Kia says the EV2 Concept is about 80 per cent representative of the production car slated for 2026. The EV2 is expected to resemble a downsized EV3, but its production in Slovakia is likely to preclude a competitively priced Australian offer, at least initially.
What this means for Australia
For Australian buyers, the EV4 – if it arrives as anticipated – will expand choice in the compact EV sedan and hatch space and provide greater competition to established players like Tesla. The PV5 could appeal to commercial fleets looking for electric load-carrying capability, while the EV2’s absence would leave a gap in the local subcompact hatch segment unless Kia revises production plans.
Conclusion
Kia’s EV4 announcement signals an accelerated move into the compact EV market with a dual-body approach that targets different buyer needs. While key technical details remain under wraps until Kia EV Day on 27 February, the EV4’s shared e‑GMP underpinnings, focus on aerodynamics and distinct styling suggest it will be a serious contender. Australian availability of the EV4 and PV5 looks likely, though the EV2’s European production footprint makes its local arrival doubtful. The coming weeks should clarify range, pricing and specification – information that will determine how the EV4 stacks up against rivals on our shores.
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