Kia is rapidly expanding its EV lineup, the most recent addition to its fully-electric family is the being the EV4. It is offered in hatchback and sedan versions and is aimed primarily towards the European market.
The car should bridge the gap between the smaller EV3 and the larger EV6. Today we got our hands on the Kia EV4 hatchback, equipped with the larger 81.4 kWh battery in the Long Range trim.
It also came with the GT-line trim, which improves the look, but slightly decreases range. Combined with the 19-inch wheels, we had the car with the highest consumption, with EV4 Long Range Air with its 17-inch wheels representing the other end of the spectrum. Going for the sedan version would likely bring another range boost, but this model is not as widely available as the hatchback.
The purpose of today’s test is to determine how efficient the model is in the real world, whereas a dedicated review will be coming shortly, examining all aspects of the car in detail.
After completing severl real-world runs we plug in data to our widget, which uses our own complex algorithm for figuring out the range you can expect in any combination of temperature or speed.
We drove our usual test routes, doing the same track both ways at constant speeds at the same place as with every other car we test. The ambient temperature while testing the Kia EV4 Long Range was 46°F, which certainly isn’t optimal testing weather for an EV. Further improvements can be made by equipping more efficient summer tires and having smaller wheels to build on the range figures presented below.
Even so at our lowest testing speed of 37 mph, the Kia EV4 Long Range performed tremendously. At this lower speed the efficient motors are really counting for someting. Compared to most direct rivals in terms of shape, the EV4 hatchback has a comfortable advantage.
When we sped up to 56 mph, consumption rised noticeably as the shape starts taking its toll on efficiency. The EV4 still performs great for its segment.
At the highest testing speed of 81 mph, the EV4 hatchback continues being among the best in its class. At the highway test it’s only behind more aerodynamic sedans or larger models with bigger batteries. Still, it provides more than sufficient range on a single charge and shows that the EV4 is a great choice for longer trips both on and off the highway.
In the compact electric segment, the Kia EV4 hatchback stands out for its impressive efficiency and driving range. The big 81.4 kWh battery is among the biggest in this class and it delivers a well rounded and highly capable package.
Beyond its range credentials, the EV4 offers a number of appealing features that will be explored in greater detail in our full review. For now, the results from our efficiency testing highlight its ability to cover long distances with ease, making it a practical choice for extended journeys.
Naturally, the shape of the EV4 doesn’t allow it to compete with the very best performers in our range test. The closest rival it loses to is the Renault Scenic E-Tech, which comes with an even larger battery pack and offers similar efficiency. For buyers focused primarily on range in a compact electric hatchback, the Kia EV4 Long Range remains a strong and commendable option that largely delivers on its promise.
Coming back to the widget we mentioned earlier – feel free to give at try!