Kia EV4 Shortlisted for 2026 Car of the Year

KIA’s newest electric hatchback, the EV4, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Car of the Year (COTY), marking Kia’s fifth consecutive finalist appearance and its eighth shortlist overall.
Designed, tuned, and built in Europe, the EV4 is Kia’s first European-produced EV, rolling out from the brand’s Slovakian facility. It’s available in both Hatchback and Fastback forms, delivering up to 633 km of range, ultra-low drag efficiency, and 30-minute rapid charging.
Beyond numbers, the EV4 brings a distinctly European flair to Kia’s electric ambitions, with chassis tuning by engineers at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre for precision handling and long-distance comfort. Inside, the cabin feels equal parts digital sophistication and minimalist luxury, featuring Kia’s latest connected tech suite, OTA updates, and the Digital Key 2.
The EV4 continues Kia’s strong momentum following the EV6’s 2022 COTY win and the EV3’s record-breaking performance in 2025. The GT variant is already confirmed for 2026, signaling even sportier intent.
Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, sums it up best: “The EV4 proves that Kia is not just participating, but competing seriously at the highest level in Europe.”
The 2026 Car of the Year winner will be revealed at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026, and all eyes will be on Kia once again.