New York: Kia Corp., South Korea's second-biggest carmaker, has unveiled the K4 hatchback at the New York auto show, preparing for its U.S. market launch later this year. The automaker announced that the K4 hatchback will feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the model is set for the U.S. market in the fourth quarter, it will not be available for sale in the Korean market.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kia also showcased its compact EV4, marking its debut as the company's first all-electric sedan, at the New York International Auto Show. The event is scheduled to continue through April 27. In the U.S., the EV4 will be available in two models: a 58.3 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery-equipped version and an 81.4 kWh long-range model capable of traveling over 530 kilometers per charge.
Steven Center, chief operating officer and executive vice president at Kia America, stated that the EV4 aims to make all-electric ownership more accessible for customers seeking a practical yet advanced technology-driven experience. The EV4 is expected to hit the U.S. market in the first quarter of 2026 following its domestic launch in the second quarter of this year.
Kia's vehicle sales in the U.S. saw a 10.7 percent increase in the January-March period, reaching 198,850 units. This growth was supported by strong demand for the Telluride and Sportage SUVs.