The 2026 Kia K4 hatchback, previewed at last year’s New York Auto Show, is finally set to make its official debut. Slated for release later this year, the hatchback version shares much with the sedan but adds practicality with more cargo space. Expect a slight price increase over the sedan, with a starting price around $25,000 for base models and up to $30,000 for a fully loaded GT-Line Turbo.
Removing the sedan’s trunk gives the K4 hatchback a shorter length, now 11 inches shorter than the sedan. From the B-pillar forward, the styling remains unchanged, but the hatchback’s unique roofline adds headroom for rear passengers. It also boasts a generous 22 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up, expanding to 59 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat.
Engine options carry over from the sedan, with the base model featuring a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a CVT. The GT-Line Turbo upgrades to a 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT-Line models also include sporty enhancements like 18-inch wheels, black trim, paddle shifters, and upgraded suspension tuning for a more dynamic driving experience.
Inside, the K4 hatchback keeps the sedan’s modern dashboard, offering a digital gauge cluster and a central touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with key driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The hatchback will be available in various trims, likely including LX, LXS, and EX versions, with the first models arriving in the U.S. by late 2025.
