The Kia EV4 has officially secured its place among the seven finalists for the 2026 Car of the Year (COTY) award. Selected by a panel of 60 jurors from 23 countries, the EV4 stood out from a long list of 35 competing models, solidifying Kia’s reputation as a frontrunner in the global transition to electric mobility.
This recognition represents Kia’s eighth appearance on the COTY shortlist—an unmatched record for any Korean automaker—and underscores the brand’s growing influence in the European automotive industry. Since the Kia Ceed first made the shortlist in 2008, the brand has continued to push boundaries in design, performance, and innovation.
Five Consecutive Years of COTY Recognition
The EV4’s shortlisting marks Kia’s fifth consecutive year as a COTY finalist, a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence in electric vehicle development:
- 2022: Kia EV6 — Winner
- 2023: Kia Niro — Finalist
- 2024: Kia EV9 — Finalist
- 2025: Kia EV3 — Runner-up (Kia’s highest COTY score to date)
- 2026: Kia EV4 — Finalist
This consistent performance cements Kia’s reputation as a long-term contender in Europe’s most prestigious automotive competition, reflecting its strategic focus on sustainable innovation and design leadership.
Built for Europe, in Europe
The Kia EV4 is the company’s first all-electric model produced in Europe, manufactured at Kia’s Žilina plant in Slovakia on the advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This production milestone not only reinforces Kia’s European commitment but also aligns with its sustainability goals.
Efficiency Meets Performance
The EV4 is available in two configurations—hatchback and Fastback—with impressive performance figures:
- Range: up to 388 miles – 624 km (hatchback) / 380 miles – 611 km (Fastback)
- Drag Coefficient: 0.261Cd (hatchback) / 0.23Cd (Fastback)
- Battery Options: 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh
- Charging: 10–80% in approximately 30 minutes
These specifications make the EV4 one of the most efficient and versatile electric vehicles in its class, balancing long-range capability with everyday practicality for European drivers.
Engineered and Tuned in Europe
Engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) meticulously fine-tuned the EV4’s chassis to deliver precise cornering, confident handling, and exceptional ride comfort. The model also integrates seamlessly into Kia’s expanding European charging network, now surpassing one million public charging points.
Inside, the EV4 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, offering a driver-centric cockpit equipped with:
- Digital Key 2 for smartphone-based access
- Over-the-air software updates
- Kia App connectivity for real-time vehicle management
As previewed at Kia’s 2025 EV Day, the high-performance EV4 GT variant is confirmed for release in 2026.
Kia’s Vision for Accessible, Inspiring Electric Mobility
“I am proud that the Car of the Year jury continues to recognise Kia,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “The EV4 follows in the footsteps of the EV6 and EV3, proving that Kia is not just participating, but competing seriously at the highest level in Europe. Designed, tuned, and produced in Europe for Europe, the EV4 demonstrates that high-quality, responsible electric mobility can be both inspiring and accessible.”
When Will the 2026 Car of the Year Winner Be Announced?
The 2026 Car of the Year winner will be revealed during the Brussels Motor Show on 9 January 2026. Regardless of the final outcome, the EV4’s inclusion marks another milestone in Kia’s European success story—highlighting its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the EV era.
