Kia EV4 Shortlisted for 2026 Car of the Year, Marking Kia’s Fifth Consecutive Finalist Appearance
The Kia EV4 has been officially shortlisted for the final round of the 2026 Car of the Year (COTY) award. Selected by 60 jurors from 23 countries, the EV4 is one of just seven finalists chosen from a long list of 35 models.
This milestone marks Kia’s eighth COTY shortlist—an unparalleled achievement for a Korean brand.
Even more remarkably, this is Kia’s fifth consecutive year as a COTY finalist. This consistent performance establishes Kia as a serious, long-term contender in Europe’s most prestigious automotive competition. The streak follows:
- Kia EV6 (2022 Winner)
- Kia Niro (2023 Finalist)
- Kia EV9 (2024 Finalist)
- Kia EV3 (2025 2nd Place, highest points ever for a Kia)
Built for Europe, in Europe
The EV4 is Kia’s first all-electric model produced in Europe, manufactured at the company’s Slovakian plant in Žilina on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
The vehicle is designed to fit all lifestyles, combining electric efficiency with the freedom to choose from two body types: a hatchback and a fastback.
Key performance and efficiency figures include:
- Range (Hatchback): Up to 625 kilometres.
- Range (Fastback): Up to 633 kilometres.
- Battery Options: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh.
- Ultra-low Drag: 0.261 Cd (hatchback) and 0.23 Cd (Fastback).
- Fast Charging: Capable of charging from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
The chassis was fine-tuned by European engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) for confident handling and comfortable long-distance travel. Inside, the EV4 features a driver-focused cabin with intuitive technology, including the Kia App, Digital Key 2, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
As preannounced at the 2025 EV Day, the high-performance EV4 GT is scheduled to be released in 2026.
“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.”
The 2026 Car of the Year winner will be announced at the Brussels Motor Show, with the award ceremony scheduled for January 9, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Kia model was shortlisted for the 2026 Car of the Year? The Kia EV4 (available as a hatchback or fastback) was shortlisted as one of the seven finalists for the 2026 Car of the Year award.
2. Is this the first time Kia has been a COTY finalist? No, this is Kia’s eighth time being shortlisted. It also marks the brand’s fifth consecutive finalist appearance.
3. Did the Kia EV6 win Car of the Year? Yes, the Kia EV6 won the Car of the Year award in 2022.
4. What is the maximum range of the Kia EV4? The Kia EV4 offers up to 625 km (hatchback) and 633 km (Fastback) of range.
5. How fast can the Kia EV4 charge? It features high-speed charging capable of replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
6. Where is the Kia EV4 built? The EV4 is Kia’s first all-electric model produced in Europe, manufactured at the company’s Slovakian plant in Žilina.
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