2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP

The K4 Hatchback offers a more functional take on Kia's stylish K4 sedan and is set to arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year.

Last year, Kia surprised fans by announcing that the new K4 Hatchback would make its way to the American market and now it's officially here. The automaker unveiled the production-ready 2026 K4 Hatchback at this week’s New York International Auto Show, confirming that sales will kick off later in 2025. Looks like reports of the hatchback’s demise were greatly exaggerated.

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP

This model positions Kia to compete directly with the likes of the Honda Civic Hatchback, Mazda3 Hatchback, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, and even the Acura Integra. While crossovers continue to dominate buyer interest, Kia clearly believes there’s still room for a sharp, sporty hatch in today’s market.

The K4 Hatchback has a bold look, featuring a floating roof design and hidden rear door handles nestled into the C-pillars. Its gently sloping roofline doesn’t compromise space it actually delivers what Kia claims is the best rear headroom in its class, plus more legroom than any rival. That said, while the hatchback offers 22.2 cubic feet of cargo space (which is solid), it falls just short of the Civic’s 24.8 cubic feet. Interestingly, the hatchback is also 11 inches shorter overall than the standard K4 sedan.

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP

Under the hood, buyers can choose between two engines: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower, or a more powerful 1.6-liter turbo-four rated at 190 hp in the GT-Line Turbo trim. The base engine comes mated to a CVT, while the turbo unit pairs with an eight-speed automatic. Both GT-Line trims also benefit from a sport-tuned suspension and aggressive styling touches, including 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the hatchback shares most of its cabin layout with the sedan, highlighted by dual 12.3-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Standard driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. On the GT-Line Turbo, you can also opt for Kia’s advanced Highway Driving Assist system.

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP

Pricing and trim configurations haven't been finalized yet, but expect the hatchback to carry a slight premium over the sedan. The current K4 sedan starts at $23,165 and tops out at $31,860 when fully loaded as a GT-Line Turbo.

Read also: The Mercedes-AMG E53 Wagon is Heading to America With 604 HP