2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Rounds Out Lineup
Competes with: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3
Looks like: The K4 sedan with more curves in back
Powertrains: 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission; 190-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
Release date: Late 2025
Kia replaced its Forte compact sedan for the 2025 model year with the stylish, more tech-forward K4 sedan, which made its debut at the 2024 New York International Auto Show. For 2026, Kia is back at the show to launch a hatchback body style (thankfully, it’s not called the K4 Koup). The 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback adds more cargo space and an available sport suspension.
Related: More 2025 New York Auto Show Coverage
What Does the Kia K4 Hatchback Look Like?
Outside, the K4 Hatchback borrows much of the sedan’s design cues, including crisp angles, vertical and horizontal LED headlights and taillights, and hidden rear door handles. However, the hatchback also goes its own way; it’s 11 inches shorter than the sedan and wears a floating roof design that extends into the rear hatch. It’s also available in an exclusive Sparkling Yellow exterior color.
Like the sedan, the hatchback will also be available in sport-oriented GT-Line trim, with extras such as 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch alloy wheels are standard), as well as gloss-black exterior mirror caps, side sills and wheel arch moldings. The GT-Line Turbo trim gets small cube LED projection headlights, LED foglights, a power moonroof and 16-inch front brakes.
Inside, Kia says space is a big difference among the body styles. Despite the hatchback’s shorter overall length, the automaker says it still maintains the sedan’s rear legroom and gains an extra inch of rear headroom. In addition, the hatchback offers 22.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, per Kia’s measurements — more than the sedan’s 14.6 cubic feet. With the backseats folded, the brand says that cargo space in the hatchback expands to 59.3 cubic feet.
What Powertrain Does the Kia K4 Hatchback Have?
The K4 Hatchback borrows the sedan’s powertrains. The standard setup is a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Also available is a 190-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains use front-wheel drive. Fuel-economy estimates are not yet available.
The GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo variants also feature a sportier suspension that is exclusive to the K4 Hatchback.
What Tech Does the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Have?
The K4’s cabin was a total upgrade from the old Forte’s in materials, design and tech, and the K4 Hatchback uses the same template. A pair of 12.3-inch screens is the highlight; they comprise a digital instrument panel and a touchscreen display. Other highlights include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, as well as over-the-air update capability and Kia Connect’s voice assistant, which is activated by saying “Hey, Kia” and can control many audio and climate functions via voice commands.
Again, like the sedan, the hatchback will come with a competitive list of standard safety and advanced driver-assistance features, including lane departure steering assist and adaptive cruise control that functions down to a stop. Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard, and blind spot collision avoidance is available.
When Will the Kia K4 Hatchback Go On Sale?
Kia expects the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback to go on sale in late 2025. Pricing and trim level information will be announced closer to the hatchback’s on-sale date.
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