Design
The K4 Hatchback expands on the sedan version’s muscular proportions and wide stance by adding a floating roof design that flows into the rear hatch. Despite being approximately 11 inches shorter than its four-door sibling (10.6 inches shorter for the GT-Line trim), the K4 Hatchback maintains spacious interior dimensions while gaining an additional inch of rear headroom. Plus, the hatchback will continue the K4’s “Opposites United” design language, including vertical LED headlights and taillights similar to those found on the all-electric EV9 crossover. A distinctive styling element on the hatchback is hidden rear door handles that are integrated into the C-pillar. The K4 Hatchback will also offer an exclusive Sparkling Yellow exterior color that isn’t available on the sedan.
Trims and Powertrains
We expect the K4 Hatchback to have three trim levels: EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. The front-wheel-drive K4 Hatchback will reflect the powertrain options currently offered for the K4 Sedan. The base EX and mid-grade GT-Line will have a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. Additional power is projected for the GT-Line Turbo, which will host a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that will make 190 horsepower match up with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The cargo area behind the rear seats will provide about 22.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded down. The model’s fuel economy ratings will be released closer to the launch date.
Standard Features
Full details on standard equipment remain forthcoming, but we anticipate that the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo will have sporty upgrades over the two lower trims. Those should include a sport-tuned suspension, gloss-black exterior treatments, and 18-inch alloy wheels (versus 17-inch wheels on the standard trim). The GT-Line Turbo will further differentiate itself with small-cube LED projection headlights, LED fog lights, and exclusive body accents. Depending on the trim level, the available amenities will include wireless device charging and a digital key (keyless vehicle access via a smartphone app).
Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology
The K4 Hatchback will come equipped with Kia’s comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. The standard advanced driver aids are anticipated to include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The highest trim will at least get additional driver-assistance features, such as evasive steering assist, highway driving assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, a blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, and parking sensors. These may be optional for the lower trims.
Infotainment and Connectivity
We expect that the K4 Hatchback’s dashboard will be dominated by a nearly 30-inch combined digital display integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system will be available on higher trims. Standard technology across all trims should include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a Harman Kardon audio system expected to be among the available upgrades. The K4 Hatchback will also likely offer Kia’s latest connectivity features through the Kia Connect Store, including vehicle software over-the-air updates, music streaming, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and an AI-powered voice assistant.
