The Kia EV4 shortlisted for 2026 Car of the Year

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 from a long list of 35 models. This milestone marks Kia’s eighth COTY shortlist – an unparalleled achievement for a Korean brand – and highlights Kia’s growing influence in the European automotive industry since the Kia Ceed first made the shortlist in 2008.

Even more remarkable, this is Kia’s fifth consecutive year as a COTY finalist: following the EV6’s win in 2022, the Niro in 2023, the EV9 in 2024, and the EV3’s second place in 2025 – earning the highest number of points that a Kia model has ever received, despite finishing runner-up. This consistent performance establishes Kia as a serious, long-term contender in Europe’s most prestigious automotive competition.

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). With ranges of up to 388 miles for the hatchback and 380 miles for the Fastback, ultra-low drag coefficients (0.261Cd hatchback, 0.23Cd Fastback), and advanced battery options (58.3kWh and 81.4kWh) capable of high-speed charging from 10-to-80% in around 30 minutes, the EV4 combines efficiency, versatility, and real-world usability for European drivers.

European engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) fine-tuned the chassis for confident handling, precise cornering, and comfortable long-distance travel. The EV4 also benefits from Kia’s expanding charging network of over one million public points across Europe. Inside, the EV4 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, offering a driver-focused cabin with intuitive technology including the Kia App, Digital Key 2, and over-the-air software updates for a seamless, connected experience. As preannounced at the 2025 EV Day, the 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 9 January 2026.