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Kia K4 S 2026 review: snapshot

Kia K4 2026 Hatchback Best Hatchback Cars hatchback Urban Small Cars
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EXPERT RATING
7.4

Likes

Spacious backseat
Stylish looks
Smooth, easy driving

Dislikes

Boot too small for family duties
Can be loud in the cabin
Pushing $45K for the top-spec trim
Photo of Andrew Chesterton
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

2 min read

Kia’s replacement for its ever-green Cerato arrived in two stages — the K4 Sedan, which arrived earlier this year, and now the K4 Hatch, which has just landed in Australia. 

The Hatch trim levels and specification mirror the Sedan exactly, which means the range kicks off with the entry-level S, yours for $32,090.

The big news for S is a new and more efficient 2.0-litre engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drops power slightly, and fuel use more significantly. The new engine and transmission combination makes 110kW and 180Nm, compared to 112kW and 192Nm, with fuel use falling from 7.4L/100km to a more frugal six litres flat.

The K4 S arrives with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, a smart key with push-button start, power folding and heated exterior mirrors, four USB-C outlets and a six-speaker audio system, but it does have the worst tech offering, swapping Kia’s twin-screen system for what it calls a 'Basic Digital Driver Cluster' with 4.0-inch multi-function (LCD) display — which doesn’t sound too fancy, does it?

You can add the 'Safety Pack' to the K4 S for $2100 and that adds a 12.3-inch instrument display, as well as dual-zone climate control and an expanded auto emergency braking (AEB) system with junction turning and crossing and direct/oncoming lane change detection.

Read the full 2026 Kia K4 review

Kia K4 2026: S

Engine Type Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 6.1L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $32,090
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$39,399
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Kia K4 2026 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$32,090
HIGHEST PRICE
$43,790
Photo of Andrew Chesterton
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

Andrew Chesterton should probably hate cars. From his hail-damaged Camira that looked like it had spent a hard life parked at the end of Tiger Woods' personal driving range, to the Nissan Pulsar Reebok that shook like it was possessed by a particularly mean-spirited demon every time he dared push past 40km/h, his personal car history isn't exactly littered with gold. But that seemingly endless procession of rust-savaged hate machines taught him something even more important; that cars are more than a collection of nuts, bolts and petrol. They're your ticket to freedom, a way to unlock incredible experiences, rolling invitations to incredible adventures. They have soul. And so, somehow, the car bug still bit. And it bit hard. When "Chesto" started his journalism career with News Ltd's Sunday and Daily Telegraph newspapers, he covered just about everything, from business to real estate, courts to crime, before settling into state political reporting at NSW Parliament House. But the automotive world's siren song soon sounded again, and he begged anyone who would listen for the opportunity to write about cars. Eventually they listened, and his career since has seen him filing car news, reviews and features for TopGear, Wheels, Motor and, of course, CarsGuide, as well as many, many others. More than a decade later, and the car bug is yet to relinquish its toothy grip. And if you ask Chesto, he thinks it never will. Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$32,090
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2026 Kia K4
See Pricing & Specs

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