Kia launches the EV4 in Australia and it’s cheaper than a Tesla Model 3

Kia launched the EV4 in Australia, where it will go head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3 and Chinese EV brands, including BYD. The EV4 is cheaper than a Model 3, but BYD’s prices still beat it.

Kia reveals EV4 prices in Australia

The EV4, Kia’s first electric sedan, will arrive in showrooms this month with the first customer deliveries set to begin by the end of January.

It will be based on the same 400-volt front-wheel-drive (FWD) version of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, with the same battery pack options as the popular EV3.

The 2026 EV4 is available in Australia in three trims: Air, Earth, and GT-Line, with prices starting at AUD $49,990 (about $33,500 US Dollars), before on-road costs.

The base “Air” model is powered by a 58.3 kWh lithium-ion nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery, providing a WLTP driving range of 456 km (283 miles). Upgrading to the Earth and GT-Line grades gains a larger 81.4 kWh battery, rated with 612 km (380 miles) WLTP driving range.

With prices starting at AUD $49,990, the Kia EV4 is cheaper than the Tesla Model 3 in Australia. The Tesla Model 3 RWD starts at AUD $54,900, or AUD $4,910 more than the EV4.

To be fair, the Model 3 RWD beats Kia’s electric sedan on range, offering up to 520 km (323 miles). The Model 3 Long Range provides up to 750 km (466 miles) WLTP range.

While the EV4 undercuts the Model 3, BYD still has Kia beat on prices. BYD’s electric sedan, the Seal, starts at just AUD ($46,990), or AUD $3,000 less than the EV4, but it also has less driving range, rated at 570 km (354 miles).

According to Kia, the EV4 Air can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes using DC fast charging, while the longer-range Earth and GT-line take 31 minutes.

The interior features essentially the same setup as the EV3 and EV5, with Kia’s new connect car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system.

The setup includes nearly 30″ of combined screen space, including dual 12.3″ driver and center touchscreen displays, plus an additional 5.2″ climate control screen.

Upgrading to the Earth trim, starting at AUD $51,190, adds features such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities for powering external electronics, a campsite, and more. It also gains 19″ wheels, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and heated front seats.

The GT-Line is priced from AUD $64,690 and includes sporty GT-Line design elements, an added head-up display, a premium Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system, a surround-view monitor, and more.

As for the EV4 hatchback, Kia regional leaders said it was “under study for Australia,” according to Drive. The first EV4 sedan (fastback) customer deliveries are set to begin later this month.

Kia’s other electric vehicles are already among the best-selling in Australia. The EV5 was the fourth-most-popular EV in Australia last year, trailing only the Tesla Model 3, BYD Sealion 7, and Tesla Model 3. The Kia EV3 ranked tenth. Will Kia’s electric sedan see the same demand?

While the EV4 is rolling out in Europe, South Korea, Australia, and other global markets, those in the US may never get to see it. Sadly, Kia has decided to delay it indefinitely due to the recent US policy changes.