The K4’s Place in the Market
The Kia K4 enters the 2026 model year with a modest price bump, now starting at $22,190 MSRP – an increase of just $200 over the previous year. Still, the K4 remains among the most affordable new cars available in the U.S. market, a position that stands out even more as the roughly $20,000 Nissan Versa is getting axed after the 2025 model year.
In this lower-cost space, the K4 overlaps with a handful of budget-friendly alternatives, including the Hyundai Venue and Chevrolet Trax, which start at $20,550 and $21,700, respectively. Within the compact sedan segment specifically, the Toyota Corolla carries a base price of $22,725, while the Honda Civic opens at a noticeably higher $24,595.
What’s New For 2026
For 2026, Kia carries over the same trim structure for the K4, consisting of the LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo, though some pricing adjustments vary. The mid-range K4 EX sees the largest increase at $400, while the flagship GT-Line Turbo, powered exclusively by a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, only receives a $200 hike.
All other K4 trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), the brand’s in-house CVT, whereas the GT-Line Turbo is fitted with a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
Updates for the 2026 model year are relatively limited. SynTex upholstery is now standard on the EX and GT-Line trims, with the EX also gaining heated front seats and a rear folding armrest. Certain GT-Line packages further add a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster running Kia’s ccNC interface, along with a heated steering wheel.
| Trim | 2026 Pricing | 2025 Pricing |
| K4 LX | $22,190 | $21,990 |
| K4 LXS | $23,290 | $22,990 |
| K4 EX | $24,390 | $23,990 |
| K4 GT-Line | $25,390 | $25,190 |
| K4 GT-Line Turbo | $28,290 | $28,090 |
In addition to the sedan, the all-new K4 Hatchback is also slated for sale in the U.S. as a 2026 model, albeit at a higher starting MSRP of $24,890. Even so, both K4 body styles continue to provide relatively attainable options in a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, a point made more relevant as the average transaction price of new vehicles stateside hovers around $50,000
