Kia waited a year after launching the K4 sedan to give us the hatchback version.

The new 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback debuted at the New York International Auto Show and is expected to arrive in Canada in late 2025.

The car will be available in standard and GT-Line trims.

“We are thrilled to offer the K4 Hatchback, providing more flexibility, style and function to this technology-loaded model,” said David Sherrard, director of strategic planning, Kia Canada, in a news release. “From advanced safety features, to performance as well as segment-above rear seat room, the K4 Hatchback is sure to be a standout.”

The hatchback is 11 inches shorter than the sedan, which Kia said improves maneuverability.

The car is designed for people with active lifestyles and is loaded with the same features as the sedan but offers greater cargo flexibility and interior space, Kia said.

The hatchback maintains the sedan’s generous rear legroom and adds an inch of rear headroom. There are 626.6 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats, which expands to a voluminous 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

The car features vertical LED headlights and taillights, inspired by the Kia EV9.

The rear door handles are hidden and integrated into the C-pillar, which accentuates the car’s hatchback proportions.

The hatchback is also available in an exclusive Sparkling Yellow exterior colour.

The standard models are powered by a 2-litre engine with 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque mated to an intelligently variable transmission.

The car is available with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 190 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

GT-Line Turbo models also get a sportier suspension setup.

GT-Line models get a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, side sills and wheel arch moldings, while the GT-Line Turbo gets available small cube LED projection headlights, LED fog lights, power sunroof and 16-inch front brakes.

On the interior, a dual digital display spans nearly 30 inches.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the hatchback.

A host of available features include a Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system, wireless phone charger, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and Digital Key 2.0 with ultra-wideband technology.

Pricing and trim details will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date. For updates, visit the Kia Canada website.

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