Consumers have flocked to crossovers and SUVs, and automakers have chased the money. Most have killed off small sedans and their hatchback variants, including Kia. With the launch of the third-generation Forte, Kia discontinued the five-door version in America, but that’s changing for 2026 with the K4 Hatchback, which is shockingly cheap.
The Kia K4 hatch comes in three trims: EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. The base model starts at $26,085, and that includes the $1,195 destination charge. That’s $2,700 more than the entry-level LX sedan and only $500 more than the four-door EX.
The GT-Line starts $1,000 more than the EX hatch—$27,085. The top GT-Line Turbo trim is just under $30,000 at $29,985.
The hatch’s standard powertrain is the same as the sedan's—a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission, but if you want a proper automatic gearbox, you’ll have to upgrade to the GT-Line or GT-Line Turbo.
These two trims feature Kia’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which produces 190 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The two models also feature sportier suspension tuning.
The hatch has 22.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, compared to the 14.5 cubic feet available in the sedan. The Kia Seltos crossover has 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the back.
The five-door K4 comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, and a wireless phone charger. Options include a Harman Kardon sound system and a heated steering wheel.
The car can receive over-the-air updates and has 16 standard advanced driver-assist systems, including blind-spot collision- avoidance and adaptive cruise control. The only thing missing is a manual—and we’ll never get that from Kia.
The 2026 K4 Hatchback will begin reaching dealers early next year.