Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we’re thrilled to welcome back something we haven’t seen in a while—a fresh, tech-savvy hatchback that’s built for more than just the daily commute. After the Forte bowed out of the U.S. hatchback game, we’ve been waiting for Kia to bring the five-door practicality back to the lineup. And now? It’s here—with the all-new 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback.
Familiar Face, Fresh Function
From the front, the K4 Hatchback shares the same bold and futuristic design as its sedan sibling. Think vertical EV9-style LED headlights, T-shaped running lights, and a sleek gloss black front fascia. But once you move to the side profile, it’s clear this isn’t just a sedan with a new badge. The hatchback is noticeably shorter in overall length but rides on the same wheelbase—giving it a unique stance and surprising cargo space without compromising cabin comfort.
And that space? Impressive. With the rear seats up, you get over 22 cubic feet of room—plenty for gear, groceries, or road trip essentials. Fold the seats down, and you’re looking at nearly 60 cubic feet. Whether you’re headed to Forest Park or loading up for a weekend float trip, the K4 hatch has you covered.
Design with a Purpose
Around back, the K4 Hatch carries over the signature swooping light bar from the front, finishing with a subtle roof spoiler. And yes—there’s a hidden rear wiper tucked under that spoiler, ready for unpredictable Missouri weather. The GT-Line trim adds sportier accents, including a standout exterior finish and blacked-out trim details that really turn heads.
Power That Fits the Mission
Under the hood, the K4 Hatchback offers two proven engines. The standard model runs on a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, designed for fuel efficiency and smooth day-to-day driving. For those craving more punch, the GT-Line Turbo delivers with a 1.6L turbocharged engine, pushing out 190 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
While it's not aiming to out-muscle track-ready hot hatches, the K4 is tuned for balanced, responsive performance—ideal for St. Louis city driving, suburban highways, or a winding route through the Missouri backcountry.
Tech Where It Matters
Step inside, and you’ll find a modern, driver-focused interior that’s anything but basic. Dual 12.3-inch screens stretch across the dash, offering crisp visuals and smooth interaction. A separate 5-inch panel handles climate settings—right where you want it. Thankfully, Kia didn’t go full touchscreen-only. You’ll still find physical buttons for key functions, so you’re not digging through menus while navigating I-64 or dodging STL traffic.
The flat-top/flat-bottom steering wheel isn’t just stylish—it’s packed with smart controls, from media toggles to drive mode selectors. Paddle shifters give you a little more control when you want to play.
Safety Tech That’s Actually Useful
As expected, the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback includes Kia’s full suite of driver assistance features. Standard systems like Lane Keep Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go are joined by available tech like Evasive Steering Assist and Highway Driving Assist 2, designed to reduce stress during longer drives or packed highway commutes.
Coming Soon to St. Louis
The 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback is expected to land at our dealership in late 2025, and trust us—you’ll want to see it in person. Between the versatile cargo space, modern tech, and sleek styling, this hatchback feels tailor-made for St. Louis drivers who want something efficient, fun, and functional.
Skip the guesswork and be among the first to test drive the tech-forward Kia K4 Hatch. It’s smart, stylish, and built for your lifestyle.
