“Every now and then a car comes along that forces you to rethink what you’ve previously regarded as a benchmark. The Kia EV4 GT-Line Long Range is one of those cars. It is the quietest, smoothest electric vehicle I have driven. Full stop.”

There are times when a motoring journalist has to temper enthusiasm with reality. This isn’t one of them.

The Kia EV4 GT-Line Long Range is the quietest, smoothest electric vehicle I have driven. Full stop. Not the quietest in its class. Not the quietest for the money. The quietest – regardless of badge, price or country of origin.

Electric cars have largely solved the problem of engine noise, but that has simply exposed everything else. Wind rush around mirrors, tyre roar, driveline hum and the tiny vibrations that become obvious once an engine disappears all suddenly become part of the driving experience. Kia has somehow managed to eliminate almost all of them.

The result is an electric driveline that is beautifully progressive from the first touch of the accelerator. There is no abrupt surge, no hesitation and none of the faint motor whine that many EVs still exhibit under acceleration. Instead, power builds with remarkable smoothness, making the EV4 feel more refined than many considerably more expensive competitors.

Even more impressive is the cabin silence. At freeway speeds there is virtually no wind noise. Aerodynamic tuning appears to have been taken to another level, producing an interior that remains calm and relaxed regardless of speed. Long-distance touring becomes less tiring simply because there is so little competing for your attention.

The silence also highlights another strength — ride comfort. Modern Kia interiors continue to improve and the EV4 is one of the company’s best efforts yet. Supportive seats, generous space and an inviting cabin make it an easy place to spend several hours.

I don’t often use my wife as an official road test measure, but on this occasion she’s entitled to a mention. Her unsolicited verdict after a lengthy drive was simply that it was one of the most comfortable cars we’ve travelled in.

Not everything is perfect. The distinctive fastback styling gives the EV4 an identity all of its own, but it does demand a compromise. The boot itself is deep and generous, yet the opening is relatively shallow. That’s fine for luggage placed carefully inside, but if groceries escape from their bags and roll towards the rear seat, retrieving them can become an unexpected exercise in flexibility. You almost need to climb into the boot to collect the escaped items.

The long rear overhang and almost flat rear window also take a little getting used to visually. Rear vision isn’t as generous as some rivals and there is no rear wiper, with Kia relying instead on aerodynamic airflow to keep the glass clear in wet conditions. In practice it works surprisingly well, although time will tell how effective it remains in the dirt and spray of everyday Australian driving.

Those are relatively minor criticisms in what is otherwise an outstanding package. Add in a range that just nudges past 600kms and you have a new-age family car that ticks most boxes.

The EV4 GT-Line Long Range doesn’t rely on explosive acceleration or extravagant technology to impress. Instead, it succeeds in the areas owners appreciate every day — refinement, comfort and effortless driving. Sometimes genuine progress arrives quietly. In the case of the Kia EV4, almost silently.

Specification	Kia EV4 GT-Line Long Range FWD
Price Range (before on-road costs)	$49,990 to $64,590 ($64,690 as tested)
Motor	Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Drive	Front-wheel drive
Battery	81.4kWh lithium-ion
Power	150kW
Torque	283Nm
Driving Range (WLTP)	612km
DC Fast Charging	Up to 128kW (10–80% in approximately 30 minutes)
AC Charging	11kW
0–100km/h	7.8 seconds
Top Speed	170km/h
Boot Capacity	490 litres
Warranty	7 years / unlimited kilometres
Battery Warranty	8 years / 150,000km

Maybe I’m wrong – Check out some of my colleagues’ views . . .

Car Expert – https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2026-kia-ev4-review?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Chasing Cars – https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/large-cars/kia-ev4-gt-line-2026-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

CarsGuide – https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/kia-ev4-sedan-gt-line-100701?utm_source=chatgpt.com