Kia EV4: With the electric vehicle market rapidly changing, any company is cautious when planning for the future. This is why Kia is also facing a dilemma regarding several of its electric models. In particular, the Kia EV4, which the company has confirmed will launch in Canada in January 2026, but its fate in the US depends on tariff decisions.
Russell Wager, VP of Marketing for Kia America, who was present at the Los Angeles Auto Show, clearly stated that the EV4’s arrival in the US will depend on when the tariff situation between the US, Canada, and Mexico stabilizes. He stated that the company cannot make any firm decisions as long as tariffs continue to change.
EV4 gets a break, but EV3 still on its way to the US market
While the company has postponed the EV4 for the US, this does not mean that the EV3 will follow suit. Given the strong demand for small SUV models, Kia is still preparing to bring the EV3 to the US market.
Kia previously stated that both the EV3 and EV4 would be offered as “low-cost EVs,” expected to be priced below $40,000. However, the expiration of electric tax credits and the slowing EV market have completely changed the company’s calculations. EV sales in the US have fallen from 10% to just 4% in recent months. The company now wants to wait until February–March 2026 to see where the market is headed.
Tariffs mess up the math: Kia EV4 launch delayed
Although the Kia EV4 will be launched in Canada as scheduled, its path in the US is not easy. A 50% tariff on Korean steel and aluminum is still included in the framework. The US recently reduced several automotive tariffs from 25% to 15%, aiming for a more balanced tax regime similar to Japan and the European Union. Kia hopes to build a new business case for the EV4 once tariffs stabilize.
Russell Wager explained that the vehicle was designed when tariffs were “zero”—and now that’s what’s challenging the company’s strategy.
Kia EV Pickup also under review again, uncertainty remains
A few months ago, Kia confirmed it was developing an electric pickup truck for the US. But now the company has moved it back to the “evaluation stage.”
The significant price fluctuations of the Ford F-150 Lightning and market uncertainty influenced this decision. Kia wants the EV market to stabilize and consumers to get a clear indication of what types of electric vehicles they’ll be interested in over the next few years.
I present to you, the Kia ev4 saloon pic.twitter.com/0G2rSM0FZU
— CtrlAltRefuel (@ctrlaltrefuel) November 21, 2025
Kia America currently produces the Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, EV6, and EV9 at its Georgia plant. But recently, production of EV models was reduced and production of gasoline SUVs was increased—because demand is higher there.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Issue | Kia’s U.S. EV plans disrupted due to unstable import tariffs. |
| EV4 Status (U.S.) | Launch paused; future depends on tariff stability. |
| EV4 Status (Canada) | Confirmed for January 2026 launch; pricing not announced. |
| Reason for Delay | EV4 was engineered for zero-tariff conditions; current tariffs make pricing difficult. |
| EV3 Status | Still planned for U.S. launch; compact SUV demand remains strong. |
| Market Challenge | End of EV tax credit and slowdown in EV demand in the U.S. |
| EV Pickup Truck | Project back to evaluation stage due to market unpredictability. |
| Production Shift | U.S. Kia plant shifting focus from EVs to gas SUVs like Telluride, Sorento, Sportage. |
| Tariff Impact | Korean steel/aluminum tariff remains at 50%; auto tariff adjusted to 15%. |
| Future Outlook | Kia will reassess EV4 and EV pickup once tariff conditions stabilize. |
FAQs Your Questions and Their Easy Answers
Question 1: Will the Kia EV4 be launched in the US?
Answer: Not yet. The company will re-evaluate it once the tariffs stabilize.
Question 2: Has the launch of the EV3 been affected?
Answer: No, the EV3 is still preparing to be launched in the US market.
Question 3: Why was Kia’s EV Pickup delayed?
Answer: Due to the uncertainty in the EV market and the experience of other brands (such as the F-150 Lightning), the company has put it back on review.
Question 4: When will the Kia EV4 launch in Canada?
Answer: January 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available news and industry reports. Automobile markets, tariffs, and product strategies may change from time to time. The final decision regarding any future launch, price or features will be based on the official announcement from the company.
