By Jeff Glucker
The number of cars with a celebrated rear end shape is dwindling. Wagons and hatchbacks are disappearing at a rate alarming enough to need Sir David Attenborough to mention it via a beautifully shot documentary. Perhaps that’s not exactly true, though, as a few automakers have recently trotted out machines featuring the diving rear end. The latest one to land is the 2026 Kia K4 hatch, which was just revealed at the New York Auto Show. Are we feeling it? I say yes.
Not the base engine version, mind you. That one plays host to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It also makes use of a CVT. The GT-Line Turbo model, however, packs a 1.6-liter turbo-4 making a far healthier 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It also swaps out a CVT for an 8-speed automatic.
Regardless, it’s great to see a fresh hatchback heading to market.
Yah, I like it.