--- title: "Kia EV4 Will Get Ioniq 5 N-Style Fake Gear Shifts [UPDATED]" date: "2025-02-24" modified: "2025-02-24" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/all-kia-ev4s-even-the-base-one-will-get-ioniq-5-n-style-fake-gear-shifts-report" categories: - "Kia News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "Kia" --- # Kia EV4 Will Get Ioniq 5 N-Style Fake Gear Shifts \[UPDATED\] ![]() *Kia* [Kia]() just revealed its latest electric offering, the EV4. It comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles, has [EV9]()-inspired looks, and will immediately be one of the coolest-looking EVs on the market. With its sharp, funky lines, and futuristic vibes, the Kia EV4 is sure to become a hit with younger buyers. But to make it even more interesting, Kia is borrowing the Hyundai [Ioniq 5 N']()s simulated gear shifts. In the Ioniq 5 N, you can use paddle shifters to "shift gears" but it's all software trickery. When you pull a paddle, the car's brain adjusts the torque delivery and produces the right simulated noises to make it seem like it's shifting gears. The tech has since been added to the updated Kia EV6 GT. I haven't driven the Ioniq 5 N but I've heard some people praise it for its silly fun but others call it unnecessary. Perhaps it's both. ***\[Update 2/26/2025 @ 9:40 a.m. ET: An earlier version of this story cited a report that suggested simulated step shifts would be available on all trims of the Kia EV4. A day after publication, Kia confirmed to* The Drive *that while some trims will get the feature, not all will.\]*** ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Many EVs use different audible tricks to simulate combustion performance but Hyundai is the only one to add a technical component to it—so far. Honda confirmed that it's [tested a manual transmission for EVs]() and has demoed [simulated engine sounds recreating some of its greatest gas-powered hits](). It might all be unnecessary but, in the Ioniq 5 N, it does seem like a lot of fun and gives owners that extra layer of playfulness, control, and familiarity. In any case, you *can* switch it all off if you don't like it. Adding that fun to a more pedestrian, more affordable electric car like the Kia EV4 could go a long way in attracting younger buyers (or old ones willing to suspend their disbelief). *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()