2025 Kia K4 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
So long, Kia Forte—you had a good run, but it’s time for something new. That would be the 2025 Kia K4, the automaker’s new entry-level car offered in sedan and hatchback body styles (hatch arrives for 2026). Taking cues from the popular K5 midsize sedan and futuristic EV9 SUV, the K4 offers design, features, and tech becoming of a new compact car. Will the K4 have what it takes to rival segment stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla?
What We Think
Ever since the first spy shots surfaced, we’ve wanted to see the new 2025 Kia K4. Heavy camouflage couldn’t obscure how wild the car would look, and now that the covers are off, it indeed has styling that distinguishes it from other compact sedans. The K4 won’t be confused with the Forte it replaces.
Those angular looks could help establish the new K4 nameplate among its well-known rivals; Kia had success with that approach when it transformed the Optima into the K5. However, we wish there was some advancement under the hood; the K4 uses the same underpowered base engine as the outgoing Forte, and even the upgrade turbocharged I-4 is less powerful than before. Our First Test of the K4 GT-Line has revealed laggard acceleration times. A hybrid powertrain could fix this issue, but Kia doesn't offer one just yet.
Increased cabin room, abundant tech, and useful driver aids could matter more to small sedan shoppers, and indeed the new K4’s specs and features are appealing. If Kia can keep the K4’s pricing close to that of the outgoing Forte, it’ll make for a compelling value. What remains to be determined is if the K4 drives as good as it looks—we’ll find out soon, so watch this space.
K4 Engine and MPGs
As standard, the K4 is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine producing 142 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. That output is routed to the front wheels via a CVT automatic; there’s no AWD K4. Acceleration is lackluster, with 0-60 mph acceleration taking 9.1 seconds. Fuel economy is excellent, however, with an EPA-verified rating of 29-30/39-40 mpg city/highway depending on configuration.
Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: Watch Out Civic Si, VW GTI?
Sport compact car enthusiasts, take note: Kia could have a spicy new option to pique your interest. The outgoing Forte GT passes the torch to the K4 GT-Line Turbo, with the same 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 engine at the core of its performance. However, output drops from 201 hp to 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, potentially a limitation of the standard eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters; a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and six-speed manual were offered in the Forte GT. Still, the K4 GT-Line Turbo should be zippy enough for a sub-7.0-second 0-60 mph time.
Kia will also offer the GT-Line trim with the standard 2.0-liter engine, which like the Turbo model gets distinctive sport-inspired exterior details, 18-inch wheels, and a three-spoke steering wheel. Additionally, the K4 GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo will have sharper handling than the standard K4 thanks to their exclusive independent rear suspension setup.
Kia K4 Hybrid?
Could Kia offer a 2025 K4 Hybrid? We certainly hope so, as the mechanically related Hyundai Elantra has a hybrid variant that's one of our favorite cars under $30,000. A K4 Hybrid would likely offer the same levels of tech and interior space as the gas model, but with better acceleration and a quieter experience in city driving. Sounds appealing to us, but Kia may continue to leave the hybrid sedan market to Hyundai. We'll see.
Safety Features
Crash safety wasn’t a, um, forte of the outgoing Forte, a concern which Kia hopefully remedied in the new K4. The automaker at least equips the K4 with a slew of standard driver assist and active safety features. Front automatic emergency braking, intersection collision avoidance, road sign recognition, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control are among those. Enhanced versions of these systems, emergency evasive steering assist, and camera-based blind-spot monitoring are available on the K4 GT-Line Turbo. Compared to the outgoing Forte, all 2025 K4 models gain standard rear side airbags for a total of eight throughout the cabin.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Kia promises class-leading spaciousness inside the new K4 sedan. Only partial specifications are currently available, yet indicate how spacious the cabin could feel. For even more space, choose the hatchback variant that arrives for 2026.
Is the Kia K4 a Hatchback?
Drivers who seek versatility in a compact package—but refuse to choose an SUV—have a new option in the Kia K4. The car will be offered as a four-door hatchback starting in 2026, and four-door sedan for 2025. The K4 hatchback will presumably have the same engines and features as the sedan, but offer a larger cargo area that's joined with the rest of the cabin, unlike the sedan's separate trunk. With the K4 hatchback, Kia has a rival to the cargo-optimized versions of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Technology
Higher-end 2025 K4 models will have a tech-forward dashboard that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 5.0-inch climate control panel. It’s a similar setup to that in the Kia EV9 electric SUV, which is the vehicle that debuted Kia’s latest and improved ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) user interface also in the K4. Over-the-air update capability and an AI-enhanced digital assistant are parts of ccNC functionality. Regardless of trim level, all K4 models will have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Several USB ports are included in the front row, and a wireless charging pad is available. A Harman Kardon premium audio system and 360-degree camera are among other tech upgrades.
Which 2025 Kia K4 Trim Level Is Best?
Kia will offer the 2025 K4 in five trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. The LX trim will focus on affordability, hopefully with a starting price of not much more than $23,000. Features and content rise on higher trim levels, such as the K4 EX which offers an exclusive—and rather stylish—green-colored interior. The GT-Line will have standard heated front seats along with performance-oriented design and suspension. At the top of the range is the GT-Line Turbo, which has a more powerful engine that could bring its price to around $30,000. Expect to see the K4 hit Kia dealership lots in the second half of 2024.
