The 2025 Kia K4 is a compact four-door sedan that debuted as the successor to the Kia Forte, with production beginning in 2024. It was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in March 2024. Compared to the outgoing Forte, the 2025 Kia K4 is slightly longer and wider, riding on a wheelbase that is approximately one inch longer. The K4 offers seating for five passengers and is currently only available as a sedan; however, a hatchback version is expected next year. Positioned in the competitive compact car segment, its main rivals include the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.
The K4 is available in five different trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. The GT trim from the Forte is taking the year off. Most K4 trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The GT-Line Turbo trim upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All models are offered only with front-wheel drive.
Pricing for the 2025 Kia K4 starts at $21,990 for the base LX trim and goes up to $28,090 for the GT-Line Turbo. Standard safety features across all trims include forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims offer additional options such as a surround-view monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The K4 also boasts modern conveniences like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available dual-zone climate control.
The 2025 Kia K4's base engine is no powerhouse, but it gets the job done with a minimum of fuss. Compared to some other standard engines in the class the K4's is more refined and pairs nicely with the continuously variable transmission. It also returns excellent fuel economy. The turbocharged engine on the GT-Line Turbo is a carryover from last year's Forte GT. It's not blindingly quick, but it is substantially more powerful than the base engine and provides good passing punch. It also gets a conventional automatic that provides quick upshifts and timely downshifts.
One thing that didn't change in the transition from Forte to K4 was exceptional fuel efficiency. The base engine gets a combined EPA rating of 34 MPG, and the turbo motor gets a combined rating of 29 MPG. Both engines run fine on regular-grade gasoline. Though the numbers might not impress if you are looking at a hybrid competitor, they are top of the class in head-to-head comparisons. Even more impressive are real-world economy numbers. Expect to see more than 40 MPG on the highway and as much as 35 MPG around town. Unfortunately, the smallish 12.4-gallon fuel tank means more frequent trips to the gas station.
The longer wheelbase and wider track do wonders for stability and don't hurt the K4's nimble handling too much. Compared to Forte, the K4 feels bigger with better bump absorption, a more composed ride and better noise isolation. In fact, while the old Forte was one of the nosier vehicles in the class, the new K4 is one of the quieter cars, all things considered.
Like most compact sedans the 2025 Kia K4 provides a comfortable, if somewhat, uninspired driving experience. The suspension does a good job of filtering out small bumps and softening large impacts. Occasionally, a loud thump can be heard from the front suspension when encountering deep potholes, but it is rare rather than the norm. The steering nicely balances assist and road feel to help drivers track straight and true. The brakes have ample stopping power.
It should be noted that there is a different rear suspension in GT-Line models. EX end below get a beam rear axle and GT-Line gets a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. The difference is immediately apparent on rough roads and when traversing railroad tracks. This is where the GT-Line really separates itself from other models as it's just more composed overall and has a nimble feeling in quick changes of direction.
If you are looking for an even sportier experience, perhaps hold out a year, Kia's likely to bring back the GT trim with stiffer shocks, more aggressive rubber, beefed up brakes and a throater exhaust. (Let's hope Kia remembers the manual transmission as well.)
Inside the 2025 Kia K4 has a familiar but much more modern design. Though it is somewhat less driver focused, materials are a notch above what you might expect in the class and there's an airy feeling thanks to the large windows, low beltline and thin roof pillars.
The front seats are nicely padded and plenty adjustable. GT-Line models get slightly more aggressive padding, but that doesn't affect comfort much. Head and leg room are good and it's easy to find a suitable driving position behind the wheel. The rear seats are somewhat flat and softly cushioned. There's good head and leg room, but a small driveline hump intrudes on foot space. The door openings are somewhat narrow, but at least they open wide.
From a design perspective, the interior is very functional. The K4 still sports a traditional shift column, but there are conventional buttons and knobs for most controls. All models get twin 12.3-inch screens. One for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. EX and above also get a digital touchscreen for the automatic climate system, while LX and LXS get traditional buttons for HVAC. Other controls are placed conveniently except for the radio volume scroll. It's a long reach at the top and center of the consol.
The 2025 Kia K4 is loaded with all the latest technology and safety features. Everything works very well, and the infotainment system is easy to operate without reading the owner's manual. All of the safety features work well with the exception of the slightly over aggressive lane centering feature that tends to tug at the wheel on the expressway.
The roomy 14.6 cubic foot trunk is quite exceptional for the class. The opening is wide and the interior height is tall, allowing you to load bulky items. The rear seats fold flat to expand on cargo capacity. Interior storage is good and there's a wireless cell phone charging pad right in the center console.
Bottom Line - The all-new 2025 Kia K4 is a better compact sedan in every dimension compared to the outgoing Forte. It's got more room, better technology, improved ride quality, and is significantly quieter. It is more than a match for competitors and comes at a reasonable price. Hopefully Kia brings back a true GT with manual transmission, but for now, the GT-Line Turbo is a great, sub-$30,000 compact sedan.
