Kia K4: A Stylish Compact Sedan
Kia K4: A sleek new compact sedan, the Kia K4, is set to join the Kia lineup as a replacement for the current Forte. Positioned below the larger K5 family sedan, the K4 features a fastback roofline inspired by the Stinger sports sedan and wide rear fenders, giving it a sporty appearance. The base model will have the same 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine as last year’s Forte, while the top-tier GT-Line Turbo trim will offer a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The K4 is slightly larger than the outgoing Forte, offering a more spacious interior, particularly for rear-seat passengers. This positions it alongside other compact sedans such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.
Kia K4: What’s New for 2025?
Kia is launching the K4 as a new nameplate in North America, set to replace the Forte compact car beginning with the 2025 model year. There are also plans for an electric model, possibly named the EV4, to join the lineup.
Kia K4: Pricing and Which One to Buy
Kia plans to price the 2025 K4 starting around $22,000, with higher trims and options possibly reaching up to $30,000. Although official pricing and feature details haven’t been released yet, Kia expects the K4 to offer trim levels and pricing similar to the current Forte. The K4 will likely be one of the more affordable options in Kia’s lineup, with the base model starting at approximately $22,000 and the fully equipped GT-Line Turbo model exceeding $30,000.
Kia K4: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Most K4 models will come with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Kia has not yet released official pricing and feature details, but they expect the K4 to offer trim levels and pricing similar to the current Forte. However, the K4 will offer a more powerful 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available exclusively in the GT-Line Turbo trim. This trim will also feature a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, while other K4 models will have a torsion-beam setup. Driving impressions and test results will be updated as more information becomes available.
Kia K4: Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The K4’s interior design is clean and straightforward, with a linear dash layout. Despite the presence of a large infotainment display, there are still several physical buttons for controls, which is a refreshing feature in an era where many automakers are moving towards fully digital interfaces. The K4’s steering wheel has a unique design compared to other Kia models, featuring an offset logo and a two-spoke design. Additional information on the K4’s standard and optional features will be provided as it becomes available.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The K4’s screen size is unknown, but higher trims feature dual 12.3-inch displays. One screen is a reconfigurable gauge cluster, while the other handles navigation, radio, and climate control. A third 5.0-inch display will be dedicated to climate controls. Expected standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and in-dash navigation.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All K4 models come equipped with a standard suite of driver-assistance features. For advanced tech, options include evasive steering assist and enhanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering. To learn about the K4’s safety, check crash-test results on the NHTSA and IIHS websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia’s warranty, especially its powertrain coverage, surpasses the standard 5-year/60,000-mile warranties of most manufacturers. The K4 and Hyundai Elantra are among the few compact cars offering such extensive standard coverage.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
As more details become available, this story will be updated with additional information on:
- 0–60 MPH Times
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
