The 2025 Kia K4 is here, replacing the previous Forte in the brand’s compact car segment. This latest model supplies new benchmarks for design, technology, and spaciousness, making it a formidable competitor to the segment-leading Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. The K4 supplies a premium edge, one that this Korean automaker expects will propel interest in this model.
Opposites United
Kia’s “Opposites United” design language comes to life in the K4, merging fastback-inspired styling with a wide, athletic stance. With an overall length of 185.4 inches and a width of 72.8 inches, the K4 is the largest vehicle in its class. In effect, the K4’s footprint means that this model straddles the compact and midsize sedan categories.
This expanded footprint directly benefits passengers, offering a class-leading 38 inches of rear legroom and 37.3 inches of rear headroom. The exterior design is enhanced by vertically oriented LED headlights and taillights, a feature influenced by Kia’s flagship EV9. Hidden rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar further accentuate its sleek profile. For GT-Line models, additional design elements, including gloss black accents, satin chrome trim, and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, amplify the sedan’s sporty appeal.
Premium Interior With Advanced Technologies
Inside, the K4 elevates expectations for the compact sedan segment. Its wide, driver-focused dashboard features a nearly 30-inch multi-segment cockpit display that combines digital instrumentation with an advanced infotainment interface. This innovation, a first in its class, builds on Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, which debuted in the flagship EV9. The system supports over-the-air updates, faster processing, and intuitive swipe-enabled Quick Controls.
Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Digital Key 2.0 offer added convenience, with a compatible smartphone. The K4’s available voice assistant, activated by saying “Hey Kia,” allows drivers to control vehicle functions.
These include climate and audio settings, with natural voice commands. The automaker is also developing generative AI capabilities to enhance this feature with real-time responses.
The K4’s interior design matches its technological ambition. Available heated and ventilated front seats, along with a driver’s memory function, add comfort and convenience. Materials and color options vary by trim, with GT-Line models offering exclusive touches like a three-spoke steering wheel and Onyx and Off-White interior combinations. Cabin quietness is another focal point, with features such as an available acoustic windshield and acoustic tires designed to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.
Two Engine Options
The 2025 K4 offers a pair of powertrain choices. The standard 2.0-liter engine develops 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and comes paired with a continuously variable transmission. Optionally, shoppers will find a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.
The K4’s GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo trims come with such exclusive features as a multi-link rear suspension, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and sport pedals. These additions provide more precise handling and a sportier ride, in an effort to distinguish the GT-Line models from their competitors.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance
The K4 sets a high bar for safety, offering 11 standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and up to 29 available features. Standard systems include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality. Advanced options, such as Blind-Spot View Monitor and Evasive Steering Assist, add another layer of safety.
The GT-Line Turbo models introduce Forward Collision Avoidance 2, which expands collision detection to include scenarios like crossing intersections and avoiding obstacles while changing lanes. The K4 also offers segment-leading safety features, such as standard rear side airbags, bringing its total airbag count to eight.
2025 Kia K4: Now Available
The 2025 Kia K4 is now available, offered in five trims. The base K4 LX starts at $21,990, excluding the $1,155 destination charge. The K4 LXS is priced at $22,990, followed by the K4 EX at $23,990. The K4 GT-Line is available for $25,190, and the range-topping K4 GT-Line Turbo is priced at $28,090.
The base model achieves fuel economy ratings of up to 30 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined, positioning the Kia among the leaders in its segment. Fuel economy data for the turbocharged models is not yet available.
Competitive Set
Besides the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the Kia K4 competes with the Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Mazda 3, and the Subaru Impreza.
See Also — New York Debut: 2025 Kia K4
Images courtesy of Kia.
