Kia’s 2025 K4 steps in to replace the Forte, entering a competitive compact sedan market with contenders like the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla. This sedan impresses with its spacious cabin, generous warranty, and user-friendly tech. However, its design remains divisive, drawing mixed opinions from those who either embrace or resist its bold styling choices.
DESIGN
Up front, Kia’s K4 draws clear inspiration from its latest electric SUV, featuring a bold, angled grille that adds a modern touch. A sharp rear window line, however, breaks up what could have been a smooth, fastback silhouette. The grille has been redesigned to span wider, with thinner slats and a chunkier lower section, while headlights sweep over the fenders, resembling wings in flight.
Inspired by the EV9, the K4 stands out with a dramatic vertical taillight that slices across the rear. The fender lines rise sharply, but a quarter window positioned behind the rear door handles disrupts the clean design. GT-Line trims come with 18-inch alloy wheels and glossy black accents that pair nicely with the Morning Haze hue.
Inside, Kia opts for a more traditional layout with a wide, low-slung dashboard. A strip of vents separates the climate controls from a menu bar, which leads to a seamless 30-inch digital display. This screen is divided into three sections: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5.0-inch climate control display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Despite its size, it maintains user-friendliness with a mechanical shifter and ample cupholders.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood of the K4 GT-Line Turbo lies a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Switch to Sport mode, and the engine maintains higher revs, pushing out 190 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque. This setup delivers immediate responsiveness, offering a lively driving experience that’s both engaging and enjoyable, ensuring every twist and turn is met with excitement.
While acceleration isn’t neck-breaking, it’s more than capable of handling daily commutes with ease. At lower speeds, the K4 feels energetic, especially thanks to its torque, though the power wanes as revs increase. Even with some cabin noise, effective soundproofing ensures a calm, peaceful ride, turning routine drives into a surprisingly tranquil experience.
Opting for the GT-Line Turbo upgrades the rear suspension to a multilink design, replacing the basic torsion beam. This provides a noticeable improvement in handling, paired with MacPherson struts up front. Larger brake rotors are also added, ensuring stopping power aligns with the car’s turbocharged performance, making for a more controlled and confident drive.
Though the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly, it lacks the excitement of more refined systems found in premium vehicles. While the gearbox is efficient, it doesn’t capture the dynamic sensation of high-end counterparts. On the road, the K4’s multilink suspension and 18-inch wheels ensure a smooth ride, especially on rough roads. It absorbs bumps well, delivering comfort typical of larger sedans while maintaining agility in sportier driving situations.
VERDICT
With an MSRP starting at $28,090, the 2025 Kia K4 can climb to $31,445 when equipped with the $2,200 GT-Line Turbo Technology Package, offering added features for those seeking more tech and performance.
Competition
Kia’s 2025 K4 shares its platform with the Hyundai Elantra but takes a distinct approach with its unique styling and interior design. While the Elantra offers a wide range of powertrains, including hybrids and the high-performance N model, the K4 emphasizes agile handling and a tech-driven cabin, crafting a more focused, dynamic driving experience.
Honda’s Civic stands as a strong competitor to the K4, available in both sedan and hatchback forms. With its bold design and spacious interior, the Civic appeals to a broad audience, and for 2025, the new hybrid variant adds even more value. Meanwhile, Toyota’s Corolla has expanded its range, offering a fuel-efficient hybrid and the performance-packed GR Corolla for those seeking thrills.
Mazda’s 3, offered as a sedan or hatchback, sets itself apart with its upscale interior and optional all-wheel drive. The addition of a 227-hp turbocharged engine gives it a performance edge, making it a formidable contender in the segment. By comparison, the Volkswagen Jetta provides ample space but lacks excitement unless opting for the sportier turbocharged GLI.
