2025 Kia K4 Road Test and Review

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

The 2025 Kia K4 is a blank-computer-screen redesign that replaces the long-running Forte in the Korean brand’s lineup. While the switch to an alphanumeric is in tune with luxury brand practice — something Kia would like to emulate — the K4 represents more than just a name change. It’s a conscious push upmarket, leveraging eye-catching design, near-luxury tech, and a cabin so spacious it threatens the mid-size segment. It’s a strong bid to get some attention in a segment that still has thousands of U.S. buyers. But while it delivers on many fronts, it’s not quite the sports sedan its looks may lead you to believe.

Eye-catching Exterior Design

Visually, the Kia K4 sets itself apart from the crowd of look-alike small sedans that resemble half-used bars of soap. With a fastback silhouette and bold proportions inspired by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, it straddles the line between compact and midsize. At 185.4 inches long and 72.8 inches wide, it has one of the largest footprints in its class, and it uses that size to convey strength rather than bulk.

To enhance its curb appeal, the design is full of clever visuals. Vertical LED lights at the front and rear recall the look of Kia’s flagship EV9 SUV, while hidden rear door handles tucked into the C-pillars help maintain the flowing roofline. The result is a silhouette that looks more expensive than the car’s price tag suggests. But wait, there’s more! GT-Line trims elevate things further with gloss black accents, a satin chrome beltline, and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. The Turbo model adds cube-shaped LED projector headlights and LED fog lamps, sharpening its profile even more. In a segment crowded with anonymous sedans, the K4 is hard to miss.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

Multiple Trim Levels

The 2025 Kia K4 offers five trims: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. The LX and LXS offer essential features with strong value propositions. For instance, they include a large touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim adds premium touches like available Harman Kardon audio and upgraded interior options such a 12.3-inch digital gauge package.

The GT-Line introduces even sportier exterior aesthetics, a three-spoke steering wheel, heated front seats, and exclusive design elements like gloss black accents and 18-inch alloy wheels. At the top of the K4 pyramid, the GT-Line Turbo delivers a performance edge with a 190-horsepower turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and a multi-link rear suspension for enhanced handling.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

Powertrain Choices and Specs

The K4 offers two distinct powertrains, each with a clear mission. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable transmission and sends power to the front wheels. Perfectly adequate for most compact sedan buyers, the setup emphasizes efficiency and everyday usability rather than excitement.

For drivers seeking a livelier experience, the GT-Line Turbo model upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission that includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a sportier pedal setup.

Both powertrains are front-wheel drive, a potential drawback for buyers in snow-prone regions or those seeking more dynamic traction. But Kia enhances the driving experience in the upper trims by fitting a multi-link rear suspension in the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo models, offering improved lateral stiffness and road-holding compared to the torsion-beam layout found in lower trims. The engineering is solid across the board, but buyers looking for electrification will find no hybrid or plug-in variant, at least not yet.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

Performance and Fuel Economy

On the road, the low- and mid-line K4 models deliver a composed and comfortable drive, though they never quite cross into thrilling territory. The base 2.0-liter engine performs adequately in city driving and light cruising, and it has enough pep for confident highway merges. But compared to compact sports sedans, acceleration is leisurely, and the continuously variable transmission, while well-mannered for its breed, doesn't inject any sense of enthusiasm.

The GT-Line Turbo’s 1.6-liter engine, on the other hand, gets your adrenaline flowing. In enthusiast magazine testing, the K4 GT-Line Turbo accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, a respectable time that puts it in the company of sportier compacts like the Mazda 3 and Civic Sport Touring. Still, it stops short of delivering true brio. Part of that comes down to the transmission, which occasionally hesitates when downshifting, dulling the immediacy of throttle inputs. Overall, the GT-Line Turbo is quick enough to satisfy most drivers, but those hoping for a budget sports sedan might be a bit disappointed.

Fuel economy, however, is a bright spot. The base engine earns an EPA-rated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, making it competitive against top compact sedans. The GT-Line Turbo is less efficient but still solid, returning 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, and in our real-world testing, it delivered an impressive 33 mpg in mixed driving.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

Thoughtful Interior Design

Inside, the K4 picks up on the upscale level of its exterior with a clean and modern cabin layout that would feel appropriate in a more expensive sedan. The dash is low and wide, anchored by an available panoramic display that spans nearly 30 inches and integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 5-inch climate control touchscreen. Even the base trim offers a 12.3-inch infotainment display as standard, a rare feature in this price range.

Cabin materials aren’t especially premium but are thoughtfully selected, and build quality feels tight. Kia has also prioritized quietness, with available acoustic glass and sound-absorbing tires for models riding on 18-inch wheels. Space is where the K4 truly shines. The back seat offers a robust 38 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom, figures that rival some midsize sedans. Trunk space is generous too, offering 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Interior color schemes vary by trim, and heated front seats come standard on the GT-Line and above. Ventilated seats and driver’s seat memory are available as options. A flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel adds a sporty touch to the GT-Line models, signaling their performance aspirations.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

Plus-Level Convenience Features

Kia has worked hard to give the K4 a feature set that feels aspirational while remaining attainable. The list of available amenities includes a hands-free smart trunk lid, remote start, a wide-opening sunroof, wireless charging, and power-adjustable front seats.

The Digital Key 2.0 system, which uses ultra wide-band tech, allows compatible Apple and Samsung phones to act as virtual keys. Users can lock, unlock, and start the car with their phone and even share access digitally with others.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

User-Friendly Infotainment and Connectivity

The K4’s tech offering is impressive for a vehicle in its price class. All trims come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, features still missing from many base trims in the segment. The infotainment system runs Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, which debuted in the EV9 and is faster and more responsive than the previous generation.

Upper trims benefit from the sweeping triple-display layout described earlier, which creates a high-tech dashboard reminiscent of luxury EVs. The system includes over-the-air update capabilities, enabling software improvements and new features to be added without dealer visits (one hopes). A Harman Kardon premium sound system is also available, offering rich audio quality fairly rare at this price level.

The K4’s Kia voice assistant, activated by saying “Hey Kia,” can control functions like climate and audio, and the brand is working on expanding its capabilities using generative AI. The goal is a more conversational experience that can answer questions about navigation, sports scores, and even user manual content. Advice for the lovelorn might wait until gen-2 or 3.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

Robust Safety Tech

The 2025 K4 delivers a praiseworthy level of advanced safety equipment. All models come equipped with a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Standard equipment also includes rear side airbags, with the total airbag count at eight.

More advanced systems are available as you climb the trim ladder. The GT-Line Turbo introduces enhanced forward collision-avoidance, which adds intersection support, lane-change collision prevention, and even evasive steering assist. A 360-degree surround-view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, and Highway Driving Assist 2 for semi-automated superhighway operation further elevate the K4’s safety and driver-assistance credentials. All this helps the 2025 K4 achieve a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia

Prices & Value

The 2025 Kia K4 may not be the performance sedan its looks suggest, but it’s a hot ticket in the compact sedan world nonetheless. It blends eye-catching design, generous interior and cargo space, smart tech, and a well-calibrated safety suite into a package that feels far more premium than you might guess. While the driving dynamics are competent rather than captivating, the overall value proposition is undeniable.

Pricing for the 2025 Kia K4 starts at just $21,990 for the base LX trim. From there, pricing climbs gradually. The LXS starts at $22,990, and the EX base price is $23,990. The more expressive GT-Line starts at $25,190, and the top-of-the-line GT-Line Turbo starts well under $30,000 at $28,090. The destination charge for each K4 model is $1,195. For buyers who want style, premium features, and usable performance without crossing the $30,000 threshold, the various K4 trims present a particularly compelling case.

2025 Kia K4 ・ Photo by Kia