2025 Kia K4 Is A Stylish Game-Changer For Budget Sedans

It was not too long ago when affordable cars were considered to be the automotive equivalent to plain toast. Depending on who you ask, some might say they were boring, characterless, or even uninspiring. With a surge in modern technology, thankfully, those days are over. Today's entry-level vehicles have redefined what it means to be budget-friendly. Packed with tech-savvy features, smarter and "cooler" designs, as well as actual driver enjoyment, cheap cars are proving that you don't need to break the bank to have a good time behind the wheel. Currently, there are less than 10 compact sedans on the market, but Kia's latest entry is going to shake things up. The all-new is a sedan that takes affordability and pumps in a healthy dose of cool, making it a serious contender in its segment.

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2025 Kia K4 8.2 / 10

The 2025 Kia K4 is an all-new entry-level sedan from the Korean manufacturer. It replaces the Kia Forte, and it gets larger dimensions, the addition of a turbocharged 1.6L engine, and plenty of new tech features and driver aids. The Kia K4 is affordable, has a wonderful unique design, and a comfortable interior cabin. It certainly makes a strong statement in a competitive market segment, which includes the Honda Civic, VW Jetta, and Mazda 3.

Model K4 Starting Price (MSRP) $21,990 - $30,290 Engine/Motor 2.0L 4-Cylinder / 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder Horsepower 147HP - 190HP Torque 132 LB-FT - 195 LB-FT Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Transmission CVT and 8-Speed AT Pros Sporty Design Tech Features Comfortable Cabin that feels very high quality. Fun Turbo 1.6L Engine Cons Steering wheel can block the view of instrumentation CVT lags in the 2.0L There are better handling sedans in this segment Expand What's New For 2025?

The 2025 Kia K4 is an all-new model that replaces the outgoing Forte. The K4 sits below the larger K5 sedan , and it marks a significant shift in Kia's brand transformation. According to Kia, this name change is part of a broader effort to refresh their lineup and push boundaries, and the K4 delivers on that promise.

Key Highlights Of 2025 Kia K4 Engines: The K4 retains the 147 hp four-cylinder engine from the Forte as its base offering, but the real treat is the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the GT-Line Turbo trim, producing a zippy 190 hp. Design Updates: The K4 is slightly larger than the Forte, offering more space inside and a refreshed exterior with modern detailing that feels light-years ahead of its predecessor. Interior Upgrades: With updated cabin materials and bold new layout, the interior feels more premium than you'd expect in this price bracket. 0:48 Related 2025 Kia K4 Gives New Life To Economy Cars

Kia replaces the Forte with a sharply styled entry-level sedan, drawing vibes from the larger K5.

Posts Exterior Design: The K4 Is A Looker In Its Class Close

The K4 looks like it belongs on a higher rung of the automotive ladder. Its long, low stance and fastback design give it a sporty edge, particularly in the GT-Line trims. We drove both the 2.0L and 1.6L Turbo GT-Line models, which are almost identical visually except for minor differences such as the wheel designs.

When it comes to proportions, the K5 looks well-made. One thing that stands out for me is the C-pillar, which might throw you off at first glance. It's a bold design choice that makes the K4 stand out without being divisive. In a segment that includes the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic , and Mazda 3, which are arguably some of the best-looking compact sedans available, the K4 holds its own with plenty of road presence, especially in its higher GT trims.

Exterior Dimension GT-Line

Wheelbase

107.1 inches

Length

185.44 inches

Width

72.8 inches

Height

55.9 inches

Track, Front

61.7 inches

Track, Rear

62.2 inches

Curb Weight

3,285 LBS

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Interior: Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Tech Close

When you step inside the 2025 Kia K4, it's clear that this car is playing to win. Kia has managed to make the cabin more ergonomically friendly and comfortable, and it's filled with awesome tech. The 12.3-inch central display looks sharp, and standard features like smart key with remote start, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and smart cruise control make the base model feel anything but basic.

Optional features take the cabin to the next level, with goodies like a digital instrument cluster, surround-view monitors, and a quirky-but-fun sports team-themed display setup. However, one issue worth mentioning is the steering wheel placement. Depending on your driving position, it might block the instrument cluster. It's a small flaw in an otherwise excellent cabin.

Kia knows its target demographic - Gen Z and Millennials - and that is why it has packed the K4 with the best connected car features like Kia AI Assist, MyQ integration, and Google POI, making it one of the smartest sedans in its segment. Most of these features are only available on the higher trims, though.

Engine Options: From Practical To Punchy

The K4 offers two engine choices. IThe same engine from the Forte is carried over, which is also the same engine found in the Hyundai Elantra. However, there is now another engine option available for those driver who want a more spirited driving experience.

2.0-liter Four-Cylinder (147 hp): Paired with a CVT, this setup is smooth but lacks excitement. It's practical for daily commutes but not much else. The CVT is not the best, but then again, I have never been a big fan of them, but they are still practical. 1.6-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (190 hp): This engine is only available in the GT-Line Turbo, and it transforms the K4 into a genuinely fun-to-drive sedan. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a lot more responsive, and the paddle shifters add a touch of sportiness.

If you're looking for thrills, the turbo engine is the way to go. But it's nearly $30,000, which is far off from the starting price. This engine makes the K4 quicker, more dynamic, and delivers the kind of drive that makes you forget you're in an entry-level sedan.

K4 Engine Specs

Engine

2.0-liter

1.6-liter

Power

147 HP

190 HP

Torque

132 LB-FT

195 LB-FT

Transmission

CVT

8-Speed AT

Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Front-Wheel Drive

Top Speed

124 MPH

130 MPH

Ride And Handling: A Smooth Operator

We tested the GT-Line trims, and these feature a better equipped multi-link rear suspension. The lower trims feature the torsion-beam setup. On our GT-Line test vehicles, the ride quality was stellar. The suspension strikes a perfect balance between comfort and easy handling. It also soaks up road imperfections impressively while keeping the car composed in corners. However, while the K4 does handle wonderfully in most situations, pushing it too hard on twisty roads (if ever you find one) reveals its soft nature. We drove on some beautiful roads around Austin's hilly area, and although the experience was great, and the K4 does handle decently when being pushed, there are still better handling cars in the segment. The Honda Civic comes to mind immediately.

The K4 is not meant to be a sports sedan, but for everyday driving - and the occasional spirited jaunt - it's more than capable to put a smile on your face as long as you have the 1.6-liter turbo under the hood. Under all other circumstances, the K4 feels composed and enjoyable - on the highway and urban settings. Because it's not an incredibly fast car, the brakes also do a pretty good job with stopping power, and the 18-inch Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 tires also provide great grip.

Chassis And Suspension (GT-Line Turbo)

Front Suspension

MacPherson strut

Rear Suspension

Multi-link

Shock Absorber

Hydraulic twin tube shock absorber with gas

Brakes

Front: 16-inch Ventilated disc Rear: 15-inch Solid Disc

Wheels

8.0J x 18 alloy

Tires

235/40R18

Tech And Features: Class-Leading Innovation

The 2025 Kia K4 shines in its tech offerings, bringing driver aid (ADAS) features typically reserved for more expensive vehicles:

Standard Lane / Driver Assist Features Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA) Lane Following Assist (LFA) Driver Attention Warning (DAW) High Beam Assist (HBA) Haptic Steerign Wheel Warning Optional Lane / Parking Assist BCW: Blind-Spot Collision Warning RCCA: Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist SVM: Surround View Monitor BVM: Blind-Spot View Monitor 2025 Kia K4 Pricing

The K4 offers plenty of bang for your buck, with trims starting at $21,990

Trim

Price

LX

$21,990

LXS

$22,990

EX

$23,990

GT-Line

$25,190

GT-Line SR PKG

$26,090

GT-Line PREM PKG

$27,190

GT-Line Turbo

$28,090

GT-LINE Turbo TECH PKG

$30,290

Should You Buy A 2025 Kia K4?

The 2025 Kia K4 certainly brings some fantastic features to the entry-level segment. This Korean car redefines what an affordable sedan can be with sharp looks, a tech-packed interior, and a spirited turbocharged engine option for driving enthusiasts. It's also a car that appeals to both practicality and fun, and it's a huge leap forward from the previous Forte model. However, if new age tech is not your cup of tea, there is little value the higher trim levels offer - unless you opt for the GT-Line Turbo. But, if you are looking for an athletic looking sedan with a premium cabin and executive-level quality, the K4 is one of the top choices in this segment.