For the past 15 years, the Kia Forte has been Kia’s answer to popular models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. But for 2025, Kia is saying goodbye to the Forte and introducing the all-new Kia K4. Unveiled at the 2024 New York International Auto Show, the Kia K4 is set to make a big splash in the compact sedan market.
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A Fresh Look and Modern Design
The Kia K4 is a sleek, attractive car that catches the eye with its modern design. While some might prefer cars with actual names, the K4’s styling makes up for its alphanumeric name. It bears a resemblance to the Kia K5, but the K4 is a smaller, sportier version.
The GT-Line, the sportiest option available, features a striking front fascia with Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille and full LED headlights. The headlights, inspired by the Kia EV9, include LED amber turn signals and daytime running lights. The front looks aggressive and modern, setting a high bar for design in the compact sedan segment.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Kia K4 offers two engine options. The base engine is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with direct injection, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT transmission. For those seeking more power, the turbo option is a 1.6-liter gas direct injection turbo engine, delivering 190 horsepower. Though it has 11 horsepower less than the previous generation, it promises better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.
Bigger and Better
The K4 is not just stylish; it’s also larger than its predecessor. It’s the longest and widest vehicle in the compact sedan segment, with a length of 185.46 inches and a width of 72.8 inches. The GT-Line features 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40 R18 tires, and the car comes with front-wheel drive. Unfortunately, there’s no all-wheel drive or manual transmission option.
Upscale Interior
Inside, the Kia K4 offers a more upscale and premium feel compared to the old Forte. The GT-Line model boasts a stylish two-tone interior with black and white seats, which are both heated and ventilated. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable with lumbar support and memory settings, which is impressive for a compact sedan.
The cabin is designed with high-quality materials, including a soft-touch door panel, aluminum-accented door handles, and a sleek steering wheel with a flat top and bottom. The GT-Line also features a panoramic display with two 12.3-inch screens for the instrument panel and center stack, offering the latest in-car technology like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comfort and Convenience
The rear seats offer ample space with about 38 inches of legroom, making it class-leading. The trunk provides 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is generous for a compact sedan. The seats fold down in a 60/40 split for added flexibility.
My Thoughts
The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line is a modern, upscale compact sedan that offers both style and performance. With its turbocharged engine, sleek design, and premium interior features, it’s set to be a strong contender in the compact sedan market.
Look for it at your local Kia dealership in the third quarter of 2024. While final pricing details aren’t available yet, it’s expected to be in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, similar to the outgoing Forte but possibly a bit higher.
