A new look for the compact sedan
The 2025 Kia K4 replaces the Forte, which did well for 14 years as Kia’s smallest sedan. The K4 is wider, longer and lower than the Forte, and as Kia told us, “it has the widest and largest footprint in the compact sedan segment.”
Discussing the importance of the compact sedan to Kia, Russell Wager, vice president of marketing for Kia America, said: “This segment is one of the biggest segments for Kia, and it is a way to attract people to the brand and elevate them. It is very important because it offers People who have never been in a Kia before and think they can get all this technology, safety features, great design and performance at a reasonable price.
Clean Fleet Report was invited to Austin, Texas, to drive the K4 through hills, on highways and in city traffic. The track was chosen to showcase the ride, comfort and performance of the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo models.
This flash drive is an overview of the K4, with a full road test review in 2025.
performance
2025 Kia K4 GT-Line models are offered with these engines and transmissions (the two available in the K4 range, which are carryover models from the Forte with some changes).
GT Line
2.0 liter 4 cylinder
147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque
Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT with paddle shifters
Driving modes: Normal and Sport
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city/39 highway/33 combined
GT Line Turbo
1.6 liter 4 cylinder
190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque
8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
Driving modes: Normal and Sport
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city/36 highway/29 combined
outside
The 2025 K4 is offered in five models – LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. Both GT-Line models feature appearance elements that add credibility to their sporty character. The GT-Line model features gloss black bumpers and window trim, and gloss and satin black chrome on the exterior mirror caps and side moldings. 17-inch or 18-inch wheels are available depending on the model selected.
Eight exterior colors provide the opportunity to personalize the K4 with Aurora Black Pearl, Currant Red, Deep Sea Blue, Interstellar Grey, Snow White Pearl, Steel Grey, Wave Blue, and Morning Haze, the color we tested in Austin.
Interior
The K4 feels spacious inside, offering great leg and headroom. Trunk space is also good, making the K4 a serious consideration even if you’re considering stepping up to a midsize sedan.
Seat trim options are TriCot fabric, SynTex (faux leather), or a combination of fabric and SynTex that comes in five different two-tone colors. The GT-Line’s front sports seats feature “GT” inscription and are heated and ventilated, with the driver getting 10-way power adjustments and memory.
The 60:40 split-folding rear seat comfortably seats two full-size adults, three for short trips, and has a fold-down center armrest with cup holders. Rear passengers also get air vents and two USB-C ports for charging only.
Technology takes center stage with instrument cluster displays that seamlessly connect to the 12.3-inch touchscreen (for a total screen area of 30 inches) to access entertainment, navigation, apps and vehicle system settings.
Entertainment comes from the standard four-speaker infotainment system or the available 8-speaker Harmon Kardon Premium audio system (with two tweeters) that includes AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Bluetooth for music streaming, hands-free phone and Kia Geneative AI Voice Assistant.
This last feature can serve as a trip guide, play games, get local information on points of interest, provide currency conversion, and even access the owner’s manual. With conversational language, if you keep it fairly simple, you can ask follow-up questions with results that are close to a real back-and-forth conversation. There is no cost for the first three years, then it becomes a subscription package for $19.99 per month or $199 per year. After using it for three years at no cost, it can be very difficult to give it up. Ask a Kia sales representative to show you how to use it and see how it can enhance your driving experience.
Safety and comfort
The 2025 K4 comes standard with an impressive full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include front and rear seat-mounted airbags, driver’s knee airbags and full side curtains. Standard safety features also include forward collision warning and avoidance, lane departure and driver attention warning, lane keep assist, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision and park distance warning, forward pedestrian collision avoidance and many more.
Additional safety and convenience features include a dual-zone automatic climate system, acoustic windshield, surround-view camera, push-button start/stop, remote keyless entry with digital key, power sunroof with cover, tire pressure monitoring system, and electronic stability control. Built-in spare parts.
Hit the road
First up was the K4 GT-Line with the non-turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and IVT (Kia engineers’ take on the continuously variable transmission), which delivered better fuel economy of the two models we tested in and around Austin. Performance was about 8.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Handling was tight, the ride and seats comfortable, but due to the grooved concrete roads there was noticeable interior noise. Not terrible, but there are sometimes. This would be an excellent consideration for a value-packed commuter sedan.
The K4 GT-Line Turbo with the extra power and 8-speed automatic transmission felt sportier and was good for about 7.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear, and twin-tube shocks with water-filled bushings did a good job of keeping both the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo stable and flat in slow to medium tight turns, with body roll acceptable when pushed strongly. We liked the heft of the steering wheel, and how the electronic steering is set so there’s no interruption from the road.
Eye-catching exterior appearance
The K4’s design is completely new and has a unique look that many would say turns heads. The stylish look starts with the narrow front grille that presents an aggressive look, especially when the LED headlights and amber LED daytime running lights are turned on. The headlights also serve as turn signals, and LED fog lights are integrated into the headlights.
LED taillights are placed widely on the rear fenders. One of the most attractive elements is the rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar, which makes the K4 look like a coupe.
Pricing
The 2025 K4 sedan comes in five trim levels. All of them are front-wheel drive. These base prices include a $1,155 destination charge. Prices represent around $2,000 off the Forte.
LX $23,145 LXS $24,145 EX $25,545 GT Line $26,745 GT Line Turbo $29,645
Guarantees
Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles Basic – Five years/60,000 miles On-road – Five years/60,000 miles
Notes: 2025 Kia K4
Some auto manufacturers are beginning to exit the compact sedan segment with the goal of focusing on crossovers, SUVs, and trucks. Kia is not one of those companies. Although the result may be fewer options, the sedans at your local dealer are very nice, and the 2025 Kia K4 is probably among the best based on the short time we spent with it.
The K4 is more than just a replacement for the Forte, which has been Kia’s flagship compact sedan since 2010. The completely redesigned K4 has benefited greatly from what Kia has learned from its customers, including those who owned the now-departed Stinger.
The K4 offers engine and transmission options, style, fuel economy in the high 30s, respectable performance, strong standard safety systems and the best warranty in the business (which is matched by sister brands Hyundai and Genesis.) The 2025 Kia K4 is an excellent choice as a daily commuter; Or when looking for some cornering fun and extra performance. K4 cars are available at Kia dealers now.
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The story of John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Kia.
(See photo gallery on cleanfleetreport.com)
Disclosure
The Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, usually for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on driving the new vehicle for one week. For this reason, we do not address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events that highlight new vehicles or technologies. As part of these events, we may be offered free transportation, accommodation or meals. We do our best to provide our honest vehicle reviews and news regardless of these incentives.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer best-in-class fuel economy, which leads us to focus on electric vehicles, hybrids, hybrids, and other efficient engines. We also offer those gas-efficient vehicles that rank among the best mpg in their class. In addition, we aim to provide reviews and news about the advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are committed to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your opinions at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
Flash Drive: 2025 Kia K4 appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.
