2025 Kia K4 Review: A Sleek and Stylish Compact Sedan

New year, new Kia! While some of you might miss its predecessor, the Kia Forte, the brand-new Kia K4 offers an array of new features and heightened performance that more than proves it deserves a place among the very best in compact sedans. In our 2025 Kia F4 review, we'll explore the specs of this modernized new ride, and help you decide whether this Kia is your next purchase.

Key Facts to Remember

• The 2025 Kia K4, replacing the outgoing Forte, emerges as a stylish and modern compact sedan with a sporty design, spacious interior, and advanced technology, making it a formidable competitor in the compact sedan class.

• Engine choices include a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged option, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic, catering to diverse driving styles.

• The K4 offers impressive fuel economy, with the base engine achieving up to 40 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine maintains respectable efficiency at 37 mpg on the highway.

• Inside, the K4 boasts a modern and comfortable cabin with ample trunk space, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, enhancing the driving experience with connectivity and entertainment.

• Safety is prioritized with a suite of advanced features, including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Introducing the 2025 Kia K4

Replacing the Kia Forte, the 2025 Kia K4 is a new compact sedan that's out to outdo the competition from the jump. With its sporty look, angular headlights, and tapered roofline, this car was made to be seen and admired.

Engine Options and Performance

The 2025 Kia K4 offers two engine choices catering to different driving preferences. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, ideal for daily commutes and city driving, and is paired with a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) for optimized fuel efficiency and smoothness.

If you're after a little more oomph in your drive, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine option delivers 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, accelerating the K4 to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds. This engine provides a noticeable power boost around 3,000 rpm, making it particularly thrilling on highways and twisty roads.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel economy the 2025 Kia K4 doesn’t disappoint. According to our technicians, models with the 2.0-liter engine achieve an estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, making the K4 competitive within its class and providing excellent efficiency for daily driving and longer trips.

The turbocharged engine, while more powerful, still offers respectable fuel efficiency ratings of 27 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined.

Driving Experience

If you're just driving around town, the K4 has adequate power for errands and commuting, though the ride might feel a bit firm. This firmness, however, results in a planted and confident feel on the road, even on bumpy city streets.

Cruising through the desert? Here, the K4 excels with a smooth and composed ride. The GT-Line Turbo trim, with its multi-link rear suspension, enhances handling and makes the car feel spry and peppy.

Finally, the K4’s responsive handling and adaptive cruise control makes long drives more comfortable and less tiring. Overall, Kia's reputation for reliability continues in stride with the release of the 2025 Kia K4.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the 2025 Kia K4, you'll find a modern interior with LED lighting and a smart trunk that opens automatically. The cabin provides ample space, and the clean, simple aesthetic with a linear dashboard layout ensures everything is within easy reach.

With 14.6 cubic feet of trunk space, the K4 offers ample room for belongings. Our sales team also notes that rear passengers will appreciate the increased legroom, providing more space than most compact sedans and enhancing comfort on long journeys.

Technology and Features

In keeping with Nissan's commitment to the cutting edge, the 2025 Kia K4 is equipped with the latest technology to keep you connected and entertained.

At the heart of this tech is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing easy connectivity to access your favorite apps, navigation, and music without cables.

Additional features include Kia Connect and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, offering numerous entertainment options. The Smart Key adds convenience with keyless entry and an automatic trunk opening feature, simplifying the process of loading and unloading your vehicle.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority in the 2025 Kia K4, which comes loaded with a variety of both standard and advanced features to keep you and your passengers safe. You'll find advanced driver assistance systems like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and a Driver Attention Warning system that reminds you to take a break if needed.

Other safety highlights include automated emergency braking, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. We particularly like the Rear Occupant Alert system, which ensures you won't forget anyone in the back seat when you exit, adding an extra layer of security for families.

Exterior Design

Honestly, our sales team can't get enough of the K4’s design. Its exterior is all about making a statement with sharp lines and a bold look that’s sure to grab attention.

With its edgy, chic, and bold aesthetic, the K4 stands out in the compact sedan market. We particularly love features including its sharp lighting accents and hidden rear door handles, all of which give it a sleek, futuristic look.

From the bold grille to the intricate headlights, the K4’s front fascia is crafted to impress. Its low and wide stance, combined with stylish alloy wheels, enhances its sporty appeal, making the K4 a head-turner on the road.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Kia K4 comes in several trims, including the LX, LXS, EX, and the sporty Kia K4 GT Line Turbo. The GT-Line Turbo, equipped with a punchy 1.6-liter turbo engine and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, adds some flair with its sporty design and enhanced performance features.

If you're ready to pull the trigger on buying a new car, the K4's pricing is quite competitive. The base model starts at a wallet-friendly price, and even the well-equipped test model comes in under $30,000. If you're looking for a sweet spot between tech and comfort, the midrange EX model is a great pick, and you can get pre-qualified for financing today with Chula Vista Kia.

Warranty and Reliability

Kia’s comprehensive warranty offerings enhance the 2025 K4’s value. The 10-year or 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty covers essential vehicle components, providing peace of mind for long-term ownership. The New Vehicle Limited Warranty lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, addressing factory defects in most vehicle systems.

Additionally, Kia offers 5 years or 60,000 miles of Roadside Assistance and a 5-year or 100,000-mile Limited Anti-Perforation Warranty, covering rust and corrosion. These extensive warranties underscore Kia’s commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction.

Competitors in the Compact Sedan Class

In the bustling compact sedan market, the 2025 Kia K4 faces off against some well-known contenders, including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and the Mazda 3.

Even with tough competition, however, the K4 stands its ground with a sporty design, cutting-edge technology, and robust safety features, making it a strong contender to rival even the Civic as the top choice for drivers.

Summary

To sum it up, the K4 shines with its well-rounded blend of style, comfort, and practicality. It's a worthy successor to the Forte and stands as a formidable contender in its segment. If you're shopping for a new compact sedan, the Kia K4 is definitely worth considering. Contact us today to learn more about this sporty new ride, or check out our wide inventory of new Kia vehicles and explore your options.