It’s almost as rare as a unicorn sighting. An automaker willing to commit design and manufacturing dollars to build a new model for the beleaguered compact sedan segment, instead of giving that slice of the market the kiss-off — I’m looking at you, Detroit — in favour of another crossover.
There is a slight proviso to the kudos, though, at least when referring to the new 2025 Kia K4. It is not an addition to the Korean company’s product lineup but a replacement for the retired Forte. Still, considering the dearth of affordable four-door sedans — as in base prices less than $28K, this when average new vehicle transactions in Canada are exceeding $66,000 — let’s call it a win for seekers of the cheap(ish) and cheerful.
Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year, Kia’s fourth-generation compact sedan is, according to the company’s spin doctors, “a powerhouse of standard, segment-above technology,” furthermore delivering “advanced driver assistance systems, refinement, and class-leading rear headroom and legroom.” In dealerships now and offered in five trim levels — LX, EX, EX+, GT-Line Turbo and GT-Line Turbo Limited — with two available engines, the K4 is set to mix it up with the survivors (and heavy hitters) of the compact segment — Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and the VW Jetta. Oh, what the hell, let’s include the pricier (but only model with standard all-wheel drive) Subaru Impreza.
2025 Kia K4 exterior design and dimensions
Credit where due, the K4 design team has created a sedan with a bold, sporting look, with a fastback roofline that pays homage to the late, lamented Stinger sport sedan, along with wide rear fenders that give the car a bulked-out muscularity.
“By juxtaposing the K4’s fastback roofline and wide stance, we split the difference visually between the compact and mid-size segments,” notes Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America.
Is it particularly good looking? Well, it’s far from bland, even stylish in places, but from the rear door back the K4 looks a bit chunky. Still, its distinctiveness will help separate it from the aforementioned competition. Vertically oriented LED headlights and taillights take inspiration from the flagship EV9. Hidden rear door handles in the C-pillar emphasize the K4’s fastback proportions and draw attention to the swept-back roof.
Like other GT-Line models in the Kia lineup, exterior design flourishes distinguish the K4 GT-Line, specifically a unique front and rear fascia with gloss black accents, satin chrome beltline, 18-inch alloy wheels, and gloss black mirror caps, window trim and side sill. Small cube LED projection headlights, LED fog lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels add to the exterior of the K4 GT-Line Turbo.
With an overall length of 4,709 millimetres (185.4 inches) and width of 1,849 mm (72.8 inches), the K4, says Kia, is the widest and has the largest footprint in the compact segment. Front-seat occupants have a very comfortable 1,074 millimetres (42.3 inches) of legroom with which to stretch out, and 990 mm (39 inches) of headroom, 947 mm (37.3 inches) on sunroof-equipped models.
Rear passengers don’t fare quite as well, but only if front-seat occupants are on the larger side and shove their seats back on their tracks. For the back-seat occupants there’s 964 mm (38 inches) of legroom, and headroom of 942 mm (37.1 inches), 940 mm with sunroof. Both dimensions, Kia claims, are class leading. A conventional trunk affords 413 litres (14.6 cubic feet) of cargo capacity.
What powers the 2025 Kia K4?
The front-wheel-drive K4 offers two engine choices, more or less unchanged from what was found in the Forte. The standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a continuously variable transmission.
GT-Line models, which will be available in Q1 2025, are fitted with a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder that will undoubtedly deliver a higher fun-to-drive quotient courtesy of 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and sport pedals complete the sportier package.
How’s the fuel economy in the Kia K4?
Fuel economy is frugal in the 2.0L-equipped LX, with 7.9 L/100 km city, 5.8 L/100 km highway and a combined rating of 7.0 L/100 km. The EX and EX+ are rated at 8.4 city, 6.0 highway and 7.3 combined.Fuel economy figures for the GT-Line Turbo trims have not been released.
2025 Kia K4 interior design and technology
The centrepiece of the K4’s expansive cockpit is the integrated digital instrumentation, a first, says Kia, for the compact sedan segment and a design element of its own. GT trims get the very modern Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC in Kia speak) operating system with OTA capability, which first debuted in the EV9, and projects across a combined nearly 30 inches (762 mm) of digital command center, comprised of a 12.3-inch instrument display, five-inch HVAC display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. ccNC processes quickly and in higher fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls available with a swipe on the screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all K4 trims. Non-turbo models get what Kia refers to as ccNc “lite,” consisting of a four-inch colour TFT LCD instrument cluster, plus the12.3-inch multimedia interface with AM/FM/MP3, HD radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Available Digital Key 2 (GT-Line Turbo Limited only) allows customers to use their compatible Apple and Samsung smartphones to lock, unlock and drive. Available digital features and services can unlock the ability to remotely update the K4 over the air through the Kia Connect Store accessed via the Kia Access app or through the Kia Owner Portal.
The cabin in non-turbo models is swathed in an attractive medium grey cloth or synthetic leather; GT-Line models will have an onyx-hued interior with synthetic leather.
Kia provided EX models to drive. In addition to the features found on the base LX trim — smart key with push start and remote engine start, height-adjustable front seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heated cloth seats, air conditioning, audio system with four speakers, and three USB chargers (one front, two rear) — EX models add such upgrades as drive mode select, heated steering wheel, artificial leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, additional USB charger up front, wireless phone charger, two additional speakers and black high-gloss interior trim.
Appreciated are the hard buttons for the audio volume as well as climate controls. Strangely, though, the climate controls do not come with an actual temperature readout, just an increasing number of blue or red lights. Also, Texas hill country, where the drive was taking place, was experiencing record late-October heat, with afternoon temperatures in the low 30s; the car’s A/C was working hard to keep the cabin cool.
How does the Kia K4 drive?
With most product launches, manufacturers provide the top trim version of the new model to demonstrate all the bells and whistles. Refreshingly, Kia went against common practice and set us up in the K4 EX, the $26,495 trim, one level above base LX, is expected to be the volume model.
The other thing about Texas hill country are entertaining roads, with undulating topography and long, fast sweepers. Considering the K4 LX, EX and EX+ are low-priced family rides with no sporting intentions, ride and handling is more than acceptable. These K4s are fitted with a torsion beam rear suspension as opposed to the GT-Line Turbo’s more sophisticated multi-link rear setup. Yet the sedan maintained a very neutral stance in the sweepers. Grip was equally acceptable, with the EX uprated to P225/45R17 all-season rubber from the LX’s 16-inch tires, The EX also gets a Sport mode, accessed by a button on the steering wheel. Pressing it will weight the steering a little heavier, but otherwise doesn’t change the dynamics of the K4.
The weak point remains the 2.0L four. Putting it as charitably as possible, the engine’s ability to achieve acceptable acceleration is sorely tested. To use one of my father’s favourite expressions, “it’s no roaring hell.” Except it is, if “roaring” is used to describe the cacophony the motor makes when a strong pedal is called for, such as merging onto a highway. When poking along at a steady clip or moving through city traffic, things are much calmer. And a shout-out to Kia’s engineers who made concerted efforts to reduce overall noise, vibration and harshness.
2025 Kia K4’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The K4 expands standard and available ADAS, as part of Kia’s overall commitment to providing confidence behind the wheel. The car’s suite of driver assistance systems includes standard intelligent speed limit assist, lane keeping assist and “smart” cruise control with stop & go. Central to the available driver assistance technology on the K4 is Forward Collision Avoidance 1.5, which is designed to help detect and prevent collisions from occurring. Also detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the car while driving, as well as oncoming vehicles while turning left at intersections. Haptic steering wheel warnings add tactile alerts for the driver.
How much is the 2025 Kia K4 in Canada?
With truly cheap econocars (Mirage, Yaris, Spark, Micra, Fit, etc.) a thing of the past, it’s the larger, compact-sized four-doors that consumers turn to for basic transportation. Kia eases the pain, starting with the LX ($23,995), EX ($26,495) and EX+ ($27,995), before moving into the sportier GT-Line models — Turbo ($31,495) and GT-Line Turbo Limited ($34,495). This price range puts the K4 right in the thick of it with the competition, the base LX not as cheap as the Elantra Essential, but less expensive compared with the base models from the rest of its rivals.
Final thoughts on the 2025 Kia K4
The K4 is well priced and comes with a bold style when compared most of the other segment challengers, which should find favour with a younger group of buyers. It is roomy and has a driver-focused cabin that doesn’t skimp on technology or safety features. Yes, the 2.0L four is sluggish and noisy but for those looking at either of the GT-Line trims, the 1.6L turbo four should provide suitably sporting acceleration — and an even more youthful vibe. Overall, a solid proposition for those looking for a basic four-door car.
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