Rank
Pros
Cons
What's New for 2025?
The K4 is an all-new replacement for the familiar Forte compact sedan, though "all-new" isn't quite right — the engines carry over from the Forte, as well as the CVT automatic in 2.0-liter models (the sportier 1.6T engine, also a carryover, utilizes a new eight-speed automatic). Outside the engine room, however, this really is a new car, from the in-your-face styling to the miles-better interior with its sleek ultra-wide curved display. There's more rear legroom, too.
FAST FACTS
If it looks funky, that's because it is — the 2025 Kia K4 is like nothing else in the compact-sedan segment. Having said that, let us point out that both the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the optional 1.6-liter turbo were basically taken straight out of the discontinued Forte, the K4's predecessor. It's not exactly all-new, then, but both the body (obviously) and the cabin have been completely reinvented. Most notably, there are 2.3 more inches of rear legroom, which is a lot, and the new widescreen infotainment interface immediately vaults the K4 to the top of the tech leaderboard in this class.
"Here comes a new challenger! The K4 certainly brings a fresh face to this enduringly popular segment, although its engines are not fresh, having been carried over from the outgoing Forte sedan. Transcending the mediocre base 2.0-liter engine in particular will be this Kia's biggest challenge, but with its distinctive styling and high-tech interior, we like its chances."—Ranked #4 out of 7 Compact Sedans
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Kia K4 that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
Compared to the Forte that it replaces, the K4 has a smaller fuel tank and a smaller trunk, but it's longer, which translates to significantly more rear legroom. Mechanically, the K4 2.0 is essentially identical to the Forte 2.0. We wish Kia had seen fit to retire the CVT, but to be fair, CVTs are par for the course in this segment because they tend to squeeze out an extra mpg or two. The real appeal of this car isn't what's under the hood, but rather that overhauled interior with its impressively upscale control interfaces and widescreen curved display. Note that 34 mpg is the best-case scenario; grab a trim level with larger wheels and you'll be docked a point to 33 mpg.
Compared to the outgoing Forte GT, the K4 GT-Line Turbo employs a very similar turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that actually gives up 11 horsepower to its predecessor. Notably, the K4 GT-Line Turbo ditches the Forte GT's automated manual transmission in favor of a conventional eight-speed automatic. Unlike the Forte GT, the K4 doesn't offer a stick shift. Nonetheless, Kia has gone to some lengths to make the K4 GT-Line Turbo feel special, giving it not just a uniquely appealing powertrain but also a fully independent rear suspension for more sophisticated handling (the standard K4 has a rudimentary torsion-beam setup). Additional GT-Line Turbo upgrades include a three-spoke steering wheel and a quicker ratio for the steering system. It doesn't all add up to a sport-compact level of performance — this isn't a Civic Si rival, whereas the Forte GT was trying to be one — but it certainly makes the GT-Line Turbo the most desirable K4 spec.
What are the different versions of the 2025 K4, and how much do they cost? Select a version below or just hit the button to see our full 2025 K4 specs and model data.
| Version | Price | Fuel | MPG | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia K4 2.0 | $21,990 | Gas | 34 | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft |
| 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo (1.6T) | $28,090 | Gas | 29 | 190 hp | 195 lb-ft |
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008. Prior to founding MotorDonkey, he spent 15 years shaping Edmunds' expert automotive content in various capacities, starting as an associate editor and ultimately serving as a senior editor before wrapping up with a five-year term as the company's first-ever director of content strategy. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has driven, compared and critiqued thousands of cars in his career. Helping people find their perfect car never gets old—seriously!
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