2025 KIA K4

KIA UPDATES  ITS SEDAN LINEUP WITH REPLACEMENT FOR OUTDATED FORTE

With production of its Forte small sedan ending with the 2024 model, Kia introduces the K4 sedan for 2025.

With a sleek roofline accenting its sporty appearance, such features as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and budget pricing that starts in the $20,000 bracket, the 2025 Kia K4 is a major step up from the Forte it replaces.

The two top trims, dubbed GT-Line and GT-Liine Turbo, outfit the 2025 Kia K4 with an impressive list of standard features and still keep the starting price below $30,000 before extras are added on.

As is typical among vehicles provided to car reviewers, my test car was the top-of-the-line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo. Outfitted with an optional $2,200 technology package, it ventured into the low $30,000 range at $31,445.

But you get not only an expanded list of standard features but a more powerful drivetrain in the GT-Line Turbo. It includes an 8-speed automatic transmission in place of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the other trims.

The 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine in the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo is rated at 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque significantly over the 147/132 in the normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine in the other four trims.

That doesn’t make the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo a dragster, but a reported zero-to-60 time of 7.1 seconds (Motor Trend magazine)  is about a second quicker than that for the non-turbo K4.

For the most part, in my time in the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo at no point did I get the feeling of sluggish performance.

Fuel efficiency figures for the 2025 Kia K4 don’t lead the segment but are competitive for a small sedan. The GT-Line Turbo is rated at 26 miles-per-gallon city, 36 highway, and 29 combined. The base LX trim is rated at 30/40/34.

The interior of the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo really stands out.  It is spacious with 42.3 inches of legroom up front and 38.0 in back and has an overall upscale feel. The driver’s seat offers lumbar support. Heated front seats are standard while ventilated seats are optional.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation provides access to infotainment features with hard keys providing short cuts to screen commands. Volume for the Harmon Kardon premium sound system (included at no cost) is adjusted either on the steering wheel or by a small cylinder below the touchscreen.

Other standard features on the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Auto Hold (prevents creeping when stopped), front and rear USB chargers, and Bluetooth hands-free communications,

Safety features on the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo include navigation-based Smart (adaptive) cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance,, lane-keeping and lane following assist, and forward collision avoidance assist.

My test 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Tukbo had several no charge extras as well. They included a power sunroof with shade, LED projector headlights, fog lights, and taillights, Syntex (artificial leather) seat coverings, a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, alloy pedals, and rear air vents.

The optional technology package on my test 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo added Smartphone digital key, memory driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, parking distance collision avoidance and warning, a surround-view monitor, and turn-signal activated blind spot view monitor. The surround-view monitor alone is with the extra $2,200 charge.

What all that adds up to is a vehicle that gives Kia a stronger competitor in a segment headed by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and includes its colleague competitor the Hyundai Elantra.

A hatchback version of the Kia K4 is coming for 2026 with models expected in showrooms later this year for those looking for more hauling capacity.

What I liked about the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: Though the lowest priced Kia model, the K4 offers an impressive list of  standard features on the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. Most operate off a good-sized touchscreen, but there are hard buttons as well to get to basic functions like the navigation map and audio. A/C controls have their own separate screen. The cabin is roomy. The GT-Line Turbo gets a signifiant boost in horsepower and torque over base models. It has a distinctive, low roofline that gives it a rakish look. Cargo capacity good for its segment.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: The GT-Line Turbo flirts with the $30,000 mark when it comes to MSRP.  Designers went a bit overboard in hiding the rear door handles in the rear pillars. 

Would I buy the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo? You’ll have to pay a bit more but if you can stretch your budget, the GT-Line Turbo is worth it.