2025 Kia K4: A Modern Sedan Redefining Affordability
Earlier this year, we learned that the affordable and compact Kia Rio likely wouldn’t be making a return to the U.S. anytime soon, but we were reassured by the Korean automaker that it would have something for those shoppers this year with a successor to the compact Kia Forte sedan. Now, Kia has fully revealed the combined Rio and Forte replacement, the 2025 Kia K4. Beyond the new name, here’s what we know about the new car ahead following its full reveal at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) this week, which included the surprise drop of a five-door hatchback variant.
Kia K4 Design
Kia has labeled the exterior design approach as “Twist Logic,” which is said to create “a modern and unique body shape by twisting the connections of logically aligned squares in a seemingly illogical fashion.” This story will focus largely on the sedan, whose profile reveals a four-door with fastback styling, contrasting with the current, two-box setup of the Forte. The wide stance and fastback look are reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7, and even the discontinued Kia Stinger. L-shaped head- and taillights reminiscent of Cadillac cars add a luxury touch, impressive for what’s expected to be the most affordable Kia in the U.S. when it goes on sale. Kia claims it’s now the widest in the compact sedan class with the biggest footprint (measuring an overall length of 185.4 inches and width of 72.8 inches). The front features Kia’s constellation lights and incorporates a sporty diffuser under the rear bumper.
The interior isn’t as driver-focused as some competitors but is intended to provide comfort. There is a shared screen on the dashboard for both occupants, along with a select set of physical control buttons for main screen menus and air conditioning. Rear occupants enjoy 38 inches of leg room and a claimed best-in-class 37.3 inches of headroom.
New luxurious interior options include Medium Gray, Slate Green, and Onyx Black colorways. A wide sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Harman Kardon audio are available, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The trunk space is generous, offering 14.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Furthermore, the Virtual Digital Key 2.0 allows unlocking doors or transferring access remotely with NFC-equipped cards or devices.
Kia K4 Drive Assistance Features
Kia presents a sophisticated advanced drive assistance setup that includes standard Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control. Additional features such as Evasive Steering Assist, Surround-View Monitor, Parking Distance Warning, and updated Highway Driving Assist are also available. The GT-Line models come with standard Blind Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, enhancing safety on the road.
Kia K4 GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo
The new GT-Line models exhibit a unique design with gloss black accents, satin chrome along the belt line, and distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels featuring “acoustic tires” for improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The GT-Line Turbo models come equipped with cube LED projection headlights and LED fog lights, along with an upgraded sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension for enhanced performance.
Kia K4 Power, Price, and Performance
While the luxurious execution of the new Kia K4’s design is appealing, it is hoped that it won’t significantly increase the starting price. The outgoing Kia Forte LX entry-level trim starts at $21,145, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine, boasting impressive efficiency of 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The K4 will be offered in LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo trims. The hatchback variant, briefly shown at the New York show, will follow the K4 sedan to market.
Standard power will come from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine providing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque linked to a CVT. An available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine will yield 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Production is set to commence this summer, with the K4 expected to hit the market in the latter half of the year, accompanied by a 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty. A detailed breakdown of trims, efficiency, and pricing will be announced closer to the summer.
