The edgy compact sedan is a refreshing entrant in the segment, but is it for you?
Whoever said that sedans are dying hasn’t taken a look at one of Kia’s newest offerings. The 2025 Kia K4 ($21,990) is a stylish new compact sedan that takes the mantle from the Forte. It might be smaller and less expensive than the K5 sedan, but it’s easily going to get more attention on the road thanks to its edgy styling that borrows from the EV9 SUV. The K4 has two available engines: a carryover 147-hp four-cylinder from the 2024 Forte mated to a CVT, and a 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo that’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters. All trims are front-wheel drive only.
The K4’s main competitors are the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and the Volkswagen Jetta, so there’s already some stiff competition in this segment. While it’s got enough perks to make it a serious contender, there are also a couple of reasons to reconsider.
Reason to love it #1: It’s spacious and comfortable
You’d never guess this was a compact sedan from the inside. Kia gave the K4 backseat almost three more inches of legroom at an even 38 inches, which is as much as the midsize Toyota Camry. The extra legroom means tall passengers should have no problem sitting behind tall front seat occupants, a sign of a great family sedan. Even with the sloping coupe-like roofline, the K4 manages the same 37.3 inches of headroom as its predecessor, beating out the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic.
Reason to love it #2: Cutting-edge styling
As much as we love the styling of the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic, we have to say they don’t get our attention as much as the K4. Kia is pushing the envelope of compact sedan styling with the K4, from the star-map daytime running lights and LED cube projector headlights to the full body creases and the Stinger GT-like tail section. Who would’ve thought a sedan that looked this good costs less than $22,000? Not us.
Reason to love it #3: Modern and attractive in-car technology
Kia does a great job with its in-car tech. Every K4 gets a big 12.3-inch infotainment screen that’s housed within the same frame as the instrument panel. The biggest-in-class infotainment system is stunning and looks like it belongs in a premium German sedan. Lower trims get a 4-inch instrument display, but buyers can upgrade to a matching 12.3-inch version with the mid-level EX trim.
Reason to love it #4: The top trim packs in ample features for less than $30,000
If you want the whole shebang, then definitely get the GT-Line Turbo. Not only does it get the best engine, but it also provides a slew of great standard features. For the exterior, it has 18-inch wheels with a black machined finish, 235mm tires, a smart trunk, gloss black trim, and a special gloss black GT-Line grille. Inside, you’ll find heated leatherette seats, a sunroof, a GT-Line sport steering wheel, 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio, a wireless device charger, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia’s safety suite is robust, with features like nav-based adaptive cruise control with curve management, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane following assist. You get a ton without spending much.
Reason to think twice #1: The base engine lacks gusto
It’s too bad Kia didn’t give the base engine more power. It’s the same engine as the last Forte’s, and all signs pointed to slow and uninspired. 147 horsepower is at the low end for this segment, and you have to spend almost seven grand more to upgrade to the GT-Line Turbo and get the more powerful turbocharged mill. For those who don’t care about 0-60 times or freeway on-ramp competence, the base engine will be fine. For the rest of us, the upgrade is a no-brainer.
Reason to think twice #2: The styling isn’t for everyone
Whereas vehicles like the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla err on the side of conservative styling, the K4 pushes things to the edge. Not everyone wants to be noticed, and not everyone likes cutting-edge modern automotive styling. The K4 draws your attention no matter what trim you choose, and the star map headlights and taillights are hard to ignore.
Reason to think twice #3: There is no hybrid option
A fuel-efficient hybrid option for compact sedans is a huge attractor these days. The Civic, Corolla, and Elantra offer hybrid trims, but the Kia K4 remains strictly a gas-powered vehicle. Although the base engine can get up to 40 mpg highway, the hybrid versions of competitors’ compact sedans can do around 50 mpg combined, way more efficient than the K4. There will be an electric EV4 coming soon, but not everyone wants to jump to fully electric.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Kia K4 is one of the most compelling compact sedans, and it should give the front runners pause to see if their designs are daring enough. Kia is taking risks with this design language, and it’s hard to deny that they aren’t afraid of being different. The convincing standard equipment, interior comfort, great tech, and potent turbocharged engine are great reasons to consider it, although overstyling and a weak base engine might dissuade potential customers. Regardless, Kia has done a masterful job of replacing the Forte with this tantalizing sedan.
