With the compact sedan market heating up Kia has re-entered the chat bringing a new standard of design, technology, safety, and comfort, along with an elevated experience at an affordable price point. They call it the Kia K4.

Replacing the fairly run-of-the-mill Forte, the K4 is an all new 4-door compact with a head-turning exterior design, complete with a front fascia that comes equipped with vertically mounted LED headlights. They help create pronounced edges on the front. This is also transferred to the rear of the vehicle, taking styling cues from the EV9. Along with the new hidden rear door handles, Kia is really making an effort to provide a new design with a sporty road presence while cruising down the highway.

The GT-line design flourishes with unique front and rear fascia with gloss black accents all around. Paired with 18-inch gloss black wheels and its interesting small cube LED headlights and fog lights. The GT-Line continues to set itself apart not only by design but with the addition of an available turbocharged powertrain.

Under the hood of this compact sedan, the LX, LXS, and EX come standard with the 2.0 NA powerplant that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque and paired with their Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT. This type of transmission allows for a smooth and more robust driving experience. The GT-Line does come with an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that will send 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.

Stepping inside you are immediately greeted with a plethora of technology and comfort adding to the K4’s elevated experience. With this new roomie interior you don’t feel yourself searching for more room as you fall into your seat greeted with your nearly 30inch digital display that is standard across all trims. This display will process information faster and more effectively using frequently used quick controls that are available to you. This digital command center is not just there for eye candy rather it is sectioned off, displaying necessary information in front of the driver. The information is clearly displayed right there for you without needing to menu dive to find what you’re looking for.

While on the other side is where you will find all of your infotainment with standard wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. They’ve made it easier to integrate with the vehicle allowing for a more hassle free experience. This command center is also equipped with your own digital assistant enabling control of various features like climate, and audio controls, while also being conversational with the ability to ask about sports, the stock market, and helping you find points of interest to help plan routes, while also answering questions in regards to the vehicle.

Adding to the new tech features is Digital Key 2.0 allowing you to lock and unlock your vehicle from your smartphone. But what’s interesting is the ability to share this digital key with friends and family allowing them to drive and use the vehicle with your approval. While all the interior technology is nice Kia took it a step further with an attention to detail using a new acoustic windshield and tires to help cut down on road noise on models equipped with the 18 inch wheels.

With all this excitement of an elevated experience and comfort they made sure this vehicle came properly equipped with Kia’s latest ADAS system with features like, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and forward collision avoidance. With the benefit of these features, Kia is aiming to ensure your safety on the road. While on the GT-Line turbo model you have the option to add a technology package that will include Forward Collision Avoidance 2, Evasive Steering Assist, Highway Driving Assistant 2 these feature allows the vehicle to detect other vehicles and provide a degree of braking or steering input when needed this will aim to help prevent collisions and help maintain a predetermined distance while on the highway and many more safety features.

With that we have given you all the up-to-date lore on the 2025 Kia K4 and how it provides an all around elevated experience. But what about the price? Well the K4 starts at just under $22,00 for 2.0 equipped models. And the GT turbocharged model will start at just a little over $28,000.

Not a bad starting point for those that might be looking for their first car for themselves or family.

We’ll have an official Road Test of the 2025 Kia K4 soon enough, but until then, stay tuned to MotorWeek!