Just because the average new car transaction price is hovering around $50,000 doesn’t mean people aren’t interested in more affordable options; and the same can be said for size. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, as this 2025 Kia K4 aims to prove.

The K4 is an all-new compact sedan nameplate, though it does serve as a replacement for the Forte. And you could say small cars are one of Kia’s fortes, thanks to their resume of commuter greats. The K4 is a clear next step up, taking from Kia’s current design language consisting of sharp lines and amber daytime runners, the front fascia’s aggressive grillwork serving as a gateway to the engine bay.

There, a standard naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder is mounted on most grades, rated at 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission. The GT-Line, which we spent most of our First Drive time with in Austin, Texas, can kick things up a notch thanks to an optional 1.6-liter turbo-four. All 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque is again sent to the front wheels, this time channeled by an eight-speed automatic.

The cabin, like the exterior, is modern Kia, but with an even bigger improvement in style and function over the Forte. There’s plenty of standard easy-to-use tech, most notably a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen. It’s paired to a 12.3-inch gauge unit in most grades, and wireless smartphone integration is standard.

LOGAN MCCOMBS: “There’s so much technology packed into this vehicle with features like collision avoidance and pedestrian avoidance. I’ve got a 30-in digital dash in front of me that’s able to display all the information that I could need and want. I don’t have to go menu diving for it at all. And I’m driving around in the 1.6-liter turbocharged powertrain setup, which is super snappy and it’s got enough pep in its step to get you on and off the highway, and while driving around town.”

Doubling back to our original value claim, this compact four-door starts around $23,000. And even the top-trim GT-Line Turbo starts just shy of $30-grand. They’re available on dealer lots now and, to us, an impressive addition to Kia’s compact repertoire.

We’ll have more on the 2025 Kia K4, and more Quick Spins… soon!