Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Kia K4

When you look at the 2025 Kia K4, it will remind you of the commercial that is running for it. The guy who just parked his K4 cannot help but to look back at it. Neither could we. 

Last year, the K4 was introduced to supplant the long-running Forte name after generations of being Kia’s compact sedan offering. It is also the latest iteration of the longest model offering wearing the Kia nameplate – starting back to the original Sephia in the early 1990s.

The K4 also signifies Kia’s commitment to offering sedans to its customer base. As this vehicle type slowly disappears from new car lineups, Kia knows that there are still customers who want a three-box, lower-to-the-ground traditional automobile. To do so, they must push the envelope in terms of design.

They had to. A boring sedan only appeals to the few. Kia does not do boring. The K4 is proof of that.

One has to look at it to understand this point. The exterior is something we expected by now – a future-forward shape that has creases, angles, and folds that is visually stunning. You can look up front where the signature upper grille is skinnier, along with its LED headlamp units and its geometric running lamp/turn signal lights. Similar LED lightning frame the rear clip – something we’re seeing more on the latest Kia models. 

The piece de resistance is the C-pillar and rear roofline. It is visually stunning. The illusion of a squared off C-pilar glass is framed by a satin chrome piece that adds another angle to the pane. Then you have a fastback that meets the short deck to a shallow trunk opening. 

Design is supposed to add drama and suspense to a vehicle. The GT-Line’s 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels do exactly that. You look at it and it’s a piece of modern art and sculpture. However, you must remind yourself that it is in fact a compact sedan. 

The interior follows current Kia design signatures. That begins with the flat instrument panel housing three screens across it. On the left in front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with analog-like dials. Next to it is the climate control screen, followed on the right by a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. One issue we found was the placement of the climate control screen, which can be hard to read and use with the steering wheel in the way. 

About the steering wheel, it is an interesting design. Our GT-Line tester had a contrasting center hub, surrounded by tactile controls. However, the shape includes a flat bottom and a somewhat flat top. Thankfully, it is not a yoke. 

The rest if the Kia’s controls are tactile with good logic. There is also an actual shifter for the transmission. That is always a good thing. Just nearby is the ignition button – another plus, in our book. 

The infotainment system has a trick up its sleeve. When you press the voice recognition button on the steering wheel, Kia AI Assistant is at your service. Yes, Kia uses artificial intelligence to help you with several tasks when you cannot reach a control or just need information. Otherwise, your smartphone’s voice recognition system will assist you once tethered to the system. It is also worth mentioning that this K4 GT-Line tester has the upgraded Harmon Kardon Audio System. It does emit a lovely sound from your smartphone’s music library. 

Seating is upholstered with a two-tone SynTex motif. Front seats are firm, yet supportive. Finding the right position behind the wheel took some time, but I was able to get my tall body competent enough to operate the K4. The rear seats look comfortable. Headroom is fantastic in the back, yet legroom would vary depending on the height of the person sitting behind you.

 There is generous trunk space with the smaller lid. With 14.6 cubic feet of space and folding rear seatbacks, there is clearly plenty of room for luggage, groceries, and my rollator.

This K4 GT-Line tester gets its power from a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It is also puts down 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine offers plenty of power that defies its specifications. Helping this engine’s performance is an Intelligent Variable Transmission, which shifts accordingly under normal acceleration. It does well with harder acceleration before shifting down at a cruising speed.  As for fuel economy, we observed an average of 32.0 MPG. 

The ride quality is very compliant. Through potholes and ruts in the road, the suspension system does a good job absorbing them from any impact through the cabin. Its reflexes are sharp, thanks to a multi-link independent rear suspension. It corners with authority in the city, as well as outside of it. You will also find that the K4 actually corners very well, taking curves precisely. 

The steering system is quick and precise. While on-center feel can be a bit soft, it is easily fixable by enabling the Lane Keeping Assist and Highway Driving Assist, as it will lock the K4 into the lane. Stopping power is very good, with solid stops and great pedal response. Pedal feel is also good with superb response to the wheels. 

There are five trim levels available on the 2025 Kia K4. Pricing starts at $21,990. Our GT-Line tester came with a sticker price of $28,345.

Let’s get real for a moment. The 2025 Kia K4 is a visually stunning sedan. Perhaps a class-leading design. It follows Kia’s intention to stand out in every segment it competes in. That’s a good thing.

It is worth noting that the GT-Line model also comes in a 190-horsepower turbocharged version. Some of you may desire a performance variant. Other folks would be fine with the sporty looks of this tester. Either way, you will always look back at it and admire it. 

Should I also mention that Kia will add a hatchback version of the K4 for the 2026 model year? That dropped at the New York Auto Show over a week ago. 

Kia has moved the bar in terms of design. In the K4, they made sure this compact sedan fun to drive to go along with its compelling looks. Plus, it’s one heck of a value proposition. You most certainly get a lot for the money. It a car you simply cannot ignore.  

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Kia America – our opinions are of our own

All photos by Randy Stern