“I would tell them and do I love my car, people stop and ask me all the time what kind of car it is, they want to look inside, I tell them how great a car it is the color is amazing and it looks perfect. I am proud of my car.”
2025 Kia K4: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2025 Kia K4 is an all-new compact sedan that replaces the Forte. Its biggest changes are a larger body, sharper fastback-inspired styling, and a more technology-focused cabin.
About the 2025 Kia K4
4th-generation Kia compact sedan, first year under the K4 name (all-new for 2025).
Kia positions the K4 as a sporty compact sedan that gives buyers more than basic transportation. The brand’s message centers on bold design, above-class technology, and a roomy cabin, especially the generous rear seat. In practice, the K4’s core appeal is that it blends everyday commuter duty with a more upscale feel than many compact sedans, then offers sportier GT-Line versions for shoppers who want sharper styling and stronger road manners without leaving the segment.
The lineup runs from the straightforward LX and comfort-focused EX to two sport-themed GT-Line trims. The GT-Line has a sport-tuned suspension and heated front seats, while the GT-Line Turbo pairs a 190-hp turbo engine with premium audio, a sunroof, and richer cabin materials.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The K4 lineup uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in its everyday-focused trims. The GT-Line Turbo has a 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Styling
The Forte’s replacement gets a completely new exterior with sharper details and a fastback-inspired roofline.
Safety
Every 2025 K4 has 11 standard driver-assistance features. Higher trims add systems such as blind-spot collision avoidance and Highway Driving Assist.
Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all five trims through a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Upper trims add features such as navigation, wireless phone charging, a digital gauge display, and premium audio.
Structural
The redesigned sedan has a larger body and a roomier cabin, including class-leading rear legroom among compact sedans. GT-Line models also use a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for sharper road manners.
2025 Kia K4 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 40 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.6 cu-ft | 14.6 cu-ft | 14.6 cu-ft | 14.6 cu-ft | 14.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Kia K4 an all-new model?
Yes. The 2025 K4 is Kia’s all-new fourth-generation compact sedan, and it replaces the Forte in the U.S. lineup.
How is the 2025 Kia K4 different from the Forte?
The 2025 K4 has a larger body, more rear-seat legroom, fastback-inspired styling, and a more technology-focused cabin than the Forte it replaces. It also makes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup.
Does every 2025 Kia K4 have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2025 K4 trim through a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Which 2025 Kia K4 trim has the turbo engine?
The GT-Line Turbo is the only 2025 K4 with the 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. It pairs that engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a sport-tuned suspension.
What safety equipment is standard on the 2025 Kia K4?
Every 2025 Kia K4 has 11 standard driver-assistance features. The lineup also offers more advanced systems on higher trims, including blind-spot collision avoidance and Highway Driving Assist.
2025 Kia K4 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2025 Kia K4.
4.3
2025 Kia K4
(23 reviews)
“What I have already shared. The most essential items include: being affordable, reliable, safe, and good technology. first and foremost. IF by chance (this is my case with the K4) it is beautiful, unique, modern, sporty, that is great and that is the case with this car.”
“It has everything you need. Drives smooth and has a lot of great safety features.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 21990 / Introducing The All New 2025 Kia K4 Elevating The Compact Sedan With More Room Segment Above Tech An
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 22503 / Kia America Announces 2025 K4 Pricing
- kiamedia.com — K4 / 2025 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 24161 / Kia Announces Pricing For 2026 K4 Compact Sedan
- kiamedia.com — K4 / 2026 / Features