2025 Kia K4: Not Exactly a New Benchmark for Compact Cars

Austin, TX—Multiple Kia models have changed names lately. First, the Optima midsize sedan became the K5, then the Sedona minivan became the Carnival, and now the Forte compact sedan is getting a new life as the K4.

Well, as previously reported, the K5 won’t return to Canada for 2025, meaning the K4 will be tasked with replacing not one but two cars. Just like Hyundai with the Elantra, Kia is not abandoning compact sedans, despite other contenders dropping out of the segment over the past decade. In fact, it intends to rekindle the enthusiasm of consumers who have not yet succumbed to the SUV and crossover craze.

• Also: Kia Announces Pricing for 2025 K4 Sedan Replacing the Forte
• Also: All-New 2025 Kia K4 Looks Sharp But Offers No AWD or Hybrid Option

Kia Canada recently invited The Car Guide to Austin, Texas for a first drive of the 2025 K4, which it likes to call the new benchmark for compact cars. Fact or fiction? Here’s what we think.

Striking Looks

Whether you like this new approach or not, the K4’s lines are somewhat reminiscent of some of Kia's utility vehicles, which have proven to be fairly popular among shoppers. Unlike its predecessor, the K4 positively stands out from every competitor with bold exterior lighting and muscular wheel arches.

On the far sides of the front fascia are super-thin, T-shaped daytime running lights flanking vertically arranged headlamps. Where LX, EX and EX+ models are concerned, there’s little else to get you excited, with a black plastic panel on the lower body that continues on the sides and even in the rear. Meanwhile, the sportier GT-Line and GT-Line Limited models have a slightly more aggressive look thanks to a unique grille and gloss black plastic trim all around.

The base K4 rides on 16-inch steel wheels, while the EX and EX+ feature 17-inch alloys and the other two get 18-inchers. The coupe-like sedan appears to be longer than it actually is due to the unusual location of the rear door handle, which is close to the rear quarter window and not far from where the wide C-pillar rises vertically to meet the rear window. As for the rear section, there’s a full-width light bar that connects with the spear-shaped taillamps extending downwards on the fenders.

Two Familiar Engines

Under the hood, the 2025 Kia K4 is not as revolutionary as its design suggests. The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is the same that motivated the outgoing Forte. Power and torque figures are identical at 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, but keep in mind that the new sedan is around 100 kg heavier depending on the model. The engine is once again paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which offers a Sport mode on EX and EX+ models.

The other powertrain option, available in GT-Line or GT-Line Limited trim, is a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that is shared with several other Kias. It develops 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, but instead of the IVT, an eight-speed automatic gearbox handles power delivery. Unfortunately, we weren't able to test-drive these models, partly because they're slated to launch at a later date, more specifically in early 2025. Right now, Kia Canada is focusing on the LX, EX and EX+ arriving in just a few weeks' time.

Tech-Laden Interior

Technology is a big selling point in the auto industry these days. The 2025 Kia K4 is a perfect example. Similar to many other Korean vehicles (Hyundais included), it greets occupants with a large digital interface combining two 12.3-inch screens on GT-Line models. Our tester came with just a single 12.3-inch display—the one for infotainment—while traditional gauges with a small 4-inch display in the middle were found in front of the steering wheel.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity come standard. All models except the base LX offer a wireless smartphone charger. The standard four-speaker stereo is almost laughable, so if you like to listen to music in the car, go with an EX model and enjoy the six speakers.

Safety and driving assistance are very nicely covered with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Rear Occupant Alert, Driver Attention Assist, plus the usual collection of airbags (eight) as standard.

Moving up, the K4 EX adds Blind Spot Collision Warning, while the GT-Line gets Highway Driving Assist 1. Even more safety content is available in the range-topping GT-Line Limited, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, Highway Driving Assist 2, Parking Assist and a Blind Spot Monitor.

Sporty?

Our first experience with the 2025 Kia K4 revealed a quieter, more comfortable and more accommodating sedan blessed with more supportive seats. The 2.0-litre mill is no powerhouse, of course, and the extra weight puts more pressure on the transmission, so increased throttle input is required when accelerating. Sport mode doesn’t suddenly transform the K4 into, well, a sports car, but it does maintain the engine at slightly higher revs and offers simulated gear shifts at the same time.

Steering is heavier now, but once again that doesn’t make the K4 a sports sedan. Two more upgrades set the turbocharged models apart from their naturally aspirated siblings including larger disc brakes and an independent, multi-link rear suspension. Sure, a torsion beam is fine on pristine roads like the ones we encountered down in Texas, but the more sophisticated setup will prove ideal on rougher pavement out here in Canada.

Our Verdict

The 2025 Kia K4 is arguably not the new benchmark for compact cars that the company is talking about. While it looks sharp and almost crossover-like with that black lower cladding, and available content is on par with more expensive vehicles, the K4 still relies on the same engines as the old Forte. And unlike the Hyundai Elantra, it does not offer a hybrid variant.

Perhaps the new benchmark will come from the fully electric EV4 sedan that’s set to debut in the near future, who knows?

Watch: 2025 Kia K4 Debuts at New York Auto Show