2025 Kia K4 Review

The 2025 Kia K4 is the automaker’s all-new compact sedan, replacing the Forte that bowed out after the 2024 model year.

Overseas markets also offer a stunningly-styled K4 hatchback that replaces the Forte5, although it’s not confirmed yet if it will be sold in Canada as well. The sedan comes in five trim levels, with the choice of two engines. My tester was powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder, plus there’s a stronger turbocharged option available.

Styling: 9/10

While the profile curve from rear window to trunk lip is a bit awkward, the rest of the K4 is gorgeous, with its swoopy lines and thin lighting. The interior features a wide screen incorporating the instrument and infotainment displays, and a flat-shaped steering wheel that’s comfortable to use.

Safety: 8/10

The K4 hadn’t yet been crash-tested by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at time of writing, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick — one below its best rating. It got the top “Good” in the IIHS’s three crash tests, but had only undergone the original moderate front overlap test. The updated test, in which the Kia wasn’t yet rated, now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front.

All trims include emergency front braking, adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go situations, lane keeping and following assist, driver attention warning, automatic high-beam control, and a mandatory back-up camera. The EX trim tested here, which is the next step up from the entry LX, adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add highway driving assist, camera-based blind-spot monitoring, and surround-view cameras.

Features: 8/10

The entry LX comes well-equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, heated mirrors, heated cloth seats, push-button start, remote starter, and front and rear USB ports. My EX, the next step up, further adds a wireless charger, selectable drive modes, a heated steering wheel, and rear-seat climate ducts. Upper trims can add a sunroof, faux-leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, heated rear seats, cooled front seats, and premium audio.

User-Friendliness: 8/10

Most of the K4’s functions are handled by buttons. These include climate, and the heated seats and steering wheel. The gear selector is a conventional one rather than an electronic knob with a park button. I do have some nitpicks: cabin temperature is indicated by tiny lights that are hard to see in daytime, and volume is a dash-mounted wheel that you spin up or down, and I always ended up pushing too hard and shutting the stereo off. Still, I’d rather that than paging through menus and tapping screen icons.

Practicality: 7/10

At 413 L, the K4’s trunk is larger than most of its competitors’, save for the Honda Civic at a barely-bigger 419 L. The liftover is also relatively low, so it’s easier to load items into the trunk. The drawback is that while the rear seatbacks fold down flat, they’re not in line with the trunk floor, and so you can’t slide longer items straight in. More small-item storage up front would be appreciated, too.

Comfort: 8/10

The EX’s heated seats are clad in a smooth, handsome twill fabric that looks like it will wear well. I always prefer cloth to leather, and so I really like these supportive chairs. The K4’s headroom is average for the segment. Its front-seat legroom matches some competitors at the upper end of the scale, but its 964 mm (38.0 in) of rear-seat legroom exceeds all save for matching that of its cousin, the Hyundai Elantra. 

Power: 7/10

The three K4 entry trims use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT). Kia calls it an intelligent variable transmission, but that’s just marketing jargon. Torque goes strictly to the front wheels. 

That puts the K4 at the lower end of its non-turbocharged competitors, which range from the Honda Civic at 150 hp to the Mazda3 at 186 hp. Should you want more, the K4 also offers a turbocharged 1.6L engine in its two GT-Line Turbo trims, making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Driving Feel: 9/10

The K4 may trail its competitors for power, but if you accept it for what it is — that being unashamedly an everyday commuter — it does an excellent job of it. The engine gets loud when you put your foot down solidly for passing, but the K4 can still get you around on the highway and then be quiet and collected in city traffic. It offers light and responsive steering, a smooth ride, and composed manners, and it’s really pleasant to drive.

Fuel Economy: 8/10

The 2025 Kia K4 is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 7.9 L/100 km in the city, 5.8 on the highway, and 7.0 combined. In my week with it, I averaged 9.1 L/100 km, and it takes regular-grade gasoline. It’s pretty much smack in the centre of competitors, where the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic rate at 6.7 in combined driving; the Volkswagen Jetta is 7.4; and the Mazda3 comes in at 7.5.

Value: 9/10

The K4 starts with the LX at 25,845 including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $1,850. I drove the middle EX, which is $28,345, plus mine had a coat of “Morning Haze” paint for $250 — black is the only no-charge colour — bringing it to $28,595 before taxes.

The EX+, which adds a sunroof, faux-leather seats, and acoustic laminated windshield, is at $29,845, while the turbocharged trims top out at $36,345. Its Hyundai Elantra cousin starts below that at $24,074, but the K4 trim equivalent has more features, including a larger centre screen and adaptive cruise control.

Among the K4’s competitors, the Toyota Corolla starts below it at $25,430, but without the Kia’s heated seats. The Mazda3 begins at $26,125; the Volkswagen Jetta at $27,745; and the Honda Civic at $29,670 (all prices including delivery). All are worthy rivals, but the K4 seems a value-packed proposition, especially with its five-year/100,000-km warranty that covers most items.

The Verdict

Crossovers may dominate the market, but the compact sedan segment is still thriving and with some very worthy entries. The 2025 Kia K4 may not match them for power, but it offers a lot of features and a decent driving experience for the price.