2025 Kia K4 Replaces Forte With 190 HP And Mini-Stinger Styling

Kia has revealed the all-new K4 in greater detail following last week’s mini-preview, unveiling a sharply styled and desirable compact sedan that takes over from the aging Forte effective from the 2025 model year. Unveiled at the 2024 New York Auto Show, the K4 arrives with two powertrain choices, luxury car tech, safety features, and Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, previewed by the new Carnival and Sorento. Does the Forte have what it takes to make a dent in a segment filled with stalwarts like the Corolla and Civic? Let’s find out.

Two Powertrain Options, But No Hybrid

The Forte replacement receives a 2.0-liter engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via an intelligently variable transmission (Kia speak for CVT).

If those figures are too pedestrian, there’s an optional turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It has the added benefit of a conventional eight-speed automatic gearbox, which should be more pleasurable than the IVT.

This engine adds steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a more engaging drive. GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo trims are equipped with model-specific multi-link rear suspension that enhances the sporty character of the K4 GT-Line. Notably, there is no pure GT version, suggesting a higher-performance derivative may be in the works.

Kia has gone to great lengths to ensure the K4 is as refined as possible, reducing NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels by offering an acoustic windscreen and acoustic tires on cars with 18-inch wheels.

Unfortunately, there is no hybrid engine option, but hopefully, Kia will fill this gap later. The Corolla is available as a hybrid, and Honda has plans to introduce an electrified Civic this year.

Bold Styling Stands Out In A Sea Of Dull Crossovers And Sedans

The 2025 Kia K4 styling may not be to everyone’s taste, but it can’t be described as dull. The K4 has borrowed design cues from the large EV9 SUV, with the boomerang-shaped LED headlights making a statement on the front fascia.

Kia has leaned into the fastback design of the K4, lending the sedan a more athletic stance than its rivals. The hidden rear door handles provide a coupe-esque look, while the pronounced rear haunches make the K4 more expensive than other cars in this segment. The claw-like taillights sit directly beneath the integrated spoiler and flow into the bumper. Overall, it looks like a smaller (but more aggressive) version of the K5, which was facelifted earlier this year, and there’s more than just a hint of Kia Stinger in the overall shape.

GT-Line models receive their own special touches, such as 18-inch wheels and a mix of satin chrome and gloss black exterior accents. The GT-Line Turbo builds on this with LED projection headlights and fog lamps.

Measuring 185.4 inches long and 72.8 inches wide, the Korean automaker claims the compact sedan is the biggest vehicle in its class. That translates to generous interior dimensions, with rear occupants enjoying 38 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom. The trunk offers up to 14.6 cu ft of packing space.

Feature-Rich Cabin Looks Like It Belongs In A Pricier Car

A notable step up from the outgoing Forte, the K4’s interior is pleasing to the eye and equipped with large car luxury features. Borrowing tech from the EV9, the K4 receives the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system.

As standard, the infotainment system, operated via a 12.3-inch touchscreen, has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is also available. Thanks to ccNC, Kia says the system responds much quicker than before, so it should be more intuitive.

The Digital Key 2.0 is available and allows customers (with compatible devices) to unlock, lock, or drive their vehicles with a virtual key. A Kia Connect voice assistant is also available. By saying “Hey Kia,” customers can control the climate control and audio settings with their voice. The marque says it is improving the Kia Assistant with generative AI, much like Volkswagen has done with its voice assistant.

LX, LXS, and EX models receive a Medium Gray interior, while the GT-Line variants receive Onyx and Off-White upholstery colors and a three-spoke steering wheel. Heated seats are standard on the GT-Line and better, but buyers must shell out extra cash for ventilated seats and a driver’s seat with a memory function. A Harman Kardon audio system is also available.

Sophisticated Driver Assistance Systems and Availability

With the 2025 K4, Kia claims it has introduced features usually seen in the segment above. Aside from eight airbags, all models receive Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go. Optionally, buyers can specify forward collision avoidance.

GT-Line Turbo models receive blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. A more sophisticated forward collision avoidance system is available at extra cost, along with Evasive Steering Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and a blind-spot view monitor. Lastly, a 360-degree surround-view monitor and park distance control (front, side, and rear) are offered on the K4.

Kia has not yet shared pricing for the 2025 K4, but even if it exceeds Forte’s $19,990 starting price, few buyers will mind, given the considerable improvements that have been made. We think Kia may even steal sales from the Civic and Corolla with this one.

Expect the K4 to reach the US in the second half of this year. Expect information surrounding gas mileage, pricing, and trim details to arrive before then.