Introducing the Affordable 2025 Kia K4 Sedan: A Preview
Get a sneak peek at the upcoming 2025 Kia K4, set to replace the Kia Forte and Rio as the brand’s most budget-friendly option in the lineup.
Affordable 2025 Kia K4 Sedan Coming Soon; Hatch to Follow
Get a detailed look at the upcoming 2025 Kia K4, set to replace the Kia Forte and Rio as the most budget-friendly vehicle in the lineup.
Expected to hit the market soon, the 2025 Kia K4 sedan promises affordability and functionality, with a hatchback version also on the horizon.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition to Kia’s lineup.
The Auto Enthusiast Unveils the 2025 Kia K4: A Redesigned Entry-Level Sedan
If you don’t immediately recognize the sleek compact sedan in the image above, it’s because it represents the rebirth of Kia’s entry-level sedan, now sporting a new name and a fresh appearance. The 2025 Kia K4 serves as the successor to the Kia Forte while also taking on the role of the most budget-friendly option in the lineup, following the discontinuation of the subcompact Rio in 2023.
The Auto Enthusiast: Kia’s Production Plans in Mexico
Kia is preparing to commence production of its models in Mexico, with the K4 set to be available for purchase in the third quarter. Initially, it will be introduced as a stylish sedan. However, a hatchback version was unveiled at the 2024 New York auto show, hinting at a future addition to the lineup, possibly in the 2026 model year. According to Young Kim, Kia’s senior product strategy manager, the focus was on releasing the sedan first due to its higher global demand.
Closer Look at the Kia K4 Sedan: Review
The Auto Enthusiast delves deeper into the features and specifications of the K4 sedan, offering a comprehensive review for auto enthusiasts.
Kia K4 Stands Out as the Largest in its Segment
The Kia K4 distinguishes itself by being larger than its predecessor, the Forte, and boasting the title of the biggest model in its category. Utilizing the K3 platform, it introduces multilink suspension on higher trims, along with a wider body comparable to some midsize sedans. Enhanced headroom and increased second-row legroom further enhance its appeal.
Featuring a striking design characterized by its corner-pushed vertical headlights and sleek fastback roofline, the Kia K4 offers five trim options: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT-Line Turbo, and the latest addition, the EX, which showcases an attractive slate green interior. Interior color choices range from two-tone black and white, medium gray, to a red/black combination reminiscent of the Kia K5.
Main Exterior Features
The Auto Enthusiast offers a variety of exterior customization options with eight different colors and five wheel choices. These options include 16-inch, 17-inch, and two 18-inch selections, with a special glossy black option available for the GT-Line Turbo model.
Continuing Forte Powertrains
The powertrains from the Forte remain unchanged in the K4 model. The base engine remains a 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While official EPA fuel economy ratings are not yet available, executives anticipate similar efficiency to the Forte, despite the larger size of the K4. The Forte LX, for comparison, achieved a rating of 30 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway, with a combined 34 mpg.
Customers still have the option to upgrade to the 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, boosting performance to 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, a slight decrease from the 201 lb-ft seen in the Forte. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as the manual option from the Forte is not available in the K4 model.
Future Plans for Kia K4 Lineup
Kia initially had no plans to introduce a hybrid model to the K4 series. However, The Auto Enthusiast reported that there is an upcoming all-electric EV3 compact crossover that is currently in development. This new model is expected to be available for purchase in the United States, with a projected release date after 2026. It remains uncertain whether this electric vehicle will mark the conclusion of the traditional gas-powered K4 generation.
Exploring the 2025 Kia K4
The Auto Enthusiast highlights the enhancements in the 2025 Kia K4, featuring a larger 12.3-inch driver display and center infotainment screen. Gone are the days of smaller screens, as this model now competes with larger screens to cater to younger buyers. Notably, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Pioneering in Kia’s lineup, the K4 introduces an advanced AI voice assistant that responds to natural language queries, offering a more intuitive interaction. This feature enhances user experience by remembering context for follow-up questions, providing local and trip information, and even serving as a digital owner’s manual for vehicle inquiries.
The Auto Enthusiast: Rotatable Cupholders and Connectivity Features
The innovative rotatable cupholders featured in the Kia EV9 three-row electric SUV have been incorporated into the K4 model. These cupholders can securely hold a 32-ounce beverage or be adjusted to provide additional storage space for items like wallets, sunglasses, and snacks. Along with this convenient feature, the K4 also boasts four USB outlets and the option for a wireless charger.
The Auto Enthusiast: Pricing and Value Proposition
While the exact pricing for the K4 has not been revealed yet, it is anticipated to be higher than the Forte’s starting price of $21,145. Despite this, the K4 remains in line with Kia’s reputation for offering a wide range of features and exceptional value at a competitive price point.