Buyers seeking relatively low-cost transportation still have plenty of four-door sedan choices, so long as they’re not wanting a vehicle built by Ford, General Motors or Stellantis. That’s because Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia and others have plenty to offer.
For 2025, Kia is launching a completely new small sedan called the K4, which replaces the Forte that was introduced for 2010 and is reportedly in its final year. The K4 is expected to arrive in the second half of 2024.
The design of the fastback-shaped front-wheel-drive K4 is revolutionary and could easily be confused for a hatchback. In fact, the shape of the rear end plus the squared-off design of the roof pillars (where the hidden rear door handles are located) evokes memories of the larger and sportier Kia Stinger hatchback that is no longer available.
The K4ís rounded nose and grille and thin running-light strips add a measure of elegance.
Compared with the Forte, the K4 is longer and wider by more than five centimetres, and it gains 2.5 centimetres in distance between the front and rear wheels. Rear headroom and legroom have also been increased (now the best in class, says Kia) but trunk space has been reduced slightly.
The equally new interior has a single 30-inch panel containing the 12.3-inch driver’s display and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Between them is a five-inch screen that houses the climate controls. The design of the seats and interior trim plus the shape of the floor console project a distinctly upscale appearance.
The K4's two powertrains are not dissimilar to those in the Forte. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque is standard. It’s linked to a continuously variable transmission. Optional is a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet. It gets an eight-speed automatic with sport pedals and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Unlike the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, the K4 lacks a hybrid option.
Fuel economy for the base 2.0 is likely to be similar to the 2024 Forte’s, which is 8.2 l/100 km in the city, 6.0 on the highway and 7.2 combined. The turbo engine in the Forte is rated at 8.7/6.6/7.8.
The base price is expected to be only slightly higher than the Forte’s $23,700, possibly in the $25,000 range including destination charges for the starting-point LX, which is one of five available trims.
The LX gets an assortment of active-safety technology, such as active cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
At the pricier end, the content-rich GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo arrive with distinctive gloss-black front and rear accents plus chrome beltline trim and unique 18-inch wheels (16s are standard).
Both premium models also get a multi-link independent rear suspension that’s claimed to provide a more comfortable ride and greater turning precision.
The GT-Line is outfitted with heated and ventilated front seats, power sunroof, unique three-spoke steering wheel and premium Harmon Kardon-brand audio system.
The climate system and audio can be operated via voice control (just begin with “Hey Kia”).
Available only with the GT-Line Turbo are several advanced active-safety technologies, including forward collision avoidance that can detect other vehicles crossing the K4’s path. It provides evasive braking and/or steering assist to help drivers avoid collisions, even with pedestrians and objects. A 360-degree surround-view monitor is optional.
As with all Kia models, the K4 comes with a five-year/100,000-kilometre comprehensive and powertrain warranty.
The 2025 K4’s significant attributes – leading-edge style, interior spaciousness, and tech-savvy controls – could make it a game changer in the small-sedan class.
At the very least, it cements the brand’s commitment to value in a compact package.
