2025 KIA K4 – Sedan Reborn

In a world increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, the compact sedan segment remains a vital battleground for automakers- especially for those aiming to win over young buyers, urban commuters, and value-conscious drivers. The all-new KIA K4 is a bold replacement for the outgoing Forte with unique styling, upgraded tech, and a much more refined driving experience. The K4 arrives as KIA’s statement that the compact sedan is far from irrelevant. It’s designed to stand out in a crowded field that includes heavyweights like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

KIA isn’t playing it safe with the 2025 K4. From the moment you see the front end, it is clear this compact sedan was designed to stand out in a segment known for conservative styling. The aggressive front fascia is dominated by a wide grille and vertical LED daytime running lights, giving the K4 a futuristic and slightly menacing look. It’s a bold statement, and while the design won’t appeal to everyone, there is no denying it has presence. Compared to the Honda Civic’s clean sophistication, or the Toyota Corolla’s restrained lines, the K4 is more daring, almost like a concept car that made it to production mostly intact.

Along the side, the K4 continues to lean into a sportier, more coupe-like image. The fastback-inspired roofline gives the car a sleek silhouette, with a long arc that flows nicely from windshield to trunk. It is a more emotional take than what most compact sedans offer, and while it looks sharp from most angles, the stretched roofline may compromise rear headroom.

At the rear, the K4 once again goes all in on futuristic flair. A full-width LED light bar ties the taillights together, and vertical light elements mimic the front’s signature-creating a cohesive lighting identity. The rear bumper treatment is chunky and sculpted, giving off a bit of a sport-sedan vibe. However, the busy lines and surfaces here can feel a little gimmicky, especially compared to Civic’s more elegant and restrained rear design. It’s clear KIA wanted the K4 to leave an impression, but the rear might come off as trying just a bit too hard.

Step inside the 2025 KIA K4; the first impression is modern minimalism. The dashboard is monochromatic, but it is clean and horizontal, with a driver-focused layout that blends tech and design more fluidly than most in the segment. KIA integrates two large screens that house both the digital gauge cluster and the central infotainment screen. It gives the cabin a high-tech vibe without overwhelming the senses. The climate controls are physical in the EX (mid-tier) trim, but higher trims have another screen that sits in between the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen.

Material quality is a mixed bag. The upper dashboard and door panels feel nicely padded and well-assembled, especially for its price tag. However, some harder plastics are still present on the lower doors and center console, reminding you this is still a budget-friendly compact sedan. On the other side, technology is a clear priority in the K4. The dual screen setup looks sharp and runs smoothly. The smartphone integration works quite well, and USB-C ports are generously scattered throughout the cabin.

As for space and comfort, the K4 benefits from its stretched proportions, offering good front legroom and decent rear seat accommodations. The fastback roofline does slightly compromise rear headroom for taller passengers, but the rear bench is still livable for most adults. The cloth seats in the EX trim feel quite comfortable, with relatively firm padding and an adequate amount of side support. The trunk space is competitive at 413 litres, offering ample space for luggage and daily necessities.

The 2025 KIA K4 offers two different engine options, our tester had the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that delivers 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. It is a familiar engine shared with the previous Forte, and designed for more efficiency and smoothness than outright speed. While the output is adequate for everyday driving, it doesn’t offer much in the way of excitement. Acceleration is predictable and linear, but drivers looking for more spirited performance will likely find this setup underwhelming, and they can opt for the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that comes standard with the higher trims.

Power is sent to the front wheels through KIA’s continuously variable transmission, also known as Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The transmission mimics gear shifts to avoid the usual rubber-band feel that plagues traditional CVTs, and in practice, it does a good job of keeping the engine noise down and delivering a smooth powerband. It’s not a sporty setup by any means, but it’s well-tuned for comfort and efficiency. Fuel economy is one of the highlights here, with KIA estimating 8.4L/100 km in the city, and 6.0L/100 km on the highway – strong figures for the compact sedan class.

On the road, the KIA K4 EX delivers a composed and easygoing driving experience that fits its role as a practical compact sedan. The steering is light and accurate, making city driving and parking effortless, though it doesn’t offer much in the way of road feedback. The suspension is tuned with comfort in mind, soaking up bumps and rough pavement well. Braking performance is solid and predictable, with a progressive pedal feel that inspires confidence in daily use.

That said, the K4 EX falls short of being a dynamic standout. The 2.0L engine and CVT transmission combination That said, the K4 EX doesn’t quite rise to the occasion when it comes to driving excitement. Its 2.0-litre engine, paired with a CVT, delivers smooth and quiet acceleration, but it lacks the midrange punch and responsiveness offered by many of its turbocharged rivals. With 147 horsepower on tap, performance feels modest—adequate for city commuting, but noticeably strained during highway merges or passing maneuvers. On-ramps, in particular, can feel like a waiting game, with the drivetrain working hard to gather momentum.

The 2025 KIA K4 positions itself as a stylish, well-equipped, and comfort-oriented compact sedan with a strong value proposition. With competitive pricing, generous standard features, and a tech-forward interior that punches above its weight, it’s an appealing option for buyers who prioritize design, practicality, fuel efficiency over outright performance. It may not be the most engaging entry, but for commuters, or first-time buyers, or anyone simply looking for a sleek and reliable daily driver, the K4 EX delivers a lot of car for the money. In a segment where value often comes at the expense of flair, the K4 stands out by offering both.