The Kia K4 is an excellent alternative for the Forte. It appears to be like good, feels premium, and has excessive ranges of tech and security. In a world giving up on reasonably priced vehicles, it’s a surprisingly good entry-level compact.
At a look
- Actually handsome automotive
- Nothing particular underneath the hood
- OK, however not nice gasoline economic system
- Drives and feels actually good for the value
Traditionally, low-cost, compact vehicles have been every kind of boring: boring to take a look at, boring to drive, boring to speak about. They’ve been the kicking publish most automotive reviewers discuss with for affordable laughs and to reference as synonyms for ugly.
The 2025 Kia K4 is likely one of the new breed of entry-level automobiles which bucks that development. It has a modern, fastback look that follows fashionable European sedan design, however with traces and edges that give it an virtually idea automotive enchantment. Pixelated LED lights and dramatic rear fenders are nice touches. And with its sharp entrance fascia and slim headlamps, you would possibly park this one nose-out so the neighbors can admire it.
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The K4 doesn’t get loopy underneath the hood, although. The components for a handsome compact doesn’t change its entry-level roots and standards. On this case which means the sturdy appears to be like are backed by a well-vetted, however fairly sedate 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It’s value 147 horsepower (108 kW) and goes to a half-decent, however not thrilling repeatedly variable transmission (CVT).
Gas economic system for the two.0L is fairly fundamental at 34 mpg (6.9 l/100km) mixed (per the EPA). In the true world, whereas it’s attainable to beat that, it’s not going because the engine is of course aspirated and thus shall be significantly affected by the atmosphere round it. There’s the choice, nevertheless, to get the GT-Line Turbo mannequin and enhance energy output for the K4 with out sacrificing a lot in MPG.
The K4 GT-Line Turbo swaps the two.0 for a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4 that outputs 190 hp (140 kW) and, extra importantly, it mates to an eight-speed automated transmission. This doesn’t make the K4 a pace demon, however it actually makes it really feel extra spritely and enjoyable. The EPA says this setup will sacrifice numerous economic system, score it at 29 mpg (8.1 l/100km) mixed. However the EPA additionally says the turbo improve will get solely 36 mpg (7.85 l/100km) on the freeway whereas my real-world testing, at excessive altitude, acquired very close to to the non-turbo’s 40-mpg (5.9-l/100km) score. Both approach, these numbers are good, however very shy of the sorts of MPG returns hybrids on this phase can supply. Often at the next price ticket.
No matter engine or mannequin is chosen (sedan or hatchback), the K4 is available in front-wheel drive solely. But it surely does have a very good street really feel, and isn’t able to hitting the sorts of cornering speeds the place understeer shall be a severe challenge.
The place the K4’s powertrain might not be as thrilling because the automotive’s appears to be like, the inside actually is a match for the outside’s enchantment. Like most of right now’s Kia fashions, there are a few infotainment choices. Until you go for the minimal, although, you’ll in all probability see the twin 12.3-inch screens wrapping throughout the dashboard. One for the driving force’s gauges and associated data, and the opposite for every little thing else. It offers the little K4 a luxurious vibe. Or a minimum of a premium vibe, anyway. The well-done seating and sensible mixture of buttons/knobs and touchscreen are all welcoming.
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These hoping for a bling-laden inside gained’t just like the Kia K4. It’s a extra fashionable design with much less muddle and extra easy area. However what shall be discovered are wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, together with a well-done interface that’s not essentially the most subtle, however no slacker both. Voice-activated local weather controls, a number of USB-C ports, and the choice for premium sound by way of Harman Kardon are all within the little K4 with out breaking the US$30,000 barrier.
In a approach, the 2025 Kia K4 reinvents the compact sedan with out radically altering it. What Kia has executed is take the Forte and make it higher by eradicating most of what has made compacts unappealing previously. It’s prettier, feels extra premium, and doesn’t skimp into cheapness simply to shave a number of {dollars} off a worth level.
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In different phrases, in contrast to many compact, low-cost automobiles, the Kia K4 gained’t make you’re feeling such as you’re telling the world you’re broke.
The beginning worth for the brand new K4 is $23,000.
Product web page: 2025 Kia K4
