KIA’S ALL-NEW K4 4-DOOR – YUP. IT’S A SEDAN.

KIA’S ALL-NEW K4 4-DOOR

YUP. IT’S A SEDAN.

Move over Civic and Mazda3. Kia’s new compact sports sedan, the K4, is a cleverly designed and artfully crafted sports sedan that is quiet, quick, and—dare we say it?—fun to drive.

The 2025 Kia K4 blends practicality, efficiency, and modern technology, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. With a price range of $22,000 to $28,000, this roomy little car offers an appealing mix of affordability and features tailored to urban commuters and small families.

Kia’s replacement for its long-toothed Forte has surprisingly good road manners. The suspension is compliant, smoothing out rough spots on back roads. But the steering is crisp, and the car is nicely balanced to provide superior grip on winding roads. We may have exceeded the speed limit here and there during a busy week, but it still delivered better than 30 mpg.

Cabin

The Kia 4 delivers a spacious, well-designed cabin with seating for five passengers and ample cargo volume. Quality materials and thoughtful assembly offer a sense of comfort for occupants. 

Modern touches include digital screens for infotainment, wireless charging ports, and advanced technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. “(A) Spacious and quiet cabin,” is how Consumer Reports puts it.

Powertrains

Standard power is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), it achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 33 mpg combined. “The Kia K4 EX delivers an impressive blend of performance and efficiency, despite lacking a hybrid option.” (Car and Driver)

For those who need more speed, The K4 GT-Line Turbo ($28,090) comes with a different engine. It features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. 

An eight-speed automatic transmission helps the turbo deliver a sportier driving experience while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency. “The turbocharged engine in the K4 GT-Line Turbo provides a significant boost in performance, making it a more engaging option for drivers seeking a spirited driving experience.” (Motor Trend)

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Kia EX provides a well-balanced ride, featuring a refined chassis, advanced suspension components, and a smooth-shifting driveline. The team at Motor Trend reported that “Kia’s engineers managed to tune in some compliance, but impacts remain muted, and body motions are well controlled.” These elements combine to create an enjoyable driving experience with responsiveness and comfort.

Further enhancing the experience are noise, vibration, and harshness control measures, among the best in the class. We would have to drive a Civic and K4 back-to-back to assess which is quieter and tighter, but both punch well above their price class.

Safety

Kia has equipped the 2025 EX with comprehensive safety features and driver-assist technologies. The vehicle has earned top safety ratings and includes standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. 

Optional upgrades include a surround-view monitor and automatic rear braking. As Consumer Reports noted, there’s “lots of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking.” 

Reliability:

Predicted reliability ratings are above average, with Kia offering a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Competition:

• 2025 Honda Civic – $23,000 to $30,000, offers two powertrain options, competitive fuel economy, sleek design, and engaging handling but lacks advanced safety features on base models. Hybrid models deliver 49 mpg.
  more on the Civic
• 2025 Hyundai Elantra – $20,000 to $26,000, has three powertrain choices, impressive fuel economy, and a comfortable ride, but cargo space is smallish. The hybrid model provides 58 mpg.
  more on the Elantra
• 2025 Toyota Corolla – $21,000 to $28,000, provides reliable performance and advanced safety features, but acceleration is lackluster compared to rivals. Hybrid provides 50 mpg.
  more on the Corolla
• 2025 Mazda3 – $24,000 to $37,000, offers refined handling, stylish design, and premium interior but has less rear-seat legroom and reduced cargo space than competitors. No hybrid is available.
  more on the Mazda3

Bottom line

The 2025 Kia K4 EX provides a competitive package of features and capabilities that cater to the needs of its target audience, making it an attractive option in the compact car market. However, competitors offer hybrid models for not much more in price.