2025 Kia K4

Price Range: $21,990 - $28,090

Very Good

The 2025 Kia K4 stands out with its roomy cabin and an extensive list of tech features. Value is also part of the appeal; the K4 comes with a greater level of standard equipment than the competition. Our only complaint is a pair of underwhelming powertrains that deliver a tepid driving experience.Read full review

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2026
2025

Kia K4 for Sale

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$22,330

4 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 3/2/26

Final assembly in Mexico

Pros

Comes standard with lots of helpful technology features
Generous rear legroom
Sharp styling

Cons

Not as fuel-efficient as some rivals
Base engine can be sluggish to accelerate
Distinctive styling

What's new

The Kia K4 is an all-new small sedan
It's effectively a replacement for the Forte
2025 is the first year for the K4

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

3/9/2026

The 2025 Kia K4 is an all-new small sedan. It serves as a replacement for the discontinued Kia Forte and joins the larger midsize K5 in Kia's sedan lineup. The K4 has some visual similarities to the K5, and its angular headlights, pronounced fenders and tapered roofline give it a sporty look. Kia has also made sure that the K4 is a sensible purchase too.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$120/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Edmunds spotlight: Budget-friendly without feeling cheap

With a starting price of about $23,000, the 2025 Kia K4 undercuts some of its rivals by a thousand or two. For your money, you're getting plenty of standard features. Highlights for even a base K4 include a big 12.3-inch center touchscreen, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and an impressive collection of driver assist features that can help make driving easier and safer. The more expensive K4 trim levels get significantly nicer cabin materials, a more powerful turbo engine and a larger digital gauge display, plus several other desirable features — and still keep the price accessible. It's hard to find a downside to the new K4, especially when you factor in Kia's long warranty.

Competitors to consider

The Kia Forte remained in a strong second place behind the all-around class-leading Honda Civic. Even though the K4 costs a bit more than the Forte, we wouldn't be surprised to see it take over that favorable spot among compact sedans. The Hyundai Elantra follows a similar path as the K4 by delivering a lot of features for the money. There's also the sporty Mazda 3, which is the most entertaining to drive among the bunch. We'll know more about the K4 stacks up once our test team is able to get one in for a full evaluation.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Brian Wong

Very Good

7.5

out of 10

We drove the 2025 Kia K4 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

6.4/10

How does the Kia K4 drive? The K4 is offered with one of two available four-cylinder engines; we tested the GT-Line Turbo, which has the more potent 190-horsepower turbocharged motor. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds at our test track, which is a decently quick time for a small sedan. Unfortunately, the engine is slow to respond and build power when you push on the gas, especially from a stop. The base engine, meanwhile, is taxed while merging onto the highway and passing.

The brake pedal offers decent emergency stopping power and makes it easy to stop smoothly in city driving. Around corners, the K4 doesn't give you much feel for the road and noticeably leans as you drive with more enthusiasm. If you're looking for sportiness, the K4 GT-Line will be disappointing. At the same time, this model's sport suspension doesn't do a good job at smoothing out bumps in the road.

Advanced driver assist features are plentiful and work well. You already have great outward visibility, and the available surround-view camera system adds to that with a high-def view of your parking spot. Other aids avoid generating any excessive beeping or false alarms, as you can experience in some other vehicles.

Comfort

7.4/10

How comfortable is the Kia K4? The K4's control layout is excellent. There are easy-to-use physical controls for all the things you'd want and a well-placed screen that's in close reach of both front passengers. The only demerit is the small screen that houses the climate controls — the steering wheel blocks your view of it. Thankfully, there are redundant buttons for the fan speed and temperature so you won't need to interact with that panel much.

For a small sedan, the K4 has impressive roominess in the back seat, and the large door openings make it easy to climb in and out. The tapered roofline seems to suggest that the rear would have a headroom issue, but there's enough for even passengers over 6 feet tall. The K4's amount of rear legroom is more like a midsize sedan's.

Small sedans aren't as ideal for installing child safety seats as, say, minivans, but the K4's large door openings and easily accessible upper and lower LATCH anchor points make installation easier than in most rival sedans. There is plenty of room to fit even a rear-facing seat. You just have to watch out for the low roofline when leaning in.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? The K4's technology features are excellent. There's a big 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and four USB-C ports (two front, two rear) coming standard across the lineup. Higher trim levels even offer a matching 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster. Kia's infotainment interface offers great ease of use with a simple menu structure. There's even an AI-powered voice assistant that deciphers natural speech quite well and can even help you plan out a day in the city if you're not sure what to do.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2025 Kia K4 pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2025 Kia K4 for March

Here are some tips for negotiating the best deal on a 2025 Kia K4:

The Edmunds True Market Value for most trims of the Kia K4 is generally around 3% lower than the MSRP. This means you can expect to save between approximately $537 to $959, depending on the trim you choose. Use this information to negotiate a lower price with the dealer.
Special financing rates are available, such as a promotional APR as low as 2.9% for terms up to 48 months. This could save you significantly over standard market rates, which are much higher. Be sure to ask about these rates and compare them to traditional rates.
While there is no generally available cash rebate, there is a $500 cash offer available for military personnel. If you're eligible, make sure to bring this up during negotiations to reduce your final price.
It appears some trims like the Kia K4 LX may have lower inventory levels, with just 195 cars available, while others like the LXS have more. With fewer cars, you might want to reach out to dealers quickly to reserve your desired model before it sells out.

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Storage & cargo

8/10

How’s storage and cargo? A hatchback version of the K4 is coming that will probably bring this score up even higher, but the sedan version also offers pretty good space for cargo in its trunk and small items in its interior. There's 14.6 cubic feet of trunk space, and we also appreciated the wide cargo opening that makes it easier to load large items and a pair of releases that allow you to drop the 60/40-split folding rear seat without having to walk around the car.

Inside, the cupholders are large enough to fit a large-bottomed 40-ounce Hydro Flask. You can also fold them away to create more center console bin space.

Value

9/10

Is the Kia K4 a good value? The K4 offers great value up and down its lineup. The well-equipped base model, for example, comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that's larger than the optional screens you'll find in a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra. And on the top end, the GT-Line Turbo feels worth its higher price tag, with great materials and an upscale look that would be at home in a much more expensive vehicle. It also comes with features like ventilated front seats and a surround-view camera system that many other compact sedans don't offer.

And that's before you consider Kia's excellent warranty offerings: five years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? With the base engine, the K4 gets up to an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined for the base trim. The turbocharged engine in the GT-Line Turbo drops that to 29 mpg combined. These figures put the Kia firmly in the middle of the pack for small sedans, though these numbers do fall well behind the EPA estimates of rivals that offer hybrid powertrains like the Civic and Corolla. A hybrid isn't currently available for the K4.

X factor

7/10

Though the K4 might lack spirit from behind the wheel, its styling sets it apart in a sea of boring and siloed sedan designs. From its unique shape to the extra creases of the bodywork, the Kia's got a look and presence that help it to stand out. And on the inside, the aesthetic delights continue, as it's offered in several interesting trim colors and not simply black or gray like most of its competitors. It injects personality into a class that sorely needs it.

2025 Kia K4 trim level differences

The 2025 Kia K4 is a small sedan that is offered in five trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. Most models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque). It's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels. The range-topping GT-Line Turbo upgrades to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (190 hp, 195 lb-ft) that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Compare the 2025 Kia K4 trim levels in-depth.

Which K4 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The 2025 Kia K4's base trims are a little too basic for our tastes, which is why we suggest stepping up to the midrange EX model. It dresses up the interior with nicer materials, a digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control and a wireless charging pad, and it keeps the cost reasonable.

Kia K4 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

19 reviews

5(69%)

4(21%)

3(0%)

2(5%)

1(5%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment for the 2025 Kia K4 is mixed. Owners like that it has a nice interior, is affordable, and filled with features. They say it drives smoothly and looks great, but some are unhappy with slow acceleration and electronic problems like windshield wipers acting up and battery issues. Some also mention that it's not very reliable and has design flaws like a tricky sun visor and loud road noise.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 19 reviews of the Kia K4

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Amazing value

user167, 12/16/2024

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

I previously drove a 2017 Elantra limited (156k miles) and it never gave me a single issue. I gifted it to my grandmother as her car died. I bought the K4 as I wanted red seats and all the new technology. This car rides better than my Elantra because of the independent rear suspension. Gas mileage is great and I’m really enjoying the car. I hope the K4 will be as reliable as my Elantra. …

Helpful shopping links

2025 Kia K4 videos

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2025 Kia K4 Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	34 MPG
Cost to Drive	$120/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2025 Kia K4 has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall.

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V548000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC349
Manufactured from:: 2025-06-02 to 2025-06-02
Number of vehicles affected:: 30
Defect Description:: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the K4 include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	9.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Good
Side Impact Test – Original	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated	Good
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested

FAQ

Is the Kia K4 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 K4 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 K4 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 19 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the K4 has 14.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia K4. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Kia K4?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Kia K4:

The Kia K4 is an all-new small sedan
It's effectively a replacement for the Forte
2025 is the first year for the K4

Learn more

Is the Kia K4 reliable?

To determine whether the Kia K4 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the K4. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the K4's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Kia K4 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Kia K4 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 K4 and gave it a 7.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 K4 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 19 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 K4 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Kia K4?

The least-expensive 2025 Kia K4 is the 2025 Kia K4 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $21,990.

Other versions include:

LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $21,990
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,990
EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,990
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,190
GT-Line Turbo 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $28,090