With bold design, smart features and a bargain price, the Kia K4 is a standout in an SUV-obsessed world
In a world of pricey crossovers, the Kia K4 sedan offers sharp looks, solid tech and real value.
Despite the growing popularity of compact crossovers and SUVs, many people still prefer small four-door sedans such as the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta. The latest contender in this group is the Kia K4, which effectively replaces the Kia Forte—a longstanding compact sedan known for its value and practicality.
Even before I got behind the wheel, the K4 grabbed my attention. As I approached it in the parking lot, I was struck by its bold, futuristic styling. It manages to look distinctive without veering into the odd or gimmicky.
Narrow vertical headlights at the front corners give it a dramatic appearance. That design cue is echoed at the rear, where the taillamps drop down along both edges. One clever touch: the rear door handle isn’t in its usual spot—it’s positioned on the trim panel just behind the rear side window.
Kia sums up the look this way: “The bold proportions; the fastback styling cues; the wide, confident stance—together they push the design envelope in powerful new ways.”
Inside, the design is attractive, if not quite as striking. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display sits in front of the driver, matched by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen centred atop the dashboard. The steering wheel is flat at both the top and bottom, and thankfully, there are plenty of real buttons, so you don’t have to navigate a screen for basic functions. A single air vent stretches across the dashboard, giving an impression of width and openness.
One unusual design decision: the buttons for the heated front seats and heated steering wheel are located on the door above the handle. While this helps declutter the dashboard, it feels unintuitive to reach toward the door handle while driving to turn on seat or steering wheel heat. The lower door panel houses the expected controls for mirrors, windows and locks—placing heat controls there would likely feel more natural.
While my EX test vehicle included plenty of technology and features, the cabin was visually plain—black below, with grey trim on the doors, pillars and roof. A splash of colour or chrome would have elevated the overall feel. Higher trims add more refinement.
The K4 comes in several trim levels—packages that bundle different features and options at increasing price points. The base LX starts at $23,995, but my EX test model added extras such as a heated steering wheel, artificial leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear climate vents, side-mirror turn signals, blind spot collision avoidance (which helps prevent lane-change accidents), and rear cross-traffic alert (which warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking spot). The list price for the EX is $26,495, and after freight and air conditioning tax, the total as-tested price was $28,695. That’s a bargain.
Three more trims sit above the EX, with the GT-Line Turbo Limited topping the lineup at $34,495.
The K4 measures 4,710 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.
On the road, the K4 is a pleasant surprise. It’s nimble, with responsive handling that gives it a sportier feel than you might expect. That said, the seats could be more comfortable, and acceleration is just average. The base 2.0-litre engine delivers 147 horsepower. Fuel economy is rated at 8.4 litres per 100 km in the city and 6.0 litres per 100 km on the highway. That means, in ideal conditions, you could drive 295 km on about $15 worth of gas. A more powerful 1.6-litre turbo engine, producing 190 horsepower, is also available.
The best part of the K4? That’s a tough call, but I’d say it’s a toss-up between the dramatic exterior design and the surprisingly low price. That’s a rare and welcome combination.
In a market where many automakers are phasing out sedans altogether, the K4 stands out for delivering modern design and solid performance at a price that’s still within reach.
Our Verdict
The 2025 Kia K4 is a refreshing reminder that small sedans still have a place in a world dominated by crossovers. It combines sleek, forward-looking styling with a comfortable, tech-equipped interior and a starting price that’s hard to beat. While the base engine won’t thrill performance seekers and the interior could use a splash more personality, the K4 makes a compelling case for itself with confident handling, thoughtful features and standout design.
For drivers looking for an affordable, stylish and well-rounded alternative to the usual suspects in the compact sedan segment, the Kia K4 delivers impressive value without compromise. It’s not just a worthy replacement for the Forte—it’s a strong statement that Kia knows how to evolve.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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