The all-new Kia K4 will replace the Forte, featuring 2.0 N/A and 1.6 turbo engines in the U.S. market
by Sam D. Smith
March 27, 2024 at 09:45
- The new K4 that replaces the Forte features EV9-inspired design and tech
- 2.0-liter naturally aspirated or 1.6-liter turbocharged powertrain options
- Wide active safety system range, with 29 ADAS features available
This is the all-new 2025 Kia K4, the company’s new compact sedan model revealed at the 2024 New York International Motor Show. Replacing the Forte, the Kia K4 falls in line with the company’s new naming structure and introduces the brand’s “Opposites United” design language to the sedan.
The U.S.-market Kia K4 model range will be available to customers with two petrol combustion engine options.
The entry-level option will be a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, the same power figures as the entry-level 2024 Forte. Power is sent to the front wheels via an “Intelligently Variable Transmission, Kia-speak for a smarter take on the CVT drivetrain.
See Also: 2025 Kia K4’s Strong Design Makes The Outgoing Forte Look Weak
Those wanting a bit more poke can pick a turbocharged 1.6-liter option with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This is slightly down on power compared to the outgoing 1.6 turbo in the Forte and its 205 hp, but torque stays the same. Turbocharged models also benefit from an 8-speed automatic transmission.
To get the best handling out of the new Kia K4, you’ll have to plump for either the GT-Line or GT-Line Turbo models. In addition to the obligatory GT-Line dress-up bits, which include 18-inch wheels, black glossy accents, and a satin chrome beltline, you also get a multilink rear suspension, which will undoubtedly make a significant difference to handling and comfort.
Models fitted with the larger 18-inch rims, will also get acoustic tires to reduce road noise, while all K4 models will get an acoustic windshield.
Related: 2025 Kia K4 Teases Its Edgier Looks Before Forte’s Successor Arrives
Kia is going hard on its safety push, claiming that the K4’s active safety features are from a segment above. You get the usual suite of lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance systems. Optional is Evasive Steering Assist, which can “assist” the driver’s steering to mitigate collisions, sending the car into a free space if it detects you’re going to crash. There’s a total of 29 ADAS features available on the K4, while passive safety includes a standard eight airbags.
We got a good look at the K4’s all-new design when the company showed off pictures to the world’s media last week. The cohesiveness with other models in the lineup, such as the angular EV9, is something that the designers were no doubt aiming for. It features a “fast-back” roofline, but not at the expense of interior space. The Kia K4 measures an overall length of 185.4 inches and a width of 72.8 inches with the K4 featuring the widest and largest footprint in the compact sedan class.
Interior features include wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, while an NFC-enabled smart device such as a phone or a watch can be used to unlock and start the K4. There’s the mandatory “Hey Kia” voice assistant, while attention has been paid to speeding up processing power and adding OTA updates, borrowing tech from the EV9.
The 2025 Kia K4 will be available to U.S. customers in the second half of 2024 and it will come with a 10-year/100,000 km warranty. Pricing and more specific availability will be announced closer to the model’s showroom availability.
