Kia Introduces the 2025 K4

Three decades ago, Kia debuted in the United States with a single model: a compact sedan. The Sephia, while not revolutionary, offered spaciousness, decent power, and great value. It provided the foothold that today has Kia offering a diverse range of models, from crossovers to hybrids and EVs. However, on March 27th, Kia demonstrated its unwavering dedication to the compact sedan segment with the launch of the groundbreaking K4. This new model is a testament to the Kia brand’s evolution and commitment to innovation. Kia of Mankato gives you the details.

The K4 replaces the Forte in the model lineup, and its name change aligns with the vocabulary of the K5 sedan and the EV6 and EV9. It is unsurprising for anyone familiar with Kia’s “Opposites United” design language that the K4 offers a level of bold design unseen in the category.  

“The all-new K4 advances Kia’s commitment to deliver sporty sedans with advanced technology and elevated performance,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Succeeding in the compact segment means overdelivering on the features that customers want, and the K4 is designed to exceed expectations.”

Bold Design and Proportions

One of the K4’s most striking features is its fastback design, characterized by a steeply sloping rear window, concealed rear door handles, and a distinct C-pillar shape. The front end is adorned with a low tiger nose grille, flanked by vertically stacked LED headlights and signature T-shaped DRLs. This design theme is echoed in the vertical turn of the taillights, creating a cohesive and eye-catching aesthetic that stands out in the category.

The performance-focused GT-Line has modified front-end styling with small cube LED project headlights, LED fog lights, and gloss-black accents. Gloss black is also found on the rear fascia and mirror caps, adding contrast to the 18-alloy wheels.

“By juxtaposing the K4’s fastback roofline and wide stance, we split the difference visually between the compact and midsize segments,” said Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Design Center America. “The creative tension that the Opposites United design language stresses allowed us to improvise on the traditional three-box form factor.”

Despite its compact size, the K4 offers a surprisingly roomy interior. With an overall length of 185.4 inches and a width of 72.8 inches, it boasts the largest footprint in its segment. The rear seat room is class-leading, with 38 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom. The K4 also provides the security and noise reduction of a conventional trunk, with 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and, of course, the rear seatbacks fold with a 60/40 split for greater cargo capacity. These features make the K4 a practical choice for those who value space and comfort.

Class-leading Cabin

The bold exterior sets you up for an elegant and high-tech interior. Taking its inspiration from the EV9, the K4 adopts its Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system with a standard digital driver information center and adjacent center touchscreen display for nearly 30 inches of digital display within a single housing. Wireless smartphone compatibility is standard across the line, and frequently used controls are available with a swipe of the center screen. The Kia Connect voice assistant uses generative AI. After a simple introduction of “Hey Kia,” you can access several systems and provide information on many topics, such as stocks, sports scores, owner’s manual content, local points of interest, and much more. The system is designed to listen for follow-up questions and basically interact with the driver in a conversational manner.

Robust Engine Powertrain Choices

The K4 will be available with a choice of two powertrains.  The standard engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque.  It is paired to an Intelligently Variable Transmission (IVT), Kia’s version of a continuously variable transmission, before sending power to the front wheels.

The GT-Line Turbo engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is channeled through an 8-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled manually through steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Exclusive to the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo models is an independent multi-link rear suspension that adds lateral stiffness and compliance for a sportier driving experience.

Comprehensive Safety and Driver Assist Technologies

Standard across the line, K4 adds to the usual complement of eight airbags, including side airbags for rear outboard passengers. The K4 is also equipped with a robust suite of safety and driver assistance technologies (often referred to as ADAS). Standard technologies include:

• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist 
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Forward Collision Avoidance 1.5  
• Blind Spot Collision Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Available features in the model line include:

• Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• 360-degree Surround-View Monitor
• Parking Distance Warning

The 2025 K4 is scheduled to arrive in the Kia of Mankato showroom in the second half of 2024, with pricing, EPA mpg estimates, and other information to be announced near the launch date. If you want to know more about the K4, contact one of our Kia of Mankato sales professionals to send you more information as it becomes available.