The new Kia K4 is the next gas-powered sedan that is wearing the Kia brand badge. This compact sedan replaces the Forte, taking this class to the next level.
Kia is one of the automakers keeping the compact car class alive. Just because American automakers turned their collective backs on this vehicle class doesn’t mean foreign brands have done the same thing. The new K4 brings impressive styling and a new package of powertrains and fun for the drive. If you like the look of Kia EVs, but want this style in a small, gas-powered sedan, the new Kia K4 will be the car for you.
A small car you’ll love to drive
Most small cars aren’t desirable, but this one might be. Most people settled for the Kia Forte as the only sedan that fits their budget while offering all of the features they wanted. The K4 takes things to a new level with a full package of amazing features and qualities to make it the ideal car for you to take out on the road for some driving pleasure.
With the Stinger gone and Kia moving toward more EVs, the K4 is a refreshing change of pace to give you the look and drive you’ll want to enjoy. Early spy shots of the K4 include:
- Y-shaped DRLs
- Vertical headlights
- Squared fenders
- Rear door handles hidden in the C-pillars
A strong interior presence
The Kia K4 appeared at the New York Auto Show with a cabin area that resembles the Sorento, EV3, and EV9. This means a squared steering wheel, a wide digital display with an instrument cluster and full media screen. You’ll still have the old-fashioned T-bar gear shifter on the console, which is a carryover item while other Kia models have moved over to a rotary shifter.
Power going to the wheels
The new K4 will come with a choice of two powertrains that make different power levels. The base powertrain gives drivers a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT. This entry-level powertrain makes 147 horsepower, which is sent to the front wheels. The upgraded powertrain gives drivers a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain sends 190 horsepower to the wheels, giving drivers more power for their time on the road.
Desirable exterior styling elements
The new Kia K4 comes with a sporty look to give this car the look and feel desired. The K4 wears a fastback roofline that comes from the Stinger sports sedan. You’ll also find wide rear fenders that give this car a sporty stance on the road. The K4 is slightly larger than the outgoing Forte, giving this car more interior room, especially in the rear seats. This new sedan is scheduled to be released in the fall as part of the 2025 model year launch. Kia has announced this car will also have a hatchback variant that should launch later and could be available as a 2026 model-year version.
There could be three screens
The dashboard of this new Kia sedan should feature two 12.3-inch display screens in one continuous flat panel. The one in front of the steering wheel acts as the configurable gauge cluster, and the other handles the infotainment functions, including navigation, audio, and connectivity. There could be a third 5.0-inch display that operates the climate controls. This third screen sits between the two larger screens, making it easy to see and adjust the climate settings as needed. Kia offers wireless connectivity across most models, and that should be part of the K4 packaging. This means you’ll have wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Kia’s warranty for the new K4
Kia offers America’s Best Warranty, which is a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with powertrain coverage for 10-years/100,000-miles. This coverage should also be part of the new Kia K4, which slots into the compact sedan market. This means drivers will have an excellent warranty to protect them in the event of an issue cased by a manufacturer’s defect.
A new sedan for affordable driving
While most vehicles are getting more expensive, this new Kia compact sedan should fit into the more affordable part of the market. The K4 replaces the Forte as the compact sedan with an affordable price that fits most budgets. Now, with this new Kia sedan in the mix, you won’t have to settle for a car that doesn’t have enough style and driving qualities to enhance your experience out on the road.
Will you drive the new Kia K4? This could be the perfect sedan for your time behind the wheel.
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