Certain vehicle segments come and go, but compact sedans are forever. In 2025, there are some truly excellent options to choose from, ranging from our 2024 top choice—the Honda Civic—to podium finishers like the Hyundai Elantra and the Toyota Corolla.
Kia's former Forte fell to the bottom of the respective pack. But a nifty name change, a sharp redesign, and a fresh interior help propel the new K4 to near the top of the heap.
It's still no Civic, but Kia's latest compact makes a strong case for itself.
| Quick Specs | 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line |
| Engine | Turbocharged 1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder |
| Output | 190 Horsepower / 195 Pound-Feet |
| Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 City / 36 Highway / 29 Combined |
| Base Price / As Tested | $23,165 / $31,445 |
Kia K4 Pros
- Sharp Looks
- Punchy Engine
- Premium Interior
One thing you can’t fault Kia for is its designs—the K4 is no exception. Like the larger K5, it looks sharp. Angular headlights connect across the hoodline via the company’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille, while shapely taillights are joined in the rear by a light bar that runs the width of the trunk lid. And where some other compact sedans look stumpy in profile, the K4 is sleek, and honestly, not much of a downgrade visually from the larger K5.
Depending on which trim you choose, Kia offers a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. For something sportier, choose the latter; the K4’s turbocharged engine makes 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque in this GT-Line Turbo model. It’s a punchy, direct, and surprisingly powerful engine for such a small car. Best of all, this model swaps the standard CVT for an eight-speed automatic.
The GT-Line Turbo also has a surprisingly nice interior compared to the rest of the K4 range—hell, compared to most compact sedans. A “SynTex” faux leather covers most surfaces, and it does a decent impression of real cowhide. The steering wheel looks good and, where so many automakers opt for touch-capacitive, the K4 still has plenty of real buttons—including a nifty volume roller.
Dual 12.3-inch screens occupy the dash, one for the instrument cluster and another for the central infotainment. The K4 employs Kia’s latest user interface software, which is clean, concise, and easy to use while on the move. And of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
Kia K4 Cons
- Noisy at Speed
- Cabin Isn’t Super Comfy
- Best Stuff Is Pricey
One thing you will notice when driving the K4 at highway speeds is that it isn’t nearly as quiet as a comparable Civic. There’s a decent amount of wind and road noise, enough that you won’t be able to speak to your passengers without having to raise your voice slightly at higher speeds.
The cabin isn’t super comfy, either. While the faux leather looks and feels nice, the seats themselves are stiff—it’s like you’re sitting on them rather than in them. Maybe they take more time to break in. Most of the surfaces are hard to the touch, as well, and when combined with the obvious road noise, it makes for a less-than-pleasant driving experience over longer bouts.
And if you do want the best engine and the nicest features, your only option is the priciest trim. Kia doesn’t offer the turbocharged engine on any model other than the GT-Line Turbo—which starts at $29,265 with destination included. You can’t even get the LED headlights or full combination LED taillights unless you go with the top trim.
The good news is that, if you don’t need any of those features, the base Kia K4 starts at just $23,165 for the standard LX model. And even without the best engine or the nicest features, the K4 is a solid compact sedan that gives the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra a run for their money.
Competitors
Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo
