Kia K4 review: bold, well-priced and room for all

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If you’re in the market for an entry-level car, you might have noticed that many of the beloved econocars like the Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Yaris, GM Spark, Nissan Micra, and Honda Fit have retired.

With Kia’s Forte and Forte5 also off the factory floor, many are asking: what’s next for affordable compact vehicles?

Currently, it’s a bit challenging to find budget-friendly four-door sedans under $28,000; indeed, according to AutoTrader, the average new vehicle price in Canada weighs in at over $66,000.

Enter the 2025 Kia K4, designed to fill this gap.

The Kia K4 is a four-door 5-seat compact sedan that replaces the Forte in the Kia line-up.

The K4 is ready to compete with favorites like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, and VW Jetta. The base LX offers a great value, being competitively priced against the Elantra Essential, yet more affordable than the entry-level trims of its rivals.

In terms of size, the K4 boasts impressive dimensions, being the widest and largest in the compact segment. It offers ample legroom for front-seat passengers and best-in-class space for those in the back, plus a generous trunk capacity of 413 liters.

The K4 has five trim levels to choose from (prices listed include Freight, PDI, Environmental Charges; Taxes, and Fees are extra):

• LX $26,577
• EX $29,077
• EX+ $30,577
• GT-Line Turbo $34,077
• GT-Line Turbo Limited $37,077

Styling

In a world increasingly leaning towards larger SUVs, compact four-door cars remain popular for those looking for efficient transportation with a sporty edge. The K4 features a bold design, including a fastback roofline reminiscent of the iconic Kia Stinger sport sedan, and wide rear fenders that give it a robust look. Its vertical LED headlights and taillights draw inspiration from Kia’s flagship EV9, while hidden rear door handles enhance its sleek silhouette.

The GT-Line models, due out later in 2025, come with more unique design elements such as a gloss black front and rear fascia, 18-inch alloy wheels, and stylish LED headlights, making it stand out even more.

Engine

Under the hood, you have two engine options. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 147 horsepower with a continuously variable transmission. The GT-Line Turbo ups the fun with a turbocharged 1.6L engine that produces 190 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and sport pedals complete the sportier package.

Fuel economy

Fuel economy is frugal in the 2.0L-equipped LX, with 7.9 L/100 km city, 5.8 L/100 km highway and a combined rating of 7.0 L/100 km. The EX and EX+ are rated at 8.4 city, 6.0 highway and 7.3 combined. Fuel economy figures for the GT-Line Turbo trims have not been released.

Features

The Kia K4 LX trim standard features include (base model):

• smart key with push start and remote engine start
• height-adjustable front seats
• tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• heated cloth seats
• air conditioning
• audio system with four speakers
• three USB chargers (one front, two rear)
• Heated, electric adjustable, body colour side-view mirrors 3” Multimedia Interface with AM/FM/MP3, HD Radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• Smart cruise control (SCC) with stop & go
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (Car / Pedestrian / Cyclist) with junction turning function (FCA +JX)
• Lane Keep Assist System (LKA)
• Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
• Driver attention warning (DAW)
• Rear Seat Occupant Alert
• Rear -View Camera w/ Dynamic Parking Guidelines

 

The Kia K4 EX trim (second level up) comes standard with the above features, plus:

• 17″ alloy wheels
• drive mode select
• heated steering wheel
• artificial leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• additional USB charger up front
• wireless phone charger
• Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance Assist
• two additional speakers
• black high-gloss interior trim

 

The Kia K4 EX+ trim (third level up) comes standard with the above features, plus:

• LED multi-reflection headlights
• LED DRL & Positioning Lights
• High beam assist (HBA)
• LED rear combination lamps
• Synthetic leather seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Artificial leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Rear climate ventilation
• USB-C connectivity Port

The GT-Line Turbo and GT-Line Turbo Limited are due out later this year.

Summary

The K4 is well priced and comes with a bold style when compared most of the other segment challengers. It has a roomy spacious interior and a generously sized trunk. The K4 has a driver-focused cabin that doesn’t skimp on technology or safety features, boasting a lengthy features list, even in the base trim.

Buy Your Kia K4 At Kia Victoria

Get set for an all new way to drive with the 2025 Kia K4. Come down to our showroom today, and we can show you one up close, or book yourself in for a test drive. You can also shop our inventory right here. Are you intending to trade in an existing vehicle? We can help you get an online no-obligation appraisal before you shop. Our Kia certified service team is also available to book you in for a service appointment if you have any outstanding issues you need resolved.

Learn more about the 2025 Kia K4 at Kia.ca.

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