Cars in Review: 2025 Kia K4

I hope all of my Canadian readers enjoyed the extra day of sleep we got on Monday because of the long weekend. And yes, some may say we have too many holidays here in Canada, but that’s just because we work so hard! Plus it takes a lot of effort and energy to always be saying sorry so we do need the extra sleep when we can get it! 

I think because of the special post I released two weeks ago, the last post got a little diverted, but not to worry, we are back on track this week with the Cars in Review! In this week’s edition we will be covering the 2025 Kia K4. Now this is the first time I’m writing about a Kia car but I saw one the other day (one of the newer releases) and I have to say it is really really nice. The exterior looked super expensive and clean and just all around a great car, so I figured why not write about it? 

On the list of best compact cars, the KIA K4 places 7 on Car and Driver’s list but do you agree with that rating? Let’s explore the ins and outs of this very nice looking vehicle to really put this to the test. 

What’s New for 2025?

Well virtually everything to be honest. This car was introduced to replace the Forte compact car and is a new nameplate for Kia in North America. There are also rumours that an electrified model called the EV4 could join the line up later on. 

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Kia K4 comes available in 5 different models – LX (base model), LXS, EX, GT-Line, GT-Line Turbo (top of the line model). But when it comes to pricing, the differences between the models are actually not that big and I would recommend going with the top of the line model just because the price for this compared to the lower base model will really give you more bang for your buck. Just to put this into perspective, I have included the base price for each model below: 

• LX – Starting at $23,165 
• LXS – Starting at $24,165 
• EX – Starting at $25,165 
• GT-Line – Starting at $26,365 
• GT-Line Turbo – Starting at $29,265

Plus not to mention, the top of the line model also comes with more of a power boost, tell me you’re not convinced yet! 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In terms of what’s under the hood for this specific model it is offered with two different powertrain options. Most Kia vehicles come equipped with a 147 horsepower 2.0 litre four cylinder engine that is front wheel drive and has a CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission). But when this version was put to the test by Car and Driver the results were a sluggish feel for the acceleration with good refinement. Alternatively, the other powertrain option that Kia offers (a 190 horsepower 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine – offered as an upgrade) is exclusive to the GT-Line Turbo edition and comes with a conventional 8 speed automatic transmission. 

The biggest difference between the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo when compared to the other models is the more sophisticated multi link rear suspension where the other models feature a torsion-beam setup. Now just like me, Car and Driver holds the Honda Civic very highly (even going as far as to rank it number 1 on the Best Compact Car list) but alongside this is also the Mazda 3 which is quite comparable. The handling on the Kia K4 is not like the other two cars mentioned previously and is actually quoted to be a “not as exciting ride”. The turbo engine may make this car one that you would find interesting but the reluctant transmission when it comes to downshifting might be where you are swayed.   

0-60 MPH

For this test, the GT-Line Turbo was put to the test and made it to 60MPH in a very disappointing 7.3 seconds. The other models have yet to be tested. 

Fuel Economy and Real World MPG

When it comes to the Fuel Economy and Real World MPG ratings, the base 4 cylinder engine makes 30 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. It does give it even ground when compared to its competitors – the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 – so one point can be awarded here. The GT-Line Turbo engine on the other hand makes 26 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. On Car and Driver’s 75 MPG highway fuel economy route the GT-Line Turbo made 35 MPG.  

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Just like the exterior with the clean and simple look, Kia decided to make this the going theme for this car and did the same for the interior with a linear look to the dash. Now one might argue that a clunky and large infotainment system is anything but clean looking, however it is very useful. There are several physical buttons for the controls but this is hopeful simply because of how digitized everything else is in society today. The downside? The available touchscreen that operates the climate controls is blocked by the steering wheel…but at least the steering wheel is interesting enough and different from the other ones featured in the rest of the cars Kia produces because of the different design plus the offset logo.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The standard infotainment setup in the Kia K4 consists of a 12.3 inch screen and upper trims that come with a multi screen arrangement that features two 12.3 inch displays combined into 1 continuous flat panel (as shown in the image above). One serves as a configurable gauge cluster while the other is considered more of the main point of access with features like navigation, radio, climate control, and more. There is a third screen (5.0 inch) that sits in between screens 1 and 2 and provides direct access to the climate controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard for this model with apps like SiriusXM satellite radio and in dash navigation also likely to be available across the K4’s line up. 

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

When it comes to this section, Kia did a good job of making a lot of important safety features standard but there are also a ton more of the advanced tech that are offered as an option to be added on. This includes things like the evasive steering assist feature and a more advanced adaptive cruise control system with lane centering. Key safety features include: 

• Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist     
• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection 

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like its corporate sibling, Hyundai, Kia also has one of the best warranty and maintenance coverages across the rest of the big name brands. Interestingly enough, the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia K4 are the only compact cars that offer this much standard coverage. 

• Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles 
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles 
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance   

Final Thoughts

Since you made it this far, why not check out a post we released a couple of years ago about tips on planning the perfect road trip and leave us a comment on that post where you would consider your perfect destination.