2025 Kia K4 Review

Every inch of the K4 is new. Built from the ground up, this new model has more space than the Kia Forte in 2025. It's bigger than many competitors. In fact, it can claim best-in-class leg room and head room on the second row where every inch counts.

It may be the quietest cabin in the class, thanks to an available acoustic windshield. When 18-inch tires are part of the package, Kia utilizes special acoustic tires. On all K4 sedans, engineers made sure to take measures against all types of vibrations and road noise.

Adding amenities that couldn't be offered on the Kia Forte, the brand has put ventilated front seats on the K4 trim level menu. That’s a big favorite for Phoenix AZ drivers.

This compact sedan is the only one offering up to 29 driver assist features. In fact, it’s the only one offering an emergency evasive steering assist. With rival brands, it’s hard to find K4 options such as a 360-degree camera system or a blind-spot view monitor camera system. These are upgrades to the rich safety standards on the Kia Forte in 2025.

Offering variety in every way, the K4 will come in LX, LXS, EX and GT-Line trim levels. You can step up to the GT-Line Turbo for the fastest of these sedans. These trim levels are similar to the outgoing Kia Forte in 2025, but each one has more features, more soft touches and exciting innovations.

Every K4 sedan boasts integrated digital instrumentation in a wide cockpit. Maximum screen space is almost 30 inches. Medium Gray is the color scheme for the first three trim levels. However, the EX is also offered in a Slate Green. 

Onyx and Off-White upholstery schemes are limited to the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo trim levels. These trims have heated seats, available ventilated seats, and a special three-spoke steering wheel. Sport pedals add to the athletic vibe in the GT-Line Turbo.

With the arrival of the EV9, Kia’s big 3-row electric vehicle, the brand debuted its Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. This ultramodern operating system allows for fast processing and concise responses. It can be refreshed with over-the-air updates. 

Free from the original Kia Forte design, K4 engineers created a dashboard to accommodate this system with its digital instrumentation and entertainment touchscreen. All K4 trim levels have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to add even more functions.

More connectivity is available with the Hey Kia voice control system.  This handles information requests, climate control adjustments and more. It uses AI to help you get answers to a variety of questions as well as local points of interest.

With a compatible Samsung or Apple smartphone, Ultra wideband makes it possible for customers to use the available digital key 2.0. This creates virtual vehicle keys that can be shared when needed.  Furthermore, the available digital services include a remote starter. 

Front wheel drive and an intelligently variable transmission are paired with a smart 2.-liter engine. The driver commands 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard on the LX, LXS, EX and GT-Line trim levels, and it has been proven a winner by the Kia Forte in Peoria AZ.

On the GT-Line turbo, the driver commands 190 horsepower. The turbo tech raises the torque rate to 195 lb-ft. This FWD car is aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters allow drivers to enjoy the feeling of a manual transmission.

To improve the driving experience, a multi-link rear suspension is standard on both the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. This device improves handling and provides lateral stiffness.

With standard rear side airbags, the Kia K4 is even safer than the outgoing Forte in Phoenix AZ. The ADAS standards have been upgraded for the new calendar year. Haptic warnings signal the driver via the steering wheel, in addition to audible and visual warnings.

The forward collision avoidance system has more functions, including the available left-hand junction turning at intersections. Smart Cruise Control provides help for the driver in everyday situations. This stop-and-go capability is enhanced by a Lane Keeping Assist and an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

New evasive steering assist helps the driver avoid vehicles, people and obstacles in the car’s path. Also improved, Highway Driving Assist 2 is available to handle semi-autonomous travel on certain marked interstates across Arizona and the Southwest.

The standard blind spot monitoring system can be upgraded to a blind-spot view monitor. This adds rear cameras and a live feed to show the driver where dangers may be hidden. It's the perfect partner during your busy commute through Phoenix metro traffic.

A rearview camera is assisted by a standard rear cross traffic alert. When the K4 is in reverse, the system will signal the driver if it detects cars approaching either side. 

To provide a defense against common parking mistakes, an available parking distance warning can be useful whether the problem is ahead, to the side or behind. This works with the available 360-degree camera system.

A rearview camera is assisted by a standard rear cross traffic alert. When the K4 is in reverse, the system will signal the driver if it detects cars approaching either side. You may recognize these safety measures from the Kia Forte in Phoenix, but it gets even better with the new K4.

To provide a defense against common parking mistakes, an available parking distance warning can be useful whether the problem is ahead, to the side or behind. This works with the available 360-degree camera system.

If you are shopping for an affordable ride, hands-on research is important.  It's also fun!

To learn more about the 2025 Kia K4, come see us at your Phoenix Kia dealer.  Earnhardt is your destination for new, certified preowned and used Kias. 

Schedule a test drive.