Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
Specs
Class: PComnpact Sedan
Nation of Manufacture: Mexico
Colour: Morning Haze
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 177
Actual-world gas financial system: 30.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | B |
| Gasoline Financial system | A |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 147-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Kind | 4-Cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 29/39/33 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Common Gasoline
Base value: $25,190 (not together with $1155 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: GT-Line Premium Bundle ($1100), GT-Line Sunroof Bundle ($900)
Value as examined: $28,345
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Enticing pricing, subtle drive expertise
The great: Roomy cabin, wonderful gas financial system
The not so good: Restricted availability of turbocharged engine
Overview
To align its American product higher with its worldwide choices, Kia has performed a little bit of model-name shuffling—none of which of we totally approve. For the 2021 mannequin yr the Kia Optima midsize sedan turned the Kia K5. And for 2025—you might even see this one coming—the compact Kia Forte sedan has been renamed the K4. Whereas we recognize uniformity, Kia isn’t practising related self-discipline with its crossovers, and, Optima and Forte have been fairly good names.
From Forte to K4
The identify half is the unhealthy information. The excellent news is that the K5 is a fairly good automobile, as is the redesigned Forte nee K4.
The Forte has lengthy—and seemingly secretly—been a fairly sturdy vendor. Although not as common because the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the Forte has bought about in addition to the Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra.
Right here’s the actually excellent news: the K4 is a good higher automobile than the Forte.
Design
Fully new on the surface, the K4 clear, trendy styling, a mildly controversial profile, and a new-for-2026 hatchback variant.
Inside, the K4 additionally feels clear and trendy. As is the development, the K4 encompasses a single, contiguous sprint display which capabilities as each the instrument panel, and console infotainment touchscreen. The general look is purposeful and uncomplicated.
Each of the Forte’s engines return for 2025. As Discovered within the K4, the bottom 2.0-liter engine produces 147 horsepower, whereas the obtainable 1.6-liter turbocharged powerplant cranks out 190. The two.0 mates to a CVT-style computerized, whereas the turbocharged engine is fitted with a traditional 8-speed unit. All K4s are front-wheel drive.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2025, the K4 is obtainable in 5 trim ranges:
LX ($23,165)
LXS ($24,165)
EX ($25,165)
GT-Line ($26,345)
GT-Line Turbo ($29,265)
GT-Line versus GT-Line Turbo
Ony the GT-Line Turbo is outfitted with the 1.6-liter turbo, the opposite trim ranges include the two.0-liter mill. Apparently, The sporty GT-Line and GT-Line include a classy multi-link rear suspension, which contributes each to improved dealing with, and higher trip management.
Shopper Information lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2025 K4 GT-Line in Morning Haze and outfitted with the GT-Line Premium Bundle and Sunroof Bundle. Together with vacation spot cost, our check automobile got here to $28,345.
We didn’t discover a lot fallacious with the brand new K4, and lots to love. Right here we’d wish to share 5 cool issues in regards to the 2025 Kia K4:
2025 Kia K4 GT-Line: 5 Cool Issues
It’s Large
There’s a shocking quantity of passenger area within the new K4, sufficient for 4 adults to trip in consolation, even on lengthy journeys. Giant door openings make simple work of getting into and exiting the compact Kia. And talking of lengthy journeys, the K4’s trunk accommodates as much as 15 cubic-feet of bags, or no matter you’re hauling.
It’s Small
Although bigger than compact sedans as soon as have been, the K4 casts a tidy shadow, which makes for simple parking-garage maneuvers, and permits for sneaky strikes in heavy site visitors. And, being a comparatively small car, the K4—in GT-Line trim—returns shocking gas financial system. Shopper Information averaged virtually 31 mpg, which is mighty thrifty for a non-hybrid small automobile.
It’s Enjoyable to Drive
We haven’t pushed a K4 with the usual rear suspension, however can report that, in GT-Line trim, the small Kia sedan is a hoot to drive, and serves up wonderful trip high quality. Plus, although down on energy in comparison with the obtainable turbocharged engine, the two.0-liter mill delivers helpful torque at low speeds, permitting for comparatively spirited sprints away from stoplights.
We’d like to see an AWD model of the K4, however that’s unlikely to each occur. Nonetheless, even in Snowbelt states, the K4’s front-drive drivetrain needs to be positive throughout even the snowiest winters.
It’s Straightforward on the Gasoline
We famous above that our check K4 returned virtually in common driving 31 mpg. That’s 2-mpg shy of the EPA combined-mpg estimate, however in all honesty, this spunky sedan invitations spirited driving, which might affect gas financial system.
It’s Reasonably priced
Critically, you’ll be able to’t beat K4 pricing. Our very well-equipped GT-Line got here in underneath $29,000, which is, frankly, a cut price. Customers in search of a more-conservative model of the K4 are suggested to take a look at the midline EX, which will be had for at the very least $1000 lower than the GT-Line, relying on the way you equip it.
Whereas would by no means speaking a shopper out of a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, we strongly recommend that consumers on this section take an in depth take a look at Kia’s redesigned small sedan. There’s nice worth to be discovered within the K4, and, correctly outfitted, a great deal of enjoyable, too.
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2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures