Kia Makes a Stand for the Sedan with the 2025 Kia K4

When the American market swung toward the SUV, automakers delivered in abundance. Now, the market has shifted. Buyers are asking for vehicles that are still dynamic and feature rich. Buyers also want vehicles that can read the room and arrive as more affordable options with a strong safety sense. Not to be deterred, Kia answered the call by delivering the first-ever K4.

First seen at its launch in Texas, the K4 made a striking impression that we couldn’t wait to test it at home. Available in 5 trims, starting with LX and topping out with a dressed-up, turbocharged edition, the 2025 K4 makes a stand for the sedan.

 

 

ABOUT OUR TEST:

First thing, I noticed was the shape. In modern shades with hints of the fast back streamliners with a sporty edge, the K4 makes sedan driving look cool. Once you open the doors, you notice the roomy, upmarket interior anchored by a slim, 30-inch screen and nearly flat bottom steering wheel.

Get inside. The aviation-inspired cockpit centers the front of the vehicle. It also houses the cameras, phone projection systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to the driver and vehicle information displays.  Neatly trimmed seats in dual tones or a modern twill-canvas feel fresh and easy to care for. Look down and notice the wireless charger, enough charging ports and cupholders for all passengers on the interior. Glance back and see that the rear leg space is some of the best that I’ve seen with plenty space for long legged teens.

All of that is nice, but where we fell in love with this one was the drive and the level of connectivity. Starting at just over $21k and topping out under $30k, the drive is surprisingly peppy, especially in the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo editions. The 2.0L-4-cylinder engine comes in the entry trims to deliver 147HP, while the GT-Line Turbo arrives with a turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that brings 190HP, which is more than enough for most daily drivers. All trims take regular unleaded gas and with front wheel drive architecture.

At this price point, it is easy to expect the bare minimum, but Kia delivers a beautifully well-rounded suite. The trim we tested had an 8-speaker Harman Kardon Premium sound system that made crisp, clear sound fill the vehicle. Bluetooth and Wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play make it easy to connect to your favorite apps, while Remote Start, Kia Connect and Kia’s new AI Assistant remind you that the future is now.

The package is rounded out in a stellar package with signature lighting, machine-finished alloy wheels and an eye-catching shape. The low-slung lines and bold detailing align with Kia’s on-target design ethos and increasingly gains converts from other brands. Combined the K4 is a compelling package that makes a solid stand for the sedan in today’s market.

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Quick Peek: 2025 Kia K4, compact sedan, starting MSRP $21,990.

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