As SUVs continue to rule the road, Kia is one of the few car brands still offering a compact sedan offering that remains affordable for buyers on a budget.

New for 2025, the Kia K4 (an updated version of Kia’s previous compact sedan, the Forte), shows that a small vehicle can still have a lot to offer.

Here are 5 key things to know if you are considering taking home the Kia K4.


1.  Sharp design

Design is a strong point of the Kia K4 — which offers a wide build, sharply designed front end, and standout lighting designs, plus an attractive sloping roofline. It’s unique enough that you won’t mistake the K4 for any other compact sedan offering.

Opting for the GT-Line trim level also adds gloss black exterior accents.

Interior design is modern and highlighted by a futuristic dashboard, and a sport style steering wheel with paddle shifters.

You won’t get luxury level seating materials at this price point, but it’s a higher quality than you might be expecting. All five passengers in the K4 will be traveling in comfort, with plenty of head room and leg room.

Cargo space is also respectable, with 14.6 cubic feet in the trunk area.

While much of the world continues to obsess over SUVs and trucks, it’s easy to forget that some individuals and families still need a small, affordable car.

This is why vehicles like the brand new 2025 Kia K4 — a brand new compact sedan that replaces the Forte in Kia’s lineup — exist.

I recently tested a 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo model, which showed me that a small vehicle can still have a lot to offer.

Read on for a full breakdown of how this vehicle measures up in a battle against compact sedan stalwarts such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra.