The 2025 Kia K4: Who Is This Car For?

The 2025 Kia K4 is a new entry in the competitive class of compact cars. As one of America’s most affordable new cars with a starting price under $25K, the K4 naturally appeals to young shoppers buying their first new car and anyone looking for practical transportation on a modest budget. With its low starting price, good fuel economy, and class-leading warranty, value is one of the calling cards of the Kia K4. Meanwhile, its sharp styling and modern tech features don’t exactly make it feel like a “cheap” car. With pretty spacious back seats, the K4 can even serve duty as a small family car — who needs an SUV?

Although the K4 is an all-new model, Kia has been in the business of compact cars for a long time. The K4 replaces the prior Kia Forte with an edgy new aesthetic, a thoroughly upgraded interior, and newer technology, but retains the virtues of affordability, practicality, and outstanding warranty coverage.

The K4 has one of the lowest starting prices in its class, and a few features that make it a great value include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, modern safety tech features, and premium options like dual 12.3-inch displays and Harman Kardon audio, making it feel like a more expensive car. While the base engine is affordable and efficient, the enthusiast in us loves the available 190-horsepower turbo engine (which still gets a respectable 29 combined mpg rating), putting a little extra pep in the step of this practical compact car.

2025 Kia K4

·     Vehicle segment: Compact car

·     Passenger capacity: 5

·     Available trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, GT-Line Turbo

·     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety rating: 5-Star

·     Combined MPG: Up to 34 mpg

·     Top Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3

Learn more about the 2025 Kia K4 in our Expert Review