The 2025 Kia K4, a debuting compact sedan, is another example of the fiercely competitive market among budget-friendly, efficient and versatile vehicles that don’t skimp on quality.

Replacing the Kia Forte after its 20-plus year run in the United States, the Kia K4 is sportier with a modern look inside and outside. It’s simultaneously sleek and muscular. It’s refined within its class and features better ergonomics and a higher-build quality than its conservative predecessor.

The upgrade was necessary to compete. The small sedan segment also includes the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla. With the industry dominated by sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the Civic was the country’s 10th best-selling vehicle in 2024, followed by the Corolla in 11th position.

Available in LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo trim levels, the K4 is powered in all trims, except the top-line turbo-engine option, by a 2.0-liter engine with 147 horsepower. The top-line GT-Line Turbo upgrades the standard engine with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 190 horsepower.

The K4 is propelled by a continuously variable transmission and advances from 0-to-60 miles per hour in about eight seconds, although it seems quicker. The sedan has an EPA estimate of 29 miles per gallon in city driving, 39 mpg on the highway.

The MSRP is $25,190. A Harman/Kardon premium audio system, SynTex seating material, memory driver’s seat & outside Mirrors and ventilated front seats comprise the GT-Line Premium Package ($1,100). The GT-Line Sunroof Package ($900) adds a power sunroof with a sunshade. The total price with destination fee is $28,345.

With its recent years of improvements, Kia’s newfound status is based on its strong standard features list, modern designs and industry-best warranty. The little sedan complies in all areas. The reviewed GT-Line includes the basics from less expensive trims and adds a healthy selection of upgrades.

Sporty improvements include: 18-inch wheels, multi-link rear suspension, sport-tuned overall suspension and paddle shifters. The gloss black and satin chrome exterior trim adds to the presentation. The modern exterior design also includes a Euro-style sloping roofline and high-sitting, body-flush rear-door handles. The headlight design is the automotive version of cosmetically extended eyelids.

The name change is Kia’s second in recent years. In 2021, the Kia Optima was renamed the K5, the South Korean manufacturer’s midsize sedan. The siblings are the only two sedans in the carmaker’s lineup.

Additional upgrades include cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a navigation system (12.3-inch screen), voice activation and highway driving assist, an enhanced lane keeping assistance and an adaptive cruise control system.

The lengthy standard equipment throughout the lineup features an easy-to-access wireless phone charger, dual-zone auto climate control with a five-inch control display (with a rear-view camera), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a smart key with a push button and remote start, a USB Multimedia Port and front & rear USB charge ports.

Considering its small sedan classification, the K4 offers a surprisingly large, satisfactory interior. The trunk is deep, measures 14.6 cubic feet, and is void of any space blockages or other hindrances. Two easy-to-access releases operate the 60/40-split rear folding seats, giving the cargo area further access.

Two cupholders between the front seats are novel with an extra-large opening, big enough for 40-ounce containers. Push a button on either side and sliders grasp smaller flasks. The cupholders also fold, expanding the center console area. Overall seating is spacious, notably the rear seats that offer considerable legroom and headroom for the small sedan category.

The Kia offerings of yesteryear, replete with cheap parts and unheralded driving capabilities, are long gone. The Kia K4 represents the manufacturer’s new image and reputation well. It’s comfortable and quiet, offers substantial standard technology and has sports car leanings inside and outside while value-priced.