Our Rides: One Cool Sedan

Over the years, we have lamented how the number of sedans has dwindled to only a few models. The acceptance of the SUV as a primary form of automotive transport is the main reason for this.

The SUV has some advantages. You can step right into your seat without bending up or down. It carries just as much — if not more — than a station wagon from the 1990s. You have a better field of vision on the road, especially when it comes to dealing with traffic. You can also get electrified drivelines, the latest driver assistance technology and so forth in them now.

Yet, some of us cannot accept the fact that SUVs are convenient. We want sedans because they get better fuel economy than SUVs, among other reasons. They are also down-to-earth and easier to park, and frankly, some of us don’t want all that space to begin with.

Luckily for us, Kia is still banking on sedans as a part of their overall vehicle strategy. Their K5 remains competitive in the mid-size class. Yet, there are more players currently in the smaller “compact sedan” class for them to compete in.

To play in the compact sedan space, they replaced the Forte with the new 2025 K4. Not only did they create an all-new sedan, they made it the most compelling vehicle in its class.

The first thing you will notice is how future-forward the design of the K4 is. Kia calls this “Opposites United.” It is meant to create angles and shapes that were meant for concept cars by fusing them into a production model.

The angles alone will blow your mind. From the front end with its headlamp and LED running light/turn signal signature to that C pillar glass and the fastback-like roofline, the K4 draws your attention and solicits your response to it. The LED taillights also add to the flair of this stylish and geometric compact sedan.

Then there are the exterior details. You open the rear doors from near the pillar. The trunk opening is small, but effective. To top it all off, our GT-Line tester’s 18-inch alloy wheels round off this intriguing and attractive exterior design. In other words, the K4 was to stand out in a crowd unapologetically.

The same geometric themes are also seen inside. At its core, the introduction of Kia’s flat panel dashboard is part of the K4’s elevation within the compact sedan class. The panel includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with analog-like dials, a small climate control touchscreen and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Together, they serve as the K4’s focal point for the driver.

Everything else also falls into Kia’s latest design language. The ignition button is on the console. All other switches and buttons are tactile. There is even a real and tactile gear lever for the transmission. The steering wheel has both a flat bottom and a flat top, along with a stand-out two-tone design.

This GT-Line tester has an upgraded Premium Package that adds a Harman/Kardon Premium Audio System and a two-tone SynTex faux leather upholstery. Front seat space is OK. Taller people may want to play around with the seat adjustments to balance getting comfortable and situated behind the wheel.

Rear seat headroom is quite good, and legroom is about average. You have 14.6 cubic feet of trunk space. The trunk lid itself is short, but it opens up to the bumper.

Kia offers two engines for the 2025 K4 sedan. Our GT-Line tester came with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It puts down 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. An Intelligent Variable Transmission (read: CVT) sends power to the front wheels. This may not sound impressive, but this motor punches above its weight. On-ramp and passing maneuvers were sprightly, as was the acceleration.

In terms of fuel economy, we achieved an average of 32 mpg in mixed city and highway driving.

The driving experience in the K4 could be best described as agile. Kia did not create a run-of-the-mill compact sedan. It has a sporty flair. Cornering and evasive maneuvers are done with confidence. The ride quality seems a bit firm, but very smooth on the best pieces of roadway. Rougher patches are not a problem, as the suspension system absorbs them just fine.

It also comes down to a quick and responsive steering system. Tight maneuvers are done with ease. On the highway, the system’s on-center feel felt a bit soft. That can be fixed with a press of a couple of buttons. One is to enable the Lane Keeping Assist. The other is the Drive Mode button, putting the K4 into Sport mode. Either way, you should be locked in the lane on longer journeys.

The brakes are quite good with solid pedal feel and response. We also experienced good stops in normal and panic situations. Kia also equips their K4 models with a high level of driver assistance features, including the Highway Driving Assist that kicks in when you press the cruise control button. In turn, the K4 earned the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety — a very important piece of information when it comes to selecting a vehicle for safety’s sake.

For 2025, you have five K4 trim levels to choose from, starting from $21,990. This K4 GT-Line tester arrived with a sticker price of $28,345. Just in case you want more performance, the GT-Line model is also available with a 190-horsepower turbocharged engine.

A great value that looks sharp and engaging: that’s how we sum up the 2025 Kia K4. It is one of those vehicles that you cannot stop looking back at when you head into the park for your local Pride festival. After all, the 2025 Kia K4 is one cool sedan.