The Forte compact sedan is no more- say hello to the larger and more advanced 2025 Kia K4 near Rio Rancho, NM

When the South Korean car company Kia thoroughly redesigned the Forte compact sedan for 2025, they decided a new name was in order. Following their recent alpha-numeric nomenclature, Kia’s new challenger in the compact sedan segment has been renamed the K4. As compared with the third generation Forte model line, the 2025 Kia K4 is larger and uses more of the “Opposites United” styling language that Kia has moved forward with. A fastback roofline and wide stance offer an aggressive and expansive look. Indeed, at 185.4” overall length and a 72.8” overall width, the K4 is the largest car that segment, eclipsing rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic or Nissan Sentra. Kia stylists relied on crisp lines, standard LED head-and-taillights and angular fenders with a compact trunk lid to separate the K4 from the competition. It’s a look that only accentuates the high value of the K4 in the compact car segment. The K4 will also offer a GT-line option with a turbo motor, unique front and rear styling, glass black trim, chrome beltline, special LED cube headlights and unique 18” alloy wheels.   

Inside, the K4 offers a combination of interior room and visibility that is intended to lead the compact sedan class. With 38.3” of legroom and 37.3” of headroom, the K4 offers more spaciousness for occupants than any other competitor. Kia poured on higher levels of design, technology and entertainment options to take the K4 to a level higher than comparably priced cars. Items like a 30” digital instrument panel that spreads across the horizontally oriented dashboard allow the driver and their passengers to monitor speed, rev count and critical gauges; it also puts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto icons within easy reach. Kia has designed the K4 to interact seamlessly with transferring information and entertainment options. It uses a simple swipe of the finger to access the “Quick Controls” feature of its internal operating systems. An available Digital Key 2.0 wideband feature may allow comparable Apple and Samsung phones to lock, unlock and start the car, while Kia Connect voice assistant is available to access many vehicle functions.

Mechanically, the 2025 Kia K4 models will be powered by the proven Kia 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, driving through the front wheels using a CVT transmission. The 2.0-liter DOHC engine is EPA rated at 147 HP and 132 lb. /ft. of torque. For the GT-Line K4, a 1.6 GDI turbo offers 190 HP and 195 lb. /ft. of torque driving through the front wheels with an eight-speed transmission. This means the K4 GT-Line will get paddle shifters and sport pedals for the interior and a multilink rear suspension to help with grip and drivability unique to this model. EPA/DOT mileage ratings for the K4 were not available at presstime.

There are optional advanced safety systems available for the GT-Line K4s that are engineered to help detect, avoid or mitigate accidents that sensors may detect in the event of a front or side obstacle. Other optional safety systems use cameras to provide rear coverage for rear collision and cross-traffic avoidance. All K4 models will come with standard Kia safety features including speed limit assist, lane keeping, smart cruise control and forward collision avoidance warning. On the passive side, the K4 will have eight airbags, including rear side airbags. One final note is the 2025 Kia K4 near Rio Rancho NM will continue to feature Kia’s 10 year/100K mile powertrain warranty.

When to expect the 2025 Kia K4 near Rio Rancho, NM?

Kia has not yet announced pricing of the 2025 K4, but is expected to start shipments in the second half of 2024. In the compact sedan class, pricing is expected to start near the $20K mark for the base model FWD K4 and will likely range in price and K4 trim level up through the $26K range. What’s unknown is how Kia may price the 2025 K4 GT-Line. But this is partially offset by what we do know: Kia plans to continue position the 2025 Kia K4 squarely among the most affordable cars in the compact sedan class segment and increase their market share in this key area. And while there’s no definitive date of when they might arrive, we expect the 2025 Kia K4 near Rio Rancho NM at the Fiesta Kia dealership in Albuquerque at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE will be surprising and delighting Rio Rancho customers soon!