Kia debuted the Forte compact sedan in 2009. Fifteen years later, Kia’s fourth generation compact sedan dropped the Forte nameplate for K4. Much has changed. Although still considered a compact four-door, the 2025 K4 is now the segment’s widest and longest sedan. Overall length is 185.4 inches (versus Forte’s 182.7 inches) and the width is 72.8 inches (versus Forte’s 70.9 inches). The compact segment’s longest digital dashboard, nearly 30 inches, is a K4 hallmark. Kia K4 also impresses with up to 29 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technologies, including standard intelligent speed limit assist.

Powering the tested K4 GT-Line sedan was a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 132 lbs-ft torque at 4500 rpm. Engine mates to an intelligent variable automatic transmission. A week-long test drive had this driver easily packing and unpacking luggage and multiple grocery bags to/from the 14.6 cubic foot trunk. Rear seat adults were delighted with K4’s class-leading 38 inches of legroom. K4 G-Line’s exterior styling includes gloss black accents on the front and rear fascias, mirror caps, side sills and window trims. The tested 107.1-inch wheelbase Kia K4 G-Line carries a base MSRP of $25,190 and collects estimated mpg of 29 city and 39 highway.