2025 Kia K4 costs $23,145, or $2,000 more than Forte

• The K4 replaces the Forte and costs $2,000 more
• The top GT-Line Turbo arrives last, priced just under $30,000
• The Kia Soul hatchback is priced lower than the K4

The 2025 Kia K4 compact sedan will cost $23,145, including at $1,155 destination fee, when it goes on sale this September, Kia announced Tuesday. That represents a $2,000 increase over the outgoing 2024 Kia Forte replaced by the K4 that matches the name of its entry-level car sold in other markets. All prices listed include the destination fee. 

With the discontinuation of the Kia Rio subcompact, the 2025 Kia K4 marks an entry point into the brand’s shrinking sedan lineup. The most affordable Kia is now the Kia Soul for less than $22,000. 

The 2025 Kia K4 adds a fresher take than the boxy Soul hatchback. It has a fastback shape with a curved rear roof that looks like a hatchback, and the fourth-generation compact is longer, wider, and roomier than its predecessor.

On the LX, LXS, EX, and GT-Line trims, the base 2.0-liter inline-4 carries over, making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It uses a continuously variable transmission to send power to the front wheels.

The GT-Line Turbo uses a 1.6-liter turbo-4 with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft; the previous turbo-4 made 201 hp. An 8-speed automatic transmission powers the front wheels, and both the Turbo and the GT-Line lite swap out a torsion-beam rear axle for a multi-link independent suspension that should settle the rear more. 

Kia equips every K4 with a suite of driver-assist tech that includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and active lane control. Owners can take solace in a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.

The base 2025 Kia K4 LX rolls on 16-inch steel wheels and comes with LED lighting front and rear, cloth seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as power locks and windows. 

Stepping up to the K4 LXS costs $24,145 and adds a 60:40-split rear folding seat, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert.

Add another $1,000 for the $25,145 K4 EX and its upgraded cloth seats, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless smartphone charger. 

The GT-Line costs $26,345 and employs a more refined suspension as well as synthetic leather upholstery, a flashier exterior with 18-inch black alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and heated front seats. It unlocks options packages that include red interior or cooled front seats or a sunroof. 

The $29,245 GT-Line Turbo tops the lineup with its more potent powertrain, upgraded interior, and available option packages.