2025 Kia K4 to replace Kia Forte compact sedan

Kia’s compact sedan will continue on for another generation, but when the fourth-generation model debuts on March 21 on the eve of the New York auto show, it will be called the K4. 

Kia on Thursday shared a teaser image of the redesigned sedan set to replace the current Kia Forte. Not much is known about the 2025 Kia K4, but the change in nomenclature follows a similar pattern to alphanumeric badging with other sedans sold in global markets. When the Kia Optima midsize sedan was redesigned for the 2021 model year, Kia changed its name to the Kia K5. The 2025 Kia K5 debuted at the Chicago auto show this year. Sensing a pattern?

There is also a Kia K3, in China and South Korea, but it splits the difference in size between the Kia Forte and the Kia Rio subcompact sedan and hatchback that were discontinued for 2024. A different K3 was announced last year for the Mexican market for the 2025 model year, prompting speculation that it will be sold in the U.S. as a successor to the Rio. What’s in a name? We’re waiting for Kia to tell us. 

In 2008, the Kia Forte replaced the Kia Cerato in North America, but it’s still called the Cerato in South America, Australia, and the Middle East. As other small sedans exited the North American market in recent years, the Kia Forte has remained a strong seller, reaching record sales of 123,953 units moved in 2023. That was a 7% increase over 2022. 

The current Kia Forte remains a great value, as one of the few new cars that can be bought for less than $21,000 in base LX trim. It comes with decent equipment, such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as automatic emergency braking and active lane control. 

When the Rio was discontinued, it left only the Nissan Versa and the Mitsubishi Mirage as cars that could be bought new for less than $20,000, including destination. It remains to be seen where the K4 will slot into the market and at what price.