2025 Kia K4 Is a Stylish Compact Sedan to Replace the Forte

• Kia has revealed a new compact sedan called the K4.
• The 2025 K4 is set to replace the Forte, and its name lines up with the mid-size K5.
• Full specs will be released next week at the New York auto show.

After a shadowy set of teaser photos a week ago, Kia has revealed the design of the 2025 K4. The new compact sedan, which is set to the replace the Forte, bears the new corporate design language that is spreading across the lineup. No technical information was released for the K4, which will have its full global premiere next week on March 27 at the New York auto show.

2025 Kia K4

The new styling—which Kia has dubbed “Opposites United”—first appeared on the 2025 Carnival minivan and 2024 Sorento SUV, and now migrates to a smaller vehicle without looking awkward. Up front, the K4 sports T-shaped headlights that link a thin rectangular grille and culminate in a sharp point above the front wheel arch. This point then leads into a distinctive crease that cuts upwards to meet the sideview mirror, echoed by a similar line over the rear wheels that creates flat, wide haunches.

2025 Kia K4

The K4 also adopts a sloping fastback-style roofline, similar to the mid-size K5 sedan, and an unusual D-pillar where the chrome window trim abruptly ends in a triangular piece as it runs into a hard vertical line. Around back, the L-shaped taillights are connected across the width of the trunk.

2025 Kia K4

Inside, the K4 has a clean design, rendered here in an interesting shade of green. A large display spans the dashboard, which incorporates both the gauge cluster and infotainment. Underneath the screen sits a long horizontal chrome trim piece which houses the climate control vents, and physical buttons remain above and below for functions like “Home” and “Map.” An old-school physical gear selector is also still present.

We expect the K4 to offer similar powertrains to the outgoing Forte, which is available with either a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four or a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four. A hybrid model could be added to compete with the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and upcoming Honda Civic Hybrid, and an electric variant called the EV4 may follow as well. More details are coming next week when the 2025 K4 is formally revealed at the New York auto show.