Is the Kia K4 the Best Compact Sedan of 2025?

April 15th, 2025 by

Is the Kia K4 the Best Compact Sedan of 2025?

The 2025 Kia K4 offers advanced tech, spacious interiors, and strong performance. See how it compares to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. 

 

2025 Kia K4 vs. the Competition: How Does It Compare to Other Compact Sedans?

 

The compact sedan market has long been led by models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but Kia is making a bold move with the all-new 2025 Kia K4. Replacing the outgoing Forte, the K4 brings a fresh design, enhanced technology, and a more spacious interior to the segment.

 

For those shopping for a compact sedan in Valencia, CA, Hello Kia of Valencia, part of the Hello Auto Group, offers the K4 alongside other Kia models, allowing drivers to experience its new features firsthand. But how does it compare to the competition? Let’s take a deep dive into its performance, interior space, fuel efficiency, and technology to see how it stacks up against rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

 

Is the Kia K4 Bigger Than the Forte?

Yes, the Kia K4 is noticeably larger than the Forte it replaces. The new model measures:

 

  • 4 inches in length
  • 8 inches in width
  • 5 inches in height

 

Compared to the 2024 Kia Forte, which is 182.7 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, the K4 provides more passenger room, particularly in the rear seats. The K4’s class-leading rear legroom makes it one of the most spacious compact sedans available, ensuring a more comfortable ride for backseat passengers.

 

This extra space puts the K4 closer in size to the Honda Civic (184 inches long) and Toyota Corolla (182.5 inches long), making it a more compelling choice for drivers looking for comfort without upgrading to a midsize sedan.

 

Kia K4 vs. Honda Civic Comparison

To better understand how the Kia K4 compares, let’s break it down against one of its key rivals: the 2025 Honda Civic.

 

Feature Kia K4 Honda Civic
Starting MSRP $23,165 $25,400
Base Engine 2.0L I-4 (147 hp) 2.0L I-4 (158 hp)
Optional Engine 1.6L Turbo I-4 (190 hp) 1.5L Turbo I-4 (180 hp)
Fuel Economy (City/Highway MPG) 30 / 40 32 / 41
Infotainment Display 12.3 inches 9 inches
Cargo Space 14.6 cu-ft 14.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom 38 inches 37.4 inches

 

 

The Kia K4 offers a slightly more spacious interior, a larger infotainment screen, and a more powerful optional engine compared to the Civic. While the Civic has a small edge in fuel economy and cargo space, the K4 makes up for it with superior tech and a lower starting price.

 

 

What Are the Kia K4 Fuel Economy Ratings?

The 2025 Kia K4 delivers competitive fuel efficiency across its two available engine options:

 

  • 0L Inline-4 (Base Engine):
    • 147 horsepower
    • EPA-estimated 30 MPG city / 40 MPG highway
    • Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)

 

  • 6L Turbocharged Inline-4 (GT-Line Turbo Trim):
    • 190 horsepower
    • EPA-estimated 27 MPG city / 38 MPG highway
    • 8-speed automatic transmission

 

Compared to the Honda Civic, which achieves up to 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, the K4 is slightly less fuel-efficient but delivers more horsepower in its upgraded trim.

 

Does the Kia K4 Have AWD?

No, the 2025 Kia K4 is exclusively front-wheel drive (FWD) across all trim levels. Unlike some competitors, Kia does not currently offer an all-wheel drive (AWD) option on the K4. However, the K4’s low curb weight, responsive steering, and well-tuned suspension make it a great performer in city and highway driving conditions.

 

What Are Kia K4 Technology and Safety Features?

Kia has packed the K4 with cutting-edge technology and safety features, making it one of the most advanced compact sedans in its class.

Technology Highlights:

 

  • 3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Kia’s latest UI
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration
  • Available Harman Kardon® premium audio system
  • Digital instrument cluster for a modern driving experience

 

Safety Features:

The Kia K4 includes 25 standard driver-assist features, such as:

 

 

Additionally, the K4 comes standard with 10 airbags, including a front center airbag for added protection.

 

Compared to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the K4 offers more standard safety features, making it a top pick for families and commuters.

 

 

Kia K4 Interior and Cargo Space

The 2025 Kia K4’s interior prioritizes comfort and practicality.

 

  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
  • Rear Legroom: 38 inches (class-leading)
  • Trunk Capacity: 14.6 cubic feet

 

The seats are designed for long-distance comfort, with available heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and premium materials in higher trims.

 

While the Honda Civic offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space, the K4 makes up for its slightly smaller trunk with additional rear passenger room.

Final Verdict: Is the Kia K4 the Best Compact Sedan?

The 2025 Kia K4 is a strong competitor in the compact sedan segment, offering:

 

  • More interior space than the Forte, Civic, and Corolla
  • A powerful optional turbocharged engine
  • Cutting-edge safety and infotainment technology
  • Competitive pricing compared to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

 

For drivers looking for a modern, feature-packed compact sedan with a spacious interior, the Kia K4 is a standout choice.

 

Check out our K4 inventory here. To experience the 2025 Kia K4 in person, visit Hello Kia of Valencia, part of the Hello Auto Group, and see why this all-new model is set to shake up the compact sedan market.

 

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Posted in Kia K4, Kia Model Features, Research