Kia K4 spices things up with sporty design
South Korean automaker surprises by departing from EV lineup
Kia made news at the 2024 New York Auto Show by not just revealing an all-new model to the world, but one that isn't all-electric. The 2025 Kia K4 is a front-wheel drive compact sedan with no electrification power supply whatsoever, instead offering the choice of a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder and an optional turbocharged 1.6-litre four.
That's a bit of a departure for the South Korean automaker, which has used recent auto shows as coming out parties for its growing all-electric stable. At the 2022 L.A. Auto Show, the EV6 GT wowed the SoCal crowd, and at last year's New York show the three-row EV9 grabbed headlines for its unique styling, price point and cabin design.
2025 KIA K4 IS A COMPACT SEDAN WITH A COUPE SPIRIT
As the sheet came off the K4 at today's show, the first impression was one of a sleek and sporty sedan, incorporating the fastback design that has been used for about a decade now to make four-doors look like coupes. Underscoring this are hidden rear door handles in the C-pillars. Canadian K4 customers will be able to choose from five trim levels, ranging from LX, EX, EX+, GT-Line Turbo and to the top-ofthe-line, performance-oriented GT-Line Turbo Tech.
There was also news that the K4 will also be available as a five-door hatchback, though no word yet on if it will be coming to Canada.
Some of the EV9's groundbreaking design language has been adopted into the K4's exterior, most notably the vertically oriented LED headlights and tail lights to create a distinctive light signature in the front and the rear. GT-Line models get unique front and rear fasciae with gloss black accents, a satin chrome beltline, 18-inch alloy wheels, and gloss black mirror caps, window trim, and side sill. Further add-ons to the GT-Line Turbo Tech trim include small cube LED projection headlights with integrated LED fog lights, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.
The K4 has the widest and largest footprint in the compact segment with an overall length of 4.7 metres and a width of 1.5 metres. Rear passenger room offers almost a metre of legroom and head room. The trunk has 413 litres (14.9 cubic feet) of cargo capacity.
WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT THE CABIN?
In a first for the compact sedan segment, the K4 features a so-called integrated digital instrumentation, which serves the dual purpose of providing a driver-centric experience and the sense of a more expansive cockpit. Essentially, all controls and displays are located on or near the driver's side of the dash, with the passenger area of the dash set apart with a protruding section. Heated front seats are standard on all K4 trims, while ventilated seats as well as driver's seat memory function are available on higher trims. GT-Line models get a three-spoke steering wheel. The interior is available in medium grey, and the GT-Line models add onyx and off-white. Kia engineers were tasked with making the cabin as quiet as possible — not always a strong suit in the compact sedan segment — so there is an available acoustic windshield, and acoustic tires on K4 models equipped with 18-inch wheels.
WHAT KIND OF ON-BOARD TECH DOES THE 2025 KIA K4 HAVE?
The K4 gets the same operating system as the flagship EV9, called Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) that includes over the air (OTA) capability. The ccNC utilizes nearly 76 centimetres (30 in.) of space on the dash and features faster processing and higher fidelity than previous Kia infotainment systems. And frequently used `Quick Controls' are available with a swipe on the screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all K4 models, and the optional Digital Key software allows customers to use their compatible Apple, Samsung and Smart device as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock and drive.
WHAT ENGINES ARE AVAILABLE?
Base model K4s will come with a 147-horsepower 2.0-litre engine offering 132 lbs.-ft of torque working with a variable transmission. For more oomph, an optional turbocharged 1.6-litre ups the power output to 190-hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That latter powertrain includes steering-wheel paddle shifters, a sport attribute to be sure, but not as much as the multi-link rear suspension that comes with all GT-Line Turbo models.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS?
Safety is another big focus of the Kia K4, with now standard rear side airbags bringing the cabin total to eight. On the technological side, the K4 comes with the latest ADAS suite which includes Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Forward Collision Avoidance 1.5 is designed to help detect and prevent collisions by detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving, in addition to oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection. Haptic steering wheel warnings add tactile alerts for the driver. Forward Collision Avoidance is available on the GT-Line Turbo Tech trim to detect crossing vehicles while crossing through an intersection. .
WHEN WILL BE K4 BE AVAILABLE?
The K4 is slated to arrive in the Canada in the second half of 2024. Pricing, trim details and availability as well as official fuel economy for the K4 will be announced as they become available.