2025 Kia K4 Review: The Honda Civic Tailored for Android Enthusiasts

      Constructing an affordable car resembles baking more than cooking. The ingredient list may not be extensive, but each element is indispensable. Moreover, similar to baking, a dash of affection is always beneficial. After all, there's little more sorrowful than an econobox that fails to appreciate itself. I suppose this likens the 2025 Kia K4 to a delightful chocolate chip cookie, pecan pie, or any dessert of your choice.

      I understand it appears to be a complex vehicle, with its sharp angles, triangular C-pillar, and numerous pixels on the dashboard. Yet, the K4 is fundamentally straightforward. This is an affordable sedan that excels in the basics, exceeds expectations, and does not see itself as a secondary or tertiary choice. It begins at only $23,165, though you wouldn't guess that based on the trim level.

      Adam Ismail

      In previous years, the recommendation for anyone seeking a car like this was to simply visit the nearest Honda dealership and drive off in a Civic. (If they were reluctant to be seen in something so conventional, the Mazda 3 was always an alternative.) But now, thanks to Kia, there’s an actual choice to consider.

      The Essentials

      The Kia K4 is new for the 2025 model year, taking the place of the Forte as the brand's most economical sedan, albeit not its least expensive vehicle. The Forte previously started at $21,145, undercutting the $21,885 Soul. Kia has essentially raised the entry point for customers interested in a sedan.

      Adam Ismail

      I believe the K4 offers roughly $2,000 more value than the Forte. For starters, it measures nearly three inches longer and two inches wider. Rear passengers enjoy nearly 2.5 inches more legroom, which is significant in a compact vehicle like this, though it slightly reduces trunk space by less than a cubic foot. Intelligent cruise control is now standard across all K4 trims, along with a 12.3-inch infotainment display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus four USB-C ports. This vehicle is well-equipped with technology.

      However, let’s take a step back and look at the exterior of the K4, as design plays a crucial role in this car’s appeal, and positively so. What I admire about the exterior is that Kia has made a bold statement without adding fake vents or promising capabilities the car doesn’t possess. The K4 looks sleek, straightforward, and intelligent, which it truly is.

      Adam Ismail

      While it might not be to everyone's taste, I am captivated by the streamlined, triangular C-pillar and the clever design of the door handle. The body line that flows behind the front wheels, cuts through the doors, and rises consistently over the back serves as a piece of artistry, particularly when the light strikes it just right and you notice it for the first time. Yes, the K4 pushes the boundaries of what can be deemed compact, but it appears agile, reminiscent of a baby Stinger with brains.

      Inside, the K4 feels open and futuristic while remaining uncomplicated. The sticker price on my GT-Line test model amounted to $28,345; it is essentially the most premium version available aside from the powertrain, which we’ll discuss next. For that price, you truly cannot ask for more. Higher-end trims like this one come with an enhanced instrument cluster interface (lower trims feature a more simplified display with what resembles old-style LCD readouts for speed and RPM) and a stylish 5-inch touchscreen dedicated solely to climate control.

      Adam Ismail

      The fit and finish are impeccable; the plastics used are comparable to those in any car I’ve driven, and there are numerous thoughtful details, such as the knurled scroll wheels for adjusting volume and navigating menus. I have no criticisms regarding the GT-Line’s all-SynTex faux-leather seats, although I find the more affordable partial-cloth option also visually appealing.

      What stands out about the K4 is the impression that Kia has meticulously considered every detail, even the standard features, with practicality in mind. For instance, the drive mode button is substantial and conveniently located at the base of the steering wheel, rather than awkwardly placed between the cupholders and cigarette lighter where one would struggle to find it without glancing down. Why aren’t all vehicles designed this way?

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      Driving the Kia K4

      Though the Kia K4 feels distinct from the Forte, its powertrain is more familiar. The standard engine remains a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, transmitted through a CVT to the front wheels. The rear suspension on the LX through EX trims is a torsion beam, while the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo feature a multi-link setup.

      My test model was a GT-Line, which included the improved