Kia K4
Small family car
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kia K4 is a compact car (C-segment) manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia since 2024. It is a replacement for the Kia Forte/K3/Cerato, while the K3 nameplate was transferred to a subcompact car.
| Kia K4 | |
|---|---|
2025 Kia K4 LX Sedan (Canada) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Model code | CL4 |
| Production | 2024–present |
| Model years | 2025–present |
| Assembly |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car (C) |
| Body style | |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Hyundai-Kia K3 |
| Related | Hyundai Avante/Elantra (CN7) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Power output |
|
| Transmission | |
| Hybrid drivetrain | Mild hybrid |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm (107.1 in) |
| Length |
|
| Width | 1,850 mm (72.8 in) |
| Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,330–1,434 kg (2,932–3,161 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
|
The K4 was first introduced on 21 March 2024, and was fully introduced on 27 March 2024, at the 2024 New York International Auto Show.[1][2]
It was initially available as a 4-door saloon and 5-door hatchback. Since 2026, the K4 is available in a 5-door estate version called the K4 Sportswagon.
Overview
The K4 adopts the brand's "Opposites United" design language, it has vertical headlights and taillights with "pronounced edges" in the lighting signature and hidden rear door handles. The saloon has fastback styling with a thick D-Pillar, whereas the hatchback has a shooting brake design.[3][4]
An estate variant named the K4 Sportswagon was unveiled on 13 January 2026.[5] It is 15 mm (0.6 inches) shorter than the saloon but 265 mm (10.4 in.) longer than the K4 hatch.
The interior of the K4 has the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system (debuted in the EV9) with two screens measures up to almost 30 in (760 mm) when combined, two rows of physical controls for the important vehicle functions and a T-Bar gear lever (for the automatic transmission version) instead of a rotary selector. Other features found in the K4 are the Digital Key 2.0 with Ultra Wideband which allows customers to use their compatible devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as a virtual key and the first Kia to debut Al Assistant voice control technology by saying "Hey Kia".[3][6]
The saloon, hatchback and estate models have a boot space of 413 L (14.6 cu ft), 629 L (22.2 cu ft) and 604 L (21.3 cu ft) respectively.[7] Compared to the saloon, the hatchback is 11 in (280 mm) shorter and adds 1 in (25 mm) of rear headroom because of the hatchback's flat roof design.[8]
Saloon
GT-Line saloon (front)
GT-Line saloon (rear)
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Hatchback
2026 K4 GT-Line hatchback (front)
2026 K4 GT-Line hatchback (rear)
_Auto_Zuerich_2025_DSC_3042.jpg)
_Auto_Zuerich_2025_DSC_3049.jpg)
Sportswagon
2026 K4 Sportswagon (front)
2026 K4 Sportswagon (rear)
Interior
Interior (GT-Line)
_Ditzingen_Mobil_2026_IMG_5546.jpg)
Markets
Argentina
The K4 was launched in Argentina on 14 April 2026, with two trim levels: EX and GT Line, it is powered by the 2.0-litre MPi petrol mated to a 6-speed automatic.[9]
The K4 Hatchback was launched in Argentina on 18 August 2026, in the sole GT Line Turbo variant powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol mated to an 8-speed automatic.[10]
Australia
The K4 was launched in Australia on 16 January 2025, with four trim levels: S (optional with Safety Pack), Sport, Sport+, and GT Line. For engines, it is available with the 2.0-litre MPi petrol mated to a 6-speed automatic and the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol mated to an 8-speed automatic.[11]
The K4 Hatchback was launched in Australia on 21 November 2025, with the same trim levels the sedan bodystyle. Aside from the introduction of the hatchback bodystyle, 2.0-litre MPi petrol became mated to an IVT replacing the 6-speed automatic.[12]
Brunei
The K4 was launched in Brunei on 9 April 2026. It is available in saloon and hatchback models and two trim levels offered in GLS (in 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with 6-speed automatic) and GT-Line (in 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 8-speed automatic).[13]
Europe
The K4 hatchback was unveiled for the European market on 17 September 2025. For engines, it is available with 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine with and without mild hybrid assistance, and a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.[14]
The K4 Sportswagon is confirmed for the European market.[15]
Mexico
The K4 went on sale in Mexico on 1 August 2024, it is available in four trim levels: L, LX, EX and GT Line. For engines, it is available with either 2.0-litre MPi petrol or 1.6 T-GDi turbocharged petrol engines.[16]
The K4 Hatchback was launched in Mexico on 7 August 2025, in the sole GT Line Turbo variant, powered by the 1.6 T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.[17] The entry-level GT Line variant powered by the 2.0-litre MPi petrol engine was added to the line-up in September 2025.[18]
Middle East
The K4 was launched in the Middle East on 8 May 2025. It is available in three trim levels; LX, EX and GT-Line. For engines, it is available with either 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre MPi petrol and 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engines.[19]
United States and Canada
The K4 went on sale in North America in August 2024, it is available in LX, LXS (only for US), EX, EX+ (only for Canada), GT Line (available with the Limited package only for Canada). For engines, it is available with either 2.0-litre MPi petrol or 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engines.[20][21] Initially only available as a sedan, the hatchback was launched in North America for the 2026 model year.[22]
Safety
Safety ratings
The 2025 model year K4 was awarded "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS and is available with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).[23]
| Small overlap front | Good |
| Moderate overlap front (original test) | Good |
| Moderate overlap front (updated test) | Acceptable |
| Side (updated test) | Good |
| Headlights | Acceptable |
| Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrian | Good |
| Seatbelt reminders | Acceptable |
| Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use | Acceptable |
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: |  | |
| Adult occupant: | 36.75 | 92% |
| Child occupant: | 44.29 | 90% |
| Pedestrian: | 37.01 | 77% |
| Safety assist: | 36.25 | 84% |
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: |  | |
| Adult occupant: | 32.4 | 80% |
| Child occupant: | 42.4 | 86% |
| Pedestrian: | 64 | 73% |
| Safety assist: | 12.1 | 67% |
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: | | |
| Adult occupant: | 32.4 | 80% |
| Child occupant: | 42.4 | 86% |
| Pedestrian: | 68 | 77% |
| Safety assist: | 13.5 | 75% |
