Looking for a compact sedan that breaks the mold? The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo delivers 190 horsepower through a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This fastback sedan earned the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for vehicles built after January 2025, putting it ahead of many competitors.
Read on to discover why this replacement for the Kia Forte might be your smartest pick in the compact sedan class.
Key Takeaways
The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo uses a 1.6L turbo engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds according to Car and Driver testing.
Key features include dual 12.3-inch digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio, ventilated seats, sunroof, surround view monitor, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is rated at 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway with the turbo engine, offering a balance of power and efficiency.
Starting around $34,795 for the GT-Line Turbo.
The K4 earned the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating for vehicles built after January 2025, demonstrating strong crash protection including enhanced rear-seat safety.
Table of Contents
2025 Kia K4 Canadian Prices
In Canada, the 2025 Kia K4 is offered in five trims, with the base price starting at $23,995, before options, Freight & PDI, and taxes. Below is a table of K4 trims and prices.
| 2025 Kia K4 Trim | 2025 Kia K4 Trim Price |
| K4 LX | $23,995 |
| K4 EX | $26,795 |
| K4 EX+ | $28,295 |
| K4 GT-Line Turbo | $31,795 |
| K4 GT-Line Turbo Limited | $34,795 |
Our review car was the fully loaded 2025 K4 GT-Line Turbo Limited, with a sticker price of $36,695. The only option was the Wave Blue paint for $250. The price included $1,850 for Delivery & Destination, and some other fees.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo brings a punchy 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and crisp front-wheel-drive power.
Its paddle shifters and sport mode make each push of the gas pedal feel quick.
1.6L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
A 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine sits under the hood of the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo. This powertrain uses direct injection to boost performance and fuel economy.
Drivers get punchy acceleration with strong torque at low rpm. This makes merging on highways and navigating city traffic easy.
The compact size of this engine helps maintain good mpg while keeping weight down for sharp handling. Matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the setup balances spirited drives with everyday comfort.
Many drivers appreciate paddle shifters for extra control during sport mode sprints. The 1.6L turbo in the K4 uses the newer Smartstream engine design, which differs from the older Gamma engine found in the Forte GT, offering improved efficiency and reduced maintenance concerns compared to earlier generations.
Related: Kia Stringer Review
Horsepower and Torque Specifications
The Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo pushes out 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. This figure gives the compact sedan a strong stance against rivals like the Honda Civic and Elantra.
Torque peaks at 195 lb-ft between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm. You feel this shove as soon as you hit the throttle.
The power gets sent to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup keeps things both smooth and quick on city streets or highways.
That low-end torque means passing cars or merging onto busy roads feels confident. With these specs, Kia puts itself ahead of many in its class, offering more muscle than the Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Jetta sedans.
Acceleration and 0-60 mph Time
Press the pedal, and the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo hustles from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds based on Car and Driver testing. That quick pick-up comes from its eager 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This compact sedan feels lively right off the line. Switch to sport mode for sharper response.
You will notice smooth shifts as you merge onto highways or pull away at red lights. It keeps pace with rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, even outpacing some non-turbo models in real-world traffic.
The K4 GT-Line Turbo gives everyday power a refreshing kick for drivers who want speed without going full-on sports car.
Driving Experience
The Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo delivers a lively drive with its sport mode and smooth multi-link rear suspension.
Handling and Ride Quality
Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo stays tight in corners, thanks to its tuned multi-link rear suspension and front-drive layout. This is a key upgrade over base K4 models, which use a simpler torsion-beam rear axle.
Sport mode sharpens the steering for a more confident feel. The 8-speed automatic transmission gives smooth gear changes every time you push it.
Even over rough roads or speed bumps, ride quality remains steady. Bumps get soaked up without harsh jolts.
You can compare this compact sedan’s balance with rivals like Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Kia’s setup feels athletic yet never too firm. Dual-zone climate control keeps things chill inside on longer drives, even if you’re skimming through city potholes or winding backroads.
Fuel Efficiency and MPG Ratings
Drivers will appreciate good fuel efficiency in this compact sedan. The GT-Line Turbo trim of the Kia K4 delivers an NRCan estimate of 9.2 L/100 km in city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway for a combined rating of 8.0 liters/100 kilometers.
The 8-speed automatic transmission makes each shift smooth while helping save on gas during daily drives or longer trips. With these numbers, buyers can expect fewer stops at the pump without sacrificing fun or power behind the wheel.
Related: Kia Soul Review
Exterior Design
The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo stands out with sharp rear fenders and a low roofline, giving this compact sedan strong curb appeal. Fresh LED fog lights, bold 18-inch wheel designs, and the extended liftback shape help it catch attention anywhere you drive.
Sleek Fastback Profile
The sleek fastback profile of the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo catches the eye on any street with its long, low design. The roofline flows smoothly toward the rear fenders, embodying the modern liftback style often sought after in compact sedans.
This shape enhances the car’s visual appeal while improving aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency.
The pronounced wheelbase of 107.1 inches and strong stance contribute to its athletic appearance, distinguishing it from competitors like Volkswagen Jettas or Toyota Corolla. Distinctive features such as sharp fog lights up front and the signature grille showcase Kia’s new design direction inspired by the larger EV9 SUV.
Unique Headlight and Grille Design
The Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo grabs your attention right away. Its LED cube projector headlights stretch across the front, creating a wide stance that gives it an aggressive look fitting its compact sedan profile.
These lights earned an “acceptable” rating from IIHS testing. The star-map daytime running lamps provide a premium and modern presence.
The bold grille sits low and wide. This shape pushes plenty of air to the turbocharged 1.6L engine sitting behind it, keeping things cool whether you are in traffic or on open roads.
Styled to stand out from rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, this grille uses blacked-out details that add to its sporty edge. Slim rear fenders flow back along with these design cues for a silhouette that feels fast even when parked.
Interior Features
Step inside the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo and you find comfort paired with smart tech. Large digital screens and easy wireless Android Auto connectivity set this model apart from competitors.
Digital Screens and Infotainment System
The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo uses three digital screens that work together across the dash. The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system and supports wireless Apple CarPlay along with wireless Android Auto.
A matching 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sits right behind the steering wheel. Between them, a 5-inch climate display gives you quick access to temperature controls without taking your eyes off the road.
Kia gives quick access to settings for dual-zone climate control, music apps, and vehicle systems like forward collision warning or blind spot alerts. Voice commands work well for hands-free use through the “Hey Kia” AI assistant.
The surround view monitor helps with parking by giving you a detailed 360-degree look around the car from different angles on-screen. With smooth graphics and fast menus, this setup feels modern in the compact sedan class.
Premium Materials and Comfort
Step into the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo and notice soft-touch surfaces on doors and dash. Seats come wrapped in SynTex leatherette with a two-tone design in Onyx and Off White, giving both style and easy cleanup.
Dual-zone climate control keeps you cool while your passenger stays warm. The front seats hug you with their firm bolsters during sharp bends or long trips.
Noise from outside stays low thanks to thick glass and tight seals, offering a calm drive even at highway speeds. Adjustable power seats help find that perfect driving position, whether short or tall.
Rear passengers enjoy class-leading 38 inches of legroom for a compact sedan, based on Kia’s comparison of 2024/2025 compact sedans, so nobody feels cramped after hours behind the wheel.
Harman Kardon Audio and Additional Amenities
The GT-Line Turbo comes standard with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system with a center-channel subwoofer. This system includes Clari-Fi technology to enhance compressed music files and QuantumLogic Surround for an immersive listening experience that rivals more expensive vehicles.
The standard panoramic sunroof brings in more natural light, giving longer drives a bright boost. Fresh air on demand means you stay wide awake even after hours behind the wheel.
Dual-zone climate control lets both driver and passenger pick their own temperature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto make it easier to keep your eyes up while using your favorite apps.
- A surround view monitor helps with tight parking spots, boosting confidence when squeezing this compact sedan between two pickups at the grocery store.
- The blind spot view monitor displays real-time video of your rear blind spots on the instrument cluster when your turn signal is activated.
- Rear air vents deliver a cool breeze straight to passengers in back seats so nobody feels left out, even on warmer days.
- Multiple USB-C charging ports mean that everyone can juice up their devices at once without arguments or tangled cords cluttering the console space.
- Soft ambient lighting inside puts a subtle glow in all the right places, making nighttime drives calmer and more comfortable.
- Keyless entry plus push-button start trim down those awkward fumbles for keys after work or gym sessions, speeding up your exit and arrival every time you hit the lot.
Safety and Warranty
The 2025 Kia K4 earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for vehicles built after January 2025. This represents the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, meeting their updated standards that include enhanced rear-seat occupant protection testing.
The K4 achieved “good” ratings in small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and updated side crash tests. Pedestrian front crash prevention also earned an “acceptable” rating.
Standard safety features include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, blind spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Kia backs the K4 with an industry-leading 5-year/100,000-kilometer powertrain warranty and a 5-year/100,000-km basic warranty.
The warranty also includes 5-year/unlimited kilometers roadside assistance, making the K4 and its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Elantra, the only compact sedans offering this much standard coverage.
Comparison with Competitors
Looking at rivals is smart before picking the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo. Here’s a quick side-by-side of what you get and how it stacks up against some familiar names like the Honda Civic Sport Touring, Toyota Corolla XSE, and Mazda3 Turbo.
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 mph | Transmission | MPG (Combined) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo (2025) | 1.6L Turbo I4 | 190 | 195 | 7.3 sec | 8-speed automatic | 29 | Big digital screens; bold fastback style; Harman Kardon audio; 10-year/100,000-mile warranty |
| Honda Civic Sport Touring Hatchback (2025) | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 180 | 177 | ~7.4 sec | CVT or 6MT | 33 | Standard wireless Apple CarPlay; roomy interior; strong resale value |
| Toyota Corolla XSE Hatchback (2025) | 2.0L I4 | 169 | 151 | ~8.0 sec | CVT | 34 | Reliable; sporty looks; full safety suite |
| Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus (2024) | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 250 (w/93-octane) | 320 | ~5.6 sec | 6-speed automatic | 27 | AWD; upscale trim; top safety picks |
Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo shows off sharp tech and a modern cabin at a competitive price point. Mazda3 Turbo packs more power but costs significantly more.
Honda Civic gives you strong features with a sporty vibe and better fuel economy, while Toyota Corolla XSE stands out for reliability and value. For drivers who value crisp infotainment, bold styling, and a strong warranty, the K4 GT-Line Turbo holds its own.
Final Thoughts on the 2025 Kia K4
The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo stands out among compact sedans. It mixes power, style, and tech in a fresh way.
The turbocharged engine gives strong performance for daily use without hurting fuel efficiency much thanks to its 8-speed automatic transmission. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio, dual 12.3-inch digital displays, dual-zone climate control, surround view monitor, and rear fenders design cues from EV9 models all make life easier inside the cabin.
The car’s forward collision avoidance system and comprehensive safety suite earned it the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating for vehicles built after January 2025, meeting strict standards for compact sedan protection levels.
Comparing Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo against Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic rivals: you get sharper handling than many plus more comfort touches at its price point. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides peace of mind that most competitors can’t match.
You get advanced tech with features even pricier sedans lack while avoiding a big sticker shock or pricey maintenance bills seen elsewhere in this segment. Drivers ready to move up from their old Kia Forte will find lots here worth checking out, especially if they want something new but still practical every single day.
People Also ask
Is the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo a good replacement for the Kia Forte?
Yes, the Kia K4 replaces the Forte, and the GT-Line Turbo model offers a significant performance upgrade with its 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. The K4 is also larger than the Forte, providing more rear legroom for passengers.
What tech features does the 2025 Kia K4 include?
The K4 comes with a panoramic curved display measuring nearly 30 inches, which integrates the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. Standard features across all trims include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offer a surround view monitor and advanced collision avoidance systems.
How does the Kia K4 GT-Line compare to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla?
The K4 GT-Line Turbo’s 190-horsepower engine is more powerful than the standard engines in the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It also features a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension than its base models for better handling and stands out with aggressive styling, like its wide rear fenders and fastback roofline.
Does the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo use a CVT transmission?
No, the GT-Line Turbo model uses a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission with sport mode, avoiding the CVT found in lower K4 trims and some competitors.
What makes the K4 different from other Kia models like the EV9?
While the K4 adopts the “Opposites United” design language seen on the all-electric EV9 SUV, it is a gas-powered compact sedan built on a different platform. It serves as a stylish, more conventional entry point to Kia’s modern design philosophy for customers not seeking an electric vehicle.
