Let’s address the elephant in the driveway: sedans are no longer king. The compact sedan segment in Canada has been slowly edged out by the meteoric rise of crossovers and SUVs in all shapes, sizes, and price points. But someone forgot to tell Kia. And thank goodness for that.
Enter the all-new 2025 Kia K4 — a first-generation vehicle that, while technically replacing the outgoing Forte, is more than just a new body style. It’s a full reinvention that channels design cues from Kia’s upscale electric vehicle lineup, marries modern tech with a performance-inspired edge, and arrives with a confident “we’re still in the sedan game” energy that’s increasingly rare in today’s market.
A Looker With Familiar Family Lines
From a styling perspective, the K4 wears its new skin exceptionally well. The sleek profile, wide stance, and angular character lines bring it more in line with Kia’s EV6 and EV9 models than any compact sedan of yesteryear. The front end is aggressive and clean, and the integrated lighting gives it a distinctive, upscale presence. This is a car that turns heads — and not just because people are surprised to see a brand-new sedan on the road.
The GT-Line Turbo Limited model I had the pleasure of driving is the top-of-the-line trim, and it absolutely spoiled me. Sitting in the K4 GT-Line, it’s hard not to draw comparisons to vehicles that are thousands of dollars more expensive. The black interior was tastefully trimmed, featuring perforated vegan leather with contrast stitching, ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof that enhanced the cabin’s spacious and airy feel.
Digital Integration Done Right — Almost
One of the standout features of the K4 is its panoramic digital display, which seamlessly blends the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single, wide horizontal layout. This display stretches from the left side of the driver to nearly the edge of the passenger seat — a design style now being emulated by several other OEMs.
The system itself is fluid and responsive, with excellent graphics and intuitive menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the native navigation and media interfaces are polished and modern. However, as is becoming common in high-tech vehicles, there’s a bit of a learning curve. And that brings me to a suggestion for Kia — and frankly, for most modern automakers.
It’s time OEMs incorporated short, built-in video tutorials within the infotainment systems. With all the customizable settings, driver-assist features, climate zones, and entertainment options, consumers need more than just a thick manual or trial and error. I was able to get a handle on most of the K4’s tech based on experience with other vehicles, but even then, I likely missed a few gems hiding in the submenus.
On the Road: Turbo Punch, With a Dash of Lag
Under the hood, the K4 GT-Line Turbo Limited gets a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Output is a solid 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and while that may not scream “track star,” in a lightweight compact sedan, it’s more than adequate for spirited city driving and highway cruising.
The turbocharged engine offers plenty of get-up-and-go, especially once it spools up. There is noticeable turbo lag when you press the accelerator — particularly if you’re trying to ease into traffic or make a quick pass — but it’s manageable in real-world scenarios. I didn’t hammer the pedal; I drove it the way most people will — with varying acceleration points in mixed driving conditions. For the most part, it delivered satisfying torque when I needed it.
Ride quality is composed and confident. The suspension has a sporty edge but doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The K4 feels tighter and more agile than a similarly priced crossover, and let’s be honest — there’s still a reason sedans dominate in motorsports. They just handle better.
The Value Proposition
Kia didn’t just redesign the K4 for style — they packed it with value. The base K4 starts at $23,995, and even this entry-level model is generously equipped. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist.
Move up the trim ladder and things get even more interesting. The GT-Line Turbo Limited tester comes with premium amenities like a Bose 10-speaker audio system, ventilated and heated front seats, a power driver’s seat with memory function, adaptive cruise control, and a full suite of driver assistance tech. It’s an impressive feature list for a compact sedan.
Who’s Still Playing in This Segment?
Here’s where things get even more fascinating. The compact sedan segment may have shrunk, but the competition remains fierce. The K4 is up against industry stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla ($23,970), Honda Civic ($27,840), Hyundai Elantra ($22,595), Mazda3 ($25,250), and Volkswagen Jetta ($25,795). Kia has priced the K4 strategically to slot in at the heart of the market, offering more standard features at each price point compared to rivals.
Meanwhile, the domestic manufacturers have completely walked away from the compact sedan game. GM, Ford, and Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep) have all ceded this territory to the Asian brands — and maybe that’s a strategic error. As I look around my neighbourhood, every household has at least one SUV or crossover. It’s saturation, and in my opinion, CUV fatigue is coming.
Kia might just be betting on the rebound of the sedan — and with the K4, they’re making a compelling case.
Driving it Home
The 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo Limited is a breath of fresh air in a segment gasping for attention. It’s thoughtfully designed, fun to drive, and loaded with features that make it feel more premium than its price tag suggests. For buyers willing to think outside the SUV-shaped box, the K4 delivers a compelling mix of style, technology, performance, and value.
Sedans may not dominate the sales charts anymore, but if more cars like the K4 show up, we might just see a little sedan renaissance.
James Matthews is the President, General Manager and Co-Founder of LeaseBusters. James launched LeaseBusters in 1990 and is considered one of Canada’s leading experts on new vehicle leases, lease-take-overs and vehicle lease (re)marketing. James can be reached directly at jmatthews at leasebusters.com
