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The 2025 Kia K4 is set to replace the Kia Forte as the most budget-friendly car in Kia’s lineup after the subcompact Rio was discontinued in 2023.

Kia is gearing up for production in Mexico, with the K4 hitting the market in the third quarter of the year. Initially, it will be available as a sleek sedan, though a hatchback version, showcased at the 2024 New York auto show, is anticipated to join the lineup, possibly by the 2026 model year. According to Young Kim, Kia’s senior product strategy manager, the priority was to launch the more globally popular sedan first.

The K4, larger than the Forte, claims to be the biggest in its class. It rides on the K3 platform and offers multilink suspension on higher trims. The new design is as wide as some midsize sedans, providing ample headroom and increased legroom in the second row.

The K4 features striking vertical headlights positioned at the corners and a fastback roofline. It comes in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT-Line Turbo, and the newly introduced EX, which features a chic slate green interior. Other interior color options include two-tone black and white, medium gray, and a red/black combination reminiscent of the Kia K5.

Buyers can choose from eight exterior colors and five wheel designs, including two 16-inch, one 17-inch, and two 18-inch options, with the GT-Line Turbo offering a glossy black variant.

The powertrains are carried over from the Forte.

The base model features a 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Although official EPA fuel economy ratings are pending, executives expect the K4 to perform similarly to the Forte, which achieved 30 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and a combined 34 mpg.

For more power, buyers can opt for the 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, which generates 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than the Forte’s 201 lb-ft. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the manual transmission from the Forte will not be available in the K4.

Kia has decided against adding a hybrid version to the K4 lineup. However, an all-electric EV3 compact crossover is in development and expected to be available in the U.S. by 2026. The future of the gas-powered K4 beyond this generation remains uncertain.

The K4 boasts a 12.3-inch driver display and a matching 12.3-inch center infotainment screen, a significant upgrade from the Forte’s 8-inch screen. This larger screen is becoming a crucial feature for young buyers. The K4 also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A first for Kia, the K4 includes an AI voice assistant that understands natural language and remembers context for follow-up questions. This assistant provides local and trip information, as well as an owner’s manual for vehicle inquiries.

Borrowing from the Kia EV9 three-row electric SUV, the K4 features rotatable cupholders that can secure a 32-ounce beverage or retract for extra storage space. The car also includes four USB outlets and an optional wireless charger.

Pricing details will be announced closer to the release date, but it is expected to start above the Forte’s $21,145 base price. The K4 aims to continue Kia’s tradition of offering a wealth of features and value at a competitive price.