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Simply exterior of Austin on a slender two-lane highway, we nearly crashed. I used to be within the passenger seat of the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line when a maroon Toyota RAV4 appeared on the prime of the hill, which additionally occurred to be a blind curve. It did not look proper; The SUV was filling up an excessive amount of of the K4’s windshield too rapidly. It was coming at us quick, approach too quick for the curve, and solely getting bigger because it crossed the double-yellow line and drove straight into our lane.

My proper hand grabbed the door deal with—coated in pretty soft-touch materials—whereas my left hand clutched the seat belt throughout my chest. My driving accomplice jabbed the brakes and sawed on the K4’s squircular steering to make approach for the SUV bearing down on us, with no shoulder or runoff to offer an escape.

Fast Specs 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
Engine 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder
Output 147 Horsepower / 132 Pound-Toes
Gasoline Economic system 30 Metropolis / 40 Freeway / 34 Mixed
Base Value / As Examined $26,345 / $28,345

Similar to that, it was over. The K4 squeezed previous, whereas the RAV4 whipped across the nook and out of sight. Even in such excessive (and terrifying) circumstances, the K4 was completely composed, saving us from a probably life-threatening scenario. Fortunately, the remainder of the drive route Kia had chosen for us by central Texas was much less eventful.

A lot of that credit score for the short maneuvering goes to the GT-Line’s sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension and Kia’s entrance SFD3 valve shock absorbers, which stored the automobile compliant as we prevented the oncoming automobile. It simply soaked up the assorted highway imperfections all through the remainder of the route, too.

However the GT-Line is not even K4’s sportiest trim. The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a constantly variable transmission makes simply 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It by no means felt underpowered, even with some average pedal inputs on the highways exterior Texas’s capital, nevertheless it wasn’t precisely fast.



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia

Professionals: Plenty of Normal Know-how, Environment friendly, Quiet 

Clearly, although, the K4 tuned for effectivity over enjoyable, getting as much as 40 miles per gallon on the freeway. Sport mode helps enliven the expertise with tighter steering and improved throttle response, however the automobile remains to be desirous to remind you that there is nonetheless a CVT between the engine and wheels. 

That is why the GT-Line Turbo exists. That model of the K4 has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a standard eight-speed computerized transmission that, with Sport mode engaged, hangs the gearing on the prime of the rev vary and permits the motive force to take full benefit of the 190 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque.



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia

The Turbo mannequin is faster than its non-turbo counterpart, however not quick. The K4 GT-Line Turbo is enjoyable and fascinating at regular speeds, with a number of low-end grunt—however energy falls off fairly rapidly when you’re greater within the rev vary. There is a bit extra buzz reverberating by the cabin, too, however the acoustic glass and tires do a great job holding the inside—which Kia packs with tech—quiet. 

The GT-Line with the Premium Pack and Turbo I drove got here with all of the goodies, together with ventilated entrance seats within the top-spec mannequin and three screens: Two 12.3-inch shows for the gauges and infotainment, and a 3rd shoved between them exhibiting the local weather information. However even the usual listing of options is lengthy and compressive, together with wi-fi Apple Automotive and Android Auto.   



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia

Cons: Polarizing Design, CVT, Nonetheless Small

Fortunately, the K4 nonetheless has actual switches for the HVAC system under a cut up row of buttons that management the infotainment show, together with a quantity knob. However the positioning of the wheel obscures many of the display screen for the motive force, which is a disgrace as a result of it seems cool. No less than the passenger can see it. 

The K4 is longer and wider than the Forte it replaces, and a number of that added house goes to the rear-seat occupants. Kia claims the brand new sedan has class-leading house within the again, with 38.0 inches of rear legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom. I had loads of house sitting behind the motive force seat adjusted for myself, however taller front-seat occupants will simply eat into that house, pushing the plastic-back entrance seats into your knees.

Regardless of its progress, the K4 remains to be a compact sedan, which implies it suffers from among the downfalls of this section usually. The door deal with I grasped onto as I braced for affect felt good, nevertheless it was subsequent to black plastic that surrounded the window and lock switches. It did not really feel low-cost, nevertheless it was removed from premium.



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia

Kia spent the cash in the fitting spots, and whereas there may be nonetheless loads of plastic all through, it permits the corporate so as to add the know-how in the present day’s younger automobile patrons need. The acoustic glass and tires can create a way of luxurious and assist disguise the locations the place Kia wanted to be conscious of prices, however most patrons doubtless will not improve to those choices.  

The K4 has huge screens, wi-fi connectivity, a compelling suite of ordinary security options (eight airbags, lane-keep help, ahead collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and extra), and it is environment friendly. Heated seats can be found within the GT-Line, which begins at $26,345 (the worth contains the $1,155 vacation spot cost). That is a number of the good things for not some huge cash. It’s a package deal that ought to entice the youthful patrons it is hoping to draw, who’re extra desirous about options than efficiency. 

The one factor that might flip off potential patrons is the design. The rear of the roof, the C-pillar—the place Kia hides the rear door deal with—and the rocker have this paper-like fold within the sheet steel that appears a tad disjointed from sure angles. 



2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Photograph by: Kia

The complete-width taillight factor bookended by the vertical lights pushed to the corners provides the sedan a large stance that makes the automobile look decrease than it’s, because of the black classing alongside the underside. Its greatest angle is the rear, particularly with these delicate double-bubble creases in the back of the roof. Designers completely killed it with the again finish of this automobile. 

If the four-door design is an excessive amount of, don’t fear, a five-door model will arrive within the US late subsequent yr. It replaces the funky fold with a extra conventional floating roof design that ought to make for a good roomier rear seat. 

You have doubtless already seen the brand new K4 on the highway; Kia started promoting them a number of months in the past. However the firm has solely been constructing decrease trims of the compact sedan to this point. The GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo are simply now beginning to attain sellers—and if you would like one thing just a little extra zest, each of these fashions are well worth the wait.

Kia K4




Engine

2.0L 4-Cylinder




Output

147 Horsepower / 132 Pound-Toes




Transmission

Constantly Variable Transmission




Drive Kind

Entrance-Wheel Drive




Weight

3,291 Kilos




Effectivity

30 Metropolis / 40 Freeway / 34 Mixed




Seating Capability

5




Cargo Quantity

14.6 Cubic Toes




Base Value

$26,345




As-Examined Value

$28,345




On Sale

Now

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