2024 Kia Forte Vs. 2025 Kia K4 Full Comparison
Why compare the Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte? Because the 2024 Kia Forte has already won over its drivers with precision design, handsome trims, and surprisingly accessible prices, and it's morphing into the all-new 2025 Kia K4 to give you even bigger benefits. That's right: If you're searching for the newest Kia Forte, 2025 models are now called the Kia K4!
With a similar sporty stance and an even larger cabin, the 2025 Kia K4 brings gorgeous Kia styling into the new year – but the 2024 Kia Forte still holds its own. To help you find your best-fit five-seat Kia compact sedan, the Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw team put together this 2024 Kia Forte vs. 2025 Kia K4 review. Let's dive in!
Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte: Specs & Performance
The biggest change to the Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte switchover is likely their powertrains. While the 2024 Kia Forte housed two different engines across its five-trim lineup, the 2025 Kia K4 fits all four of its updated variants with a single powertrain at the time of this writing. However, the brand has announced that there will be an upcoming Kia K4 GT-Line turbo trim and engine option in the near future. When you compare the Kia Forte GT-Line and Kia K4 GT-Line, you'll find that these trims produce 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
If a Kia Forte GT 0-60 rate of 6.7 seconds1 is important to your daily drives, you'll need to take home that model. That's not to say a Kia K4 0-60 time wouldn't be fun, but the smaller four-cylinder setup doesn't quite have the same pep. Contact us today to learn more about Kia Forte reliability or to discuss the ratings for the 2025 Kia K4 once it's evaluated by the IIHS.
Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte: MPG
Since the 2025 Kia K4 release date has arrived and we now have multiple trims of the Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte in stock, an MPG comparison is simple. The Kia Forte and Kia K4 share a 2.0-liter engine, meaning if you're curious about their fuel economy, Kia Forte and K4 models have similar ratings. The Forte LX trim earns an EPA-estimated 30/41 MPG (City/Highway),2 and the K4 LX only drops one mile per gallon from the Forte's highway performance.
Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte: Dimensions
Compare the Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte sizes, and you'll find a slightly longer profile and a bit roomier cabin in the 2025 Kia K4 trims. This update was intentional; Kia engineers wanted to give drivers the best possible Kia compact sedan experience in the new year. Specifically, Kia K4 dimensions add 2.7 inches to the Kia Forte length, 1.9 inches to its width, and 2.7 cubic feet to its passenger volume in certain trims.
Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte: Interior & Features
Many Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte cabin features are shared: Both come with sunroof options, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a wireless phone charger in upper trims. However, the Kia K4 for sale does add a few technology upgrades that we love to see in a Kia compact sedan, such as making Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ wireless.
While the Kia Forte interior was accessible via remote keyless entry in its base trims, the Kia K4 gives every variant Smart Key access and a push-button start. You'll also gain heated outside mirrors in every new Kia K4, whereas the 2024 Kia Forte mirrors are only heated in upper trims.
The Kia K4 interior bumps your center touchscreen size to 12.3 inches in all four trims, which is an upgrade from the 8.0- or 10.25-inch display in the Kia Forte cabin. Factor in our Kia K4 and Kia Forte lease specials, and either sedan would make a fantastic daily driver.
Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte: Price & Trims
The Kia Forte for sale is available in five gorgeous trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT, and GT Manual. As we mentioned above, this lineup included two different engines and automatic or manual transmission choices. The new 2025 Kia K4 puts a more fuel-efficient spin on its four trims, dropping a Kia K4 GT-Line turbo engine and focusing only on a wallet-friendly four-cylinder in its LX, LXS, EX, and GT-Line trims.
Tour the Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte at Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw
If you're ready to explore the new Kia K4, 2025 release date information is here, and the sedan is awaiting your test drive on our lot. New Kia specials are updated regularly, so check in with the Jim Ellis of Kennesaw team to see which offers can benefit you now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the K4 bigger than the Kia Forte?
Yes, the 2025 Kia K4 is 2.7 inches longer, 1.9 inches wider, and gives you 2.7 extra inches of passenger volume in certain variants than those of the 2024 Kia Forte predecessor. The new Kia K4 also increases your front headroom from 38.8 to 39 inches and your rear legroom from 35.7 to 38 inches, making car seat installation far easier.
Does the Kia K4 replace the Kia Forte?
Yes, the 2025 Kia K4 is essentially a renamed Kia Forte, though it changes more than the sedan's name. The Kia K4 trims are longer, wider, and more spacious than their Forte counterparts; plus, they bump up your car's center touchscreen to 12.3 inches and add elevated safety features to make drivers feel more confident while commuting or road-tripping.
How much horsepower does a Kia K4 generate?
With an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder on board, the 2025 Kia K4 puts out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, all while maintaining an EPA-estimated 30/40 MPG (City/Highway) in its entry-level LX trim. Upper Kia K4 trims feature the same engine, additional technology and safety features, and only a one mile-per-gallon drop in their MPG.
When is the Kia K4 coming out?
The 2025 Kia K4 release date is here, and we have brand-new K4 trims at our showroom. Visit Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw today or shop our inventory online to explore all the technology, safety, and size upgrades of the 2025 Kia K4, or peruse our entire 2024 Kia Forte selection for similar Kia compact sedan design and performance.