Kia will bid farewell to its Forte model, making way for the introduction of the K4 compact sedan. Set to make its debut on March 27 at the New York Auto Show, this new offering from Kia marks a departure from the outgoing Forte, showcasing a fresh design that diverges noticeably from its predecessor. While the final design of the 2025 Kia K4 is yet to be unveiled, teaser images hint at significant changes in its appearance.
Drawing inspiration from the K3, which made its debut in August 2023 but won’t be available in the United States, the K4 presents a distinct aesthetic with its distinctive droopy lights reminiscent of Cadillac styling. Teaser images, with slight adjustments in exposure and brightness, provide a glimpse into Kia’s upcoming Corolla competitor, confirming earlier speculations about its unconventional rear pillar design.
Notable departures from convention include the relocation of rear door handles to the base of the pillar, coupled with an unusual quarter glass shape that lends an intriguing illusion of concealment behind the quarter panel. Kia’s bold design choices, evident in recent models, continue to set it apart in the automotive landscape.
Size-wise, the new K4 appears to be larger than its predecessor, following the trend of sedans adopting alphanumeric designations. This shift is exemplified by Kia’s previous models, such as the K5 (formerly the Optima) and the K7 (formerly the Cadenza), with the K8 replacing the latter. Notably, Kia phased out the Cadenza and K900 models in the United States after the 2021 model year, alongside the discontinuation of the Stinger liftback/hatchback.
Given its anticipated similarities with the Hyundai Elantra, which received updates in mid-2023, the K4 is poised to offer a balance of affordability and functionality. With the outgoing Forte being one of the few remaining models priced below $20,000 (excluding destination fees), Kia aims to maintain its accessibility in the market. As Kia prepares to unveil the K4, anticipation builds for its place in the competitive compact sedan segment.
