All-New 2025 Kia K4 review // Breaking the compact car mould?

[@SimpleCarsharingDriver]

Really appreciate that you tested the base version instead of the top trim.

[@teuton6167]

I saw a K4 in the Kia showroom the other day. It looks great in blue.

[@moisetopaz]

That price on the EX at $23,900 is a killer. 🔥

[@gregholloway2656]

Thanks for the great review, Zork and Drea! 👍

[@tfisthisman]

when zack sees a spare tire = 🤩 🤪🥳

[@JG-jo8ou]

Love your reviews.

[@jamespaul2587]

That intelligent transmission is so smart, it puts itself in S for Subscribe. 😊

[@andreaspencer9813]

Good one!

[@mubirudenis809]

Totally agree

[@ranthony2714]

I realize looks are subjective, but for me it is way over styled and not visually appealing. Frankly, it is ugly.

[@djplonghead5403]

I love that it has height adjustable seat belts!

[@kelsobluesky]

I love how it looks! Especially the side profile!

[@rickywhisenhunt4582]

I watched the Korean review on this and it's really nice for the price. The warranty is also something that has to be noted as Kia has an outstanding warranty and for people that get a 48 or 60 month loan the vehicle is covered under warranty the entire time. That's an added value worth about $1500 on this car (2 years and 24k miles longer warranty coverage than other brands).

[@dwaynebrietzke]

Yeah they need that warranty as well. Kia's (And Hyundais) have had a bad few years for engines blowing up due to manufacturing issues.

[@rickywhisenhunt4582]

@@dwaynebrietzke I never heard about that. My 4th Kia vehicle and zero problems. Kia did have problems 10 years ago and the only problem of late was the key issue and thefts on older models. Every brand has problems and recalls at some point.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

There's always one who wants to throw salt at Korean brands. My 2017 Elantra is still going strong. It is just a perception that people can't shake. But act in denial when you bring up Toyota and Honda current reliability status.

[@Brian-jv8iy]

@@rickywhisenhunt4582you drove them all to at least 200-300k km? the standard minimum for cars within a few years

[@moisetopaz]

I'm sold on this commuter vehicle. It looks good. 🙌🏽👏🏾👏🏾

[@levigato125]

It looks like two different cars glued together

[@aderg8001]

Yes! And both were ugly 😂

[@Marc-King777]

Right. I'm not getting all the people saying this thing looks good. It's basically the modern sedan version of the Pontiac Aztek.

[@dcb113]

Exactly. That long back panel behind the window looks like it was stuck on as an afterthought.

[@ThatGuy10112]

Yeah it’s an ugly ass car

[@rblh3839]

The hatchback looks better.

[@timphillips4147]

Always love the Kia reviews, really looking forward to this one 🎉

[@andreaspencer9813]

Awesome!

[@timphillips4147]

@@andreaspencer9813 absolutely!

[@Daniel-xp5or]

Hi Guys !!, First of all you're looking good in this K4 and enjoy your stay in Texas. The price and the look sounds very satisfy, Thank You and have a great day.

[@JustinAdams84]

Looks great and definitely has some marks above the competition. Hope they bring a hybrid K4 to market. Would be a great fuel saver.

[@tfisthisman]

waiting for the GT Line Turbo reviews to come in.

[@etacarinae5558]

Have a 2020 Kia Forte that has the same powertrain and transmission as that K4 . they need to update that in the basic model....But I agree the re-done exterior gives it a different look.

[@Scott-r3s]

Forte has the 2.0 nu while this K4 has the newer smartstream 2.0

[@TheDioginese]

I saw one drive by me last week, car looks impressive. Kia/hyundai really on another level for value/looks

[@richardmichael59]

And recalls along with sub par reliability and longevity. Hard pass.

[@anaveragehuman2937]

@@richardmichael59 even toyota and honda have recalls and reliability issues these days. Lead-foot uncle has a 2016-17-ish turbo sonata with 150k+ miles and they've never had a single issue with it. 🤷‍♂

[@TheSjuris]

@@anaveragehuman2937 that Sonata is worth around 1k right now if that. For the price better off with a Corolla. Exact same price better parts and better quality same with a Mazda 3.

[@anaveragehuman2937]

@@TheSjuris Autotrader shows listings within 200 miles of me for $7-8K. Also, Sonata is a midsize, corolla and mazda 3 are compact. Why make that comparison?

[@TheSjuris]

@ a similar Camry would still be more. An Elantra with 159k is worth nothing this comes from experience. Both Mazda 3 And Corolla are better made and more importantly have more power for the same price as a K4.

[@stefanwiechmann4808]

I like it and maybe it will come as a Ceed to Europe/ Germany. I also hope they would bring the sedan version.

[@lloydcrowder1283]

Needs to be a hatchback

[@Rob-qu3xg]

With the longer looking wheelbase, it could also make for a great wagon!

[@ryannatividad3137]

@@Rob-qu3xg I had a Kia Cee'D wagon in Iceland as a rental several years ago. Such a great, practical format of vehicle, we even slept in the back on several nights. Even though I know we won't get it, I would love to have a compact wagon in North America!

[@judih.8754]

Yes but Americans generally don't buy Hatchbacks, hence the lack of them in the marketplace.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Lift back would be sweet

[@Just-a-guy926]

When KIA announced this car they said the hatchback is coming out later

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

I can't wait to upgrade for the GT-Line model! It is the most stylish futuristic proof compact sedan I have ever seen besides the Elantra. Thank you, KIA, for taking innovation to a whole other level!

[@jr7055]

excellent work Kia!

[@conceptcs]

That C pillar, what is that? Trying to be different but doesn't really flow very well.

[@frankdeboer1347]

I definitely would've liked to have seen the hybrid version. I don't get why anyone would market a car without that option today. We've had the Hyundai Elantra in our household for 2 years and it was very likable.

[@paulcatarino2209]

Fingers crossed they bring a hybrid wagon version to North America.

[@calebwany8422]

US and wagons are like oil and water

[@DeadAir21]

Hahaha😂

[@ryannatividad3137]

I had a Kia Cee'D wagon in Iceland as a rental several years ago. Such a great, practical format of vehicle, we even slept in the back on several nights. Even though I know we won't get it, I would love to have a compact wagon in North America!

[@judih.8754]

Two chances, Slim and None. Unfortunately as I love wagons too.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

A hatchback/wagon version is coming to the U.S. Google, my friend.

[@vicslick2616]

Looks good, but no hybrid available? Elantra offers hybrid & up to 50+ mpg highway .Better financing too.

[@DeadAir21]

Probably coming later

[@davidcohen2762]

I doubt hyundai wants to compete against itself so they probably wont do it.

[@gpltd0097]

I love the look of the K4 and because of that I may considering buying one.

[@davidjym]

that makes you the 0.0001% of the population that actually like the K4.

[@jeretso]

Show us how the fastback opens please. Sedan trunk looks small. Hatch would be better.

[@GlennLaycock]

Oh so excited to see the Kia model finally move to the Elantra (Tucson) platform! I tell yeah, I just happen to (GM dealer sent me to them) get an Elantra and the darn thing drove very well I thought. Nice and big like the Jetta and new Civic - but even then - it was like 20% less expensive and arguable better in some ways (iVT right). The Elantra was taken to market apparently a couple years ahead of plan - but the Tucson platforms was showing itself to be excellent and the previous model (it was a good car really but people did not like the look) was not doing well at all. So my Elantra - the back seat kind of told me - this has been shot to market before they had time to kind of jewelry it up nicely - so just focus on the driver experience. But the K4 - what a delay - but they just show what they were envisioning for the Elantra but just did not have time for the components to gel eh. Love the execution of that two-spoke wheel (not easy).

[@palebeachbum]

Kia's competitor is always based on Elantra, but usually a few years behind. Not sure why, but they've been doing that for years.

[@BAMBAMPASTOR]

I like the general look of it. Not a fan though of the backseat door handles. So does the regular GT-Line in the US have the turbo 1.6, or just the GT-Line Turbo? And I agree with the other commenters, I want a hybrid version.

[@andreaspencer9813]

The GT-Line in the US has the non-turbo engine.

[@IndraneelUpponi]

Kia website says EX+ will have the 'Acoustic laminated windshield'. Is it changed to GT-Line?

[@Scott-r3s]

EX+ ? Not in the US. Acoustic laminated windshield is only on the GT line in the US

[@andreaspencer9813]

In Canada, yes the EX+ has the acoustic laminated windshield.

[@martinbraun2533]

I just did an under $25K sedan comparison, and think you made a huge mistake by not including the Subaru Legacy. The Honda is a small engine with a turbo, which spells disaster by demanding too much from a small engine. The Corolla was noisy and the performance weak, but great driver visibility. The Mazda-3 with the tradition transmission and large engine had performance, but poor driver visibility and narrow seats. The Subaru Legacy, with AWD, had an excellent interior with performance. It's a toss up between the KIA K4 and Subaru Legacy. Tough choice!

[@trollguysc2478]

is there a hatch version coming out?

[@tfisthisman]

Not in Canada. US only.

[@mountainhobo]

For model year 2026 (at least in the US).

[@realilty]

Very good review!

[@THEREALTJP]

Is the 1.6t worth it or should I be fine with the 2.0 N/A... I'm waiting for the GT Line

[@supersteve8305]

I love A to B cars. Especially the bottom trim levels. I prefer to invest the difference and let that money compound for my next entry level car purchase (in cash).

[@janoycresnova9156]

Ehhh life's too short to buy entry level econoboxes all the time

[@macaron3141592653]

Wait so in Canada the K4 gets full climate control buttons but in the US it looks like we only get fan speed and temperature? What gives? Is it something to do with the lack of dual zone temperature?

[@10OF9OFBORG]

90f! WOW! No wonder you guys looks sweaty! I notice interior looks narrow between you guys! Not bad vehicle. Great video Andrea! ☕️☕️

[@danabrown1047]

I have a 2020 Forte 6 speed manual, a rare model. Fuel economy is very impressive, with the onboard fuel economy meter routinely showing as good as 4.5L/100km on my morning commute to work. Same engine as this in a lighter package and it is extremely under powered. You have to keep the revs up for what I would consider average acceleration. I have also experienced a plethora of mechanical issues, especially related to the suspension.

[@judih.8754]

Chain driven CVT, Like Subaru! My son's Impreza with a similar horsepower rate drives nicely. Low powered car have come a long way!

[@reserva120]

Love the show , don’t even own a car , can’t drive - but have an alter built for you two to promote cult of the personality!.. I’ll send photos .. But if I was to trade in my 2003 Buick regal with 379 thousand miles.. What do you think of the 2028 Bentley Plug In hybrid car, is it reliable, what colour should I get , do you think the resale value would be higher??.. 1-2-3:)

[@HeatherMcMurtry-qb2qe]

Nice looking car!!

[@Tractshun]

The cost cutting and declining contenting has gotten out of control. A few years ago, only the barest of bare bones trims wouldn’t have a rear center armrest. Lately, you have to upgrade to very top of the line trim to get the rear armrest. Armrests are basic features. They are not opulent luxury features.

[@e5man4her]

Non turbo model price point seems to be in-line with Corolla for comparable equipment....with reliability and resale factored in the choice is made easy.

[@hwdan3096]

I think the fuel economy listed for the Turbo is incorrect, that's for the 2.0L EX trim (which is a bit heavier than the LX trim). I don't think Kia has published the numbers for the Turbo yet.

[@mountainhobo]

I wish Kia would bring back manual transmission for a vehicle like that. Since they are also bringing a hatchback later on, that combination would be hard to resist.

[@catsspat]

2025 Civic's base engine has 150HP, 8 less than the previous years' base engine. Previous LX/Sport engine was the classic K20C2, but the new one is a modified version of the hybrid engine (K20C9 or whatever, but it really isn't a K-series engine). New one can run in Atkinson cycle and is direct injection only, whereas the previous engine was port injection only.

[@techpappee]

I applaud Kia for designing out of the box. I do prefer the hatchback K4 over the sedan. I think it looks more cohesive. I'm not sure if NA is even getting a hatchback model. Thanks for the review.😊

[@harveyberkowitz1408]

You said your in Texas but the license plate says Ontario

[@andreaspencer9813]

These models were brought in from Canada.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

You're

[@ryannatividad3137]

Agreed...it's a bit jarring. I know most of the literal streets they drove on in the video since I lived in Austin for a few years, but Ontario plates are odd to see in that context.

[@richardmichael59]

lol at grammar monitor.

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

Nice design, reminds me of the Honda Crosstour a bit, but what's with the black cladding wheel arches? "I don't weant my car to get scratched so now it just looks bad all of the time"

[@sportinhere]

Don't worry, a year ago they said the hatchback would be in the U.S. early this fall and it's December and not even a single word about it so it's not here yet either. That's the only one I would have ever considered.

[@melllanes5574]

Texas location for review with Ontario Plates?

[@robertt1336]

What a better design & price than the competition! Do we think the 40mpg hwy is realistic in the real world?

[@anaveragehuman2937]

well hot dang, a budget minded compact vehicle that has rear vents on all trims and can be optioned to included ventilated seats and other niceties. you paying attention Honda??

[@paulroutledge4923]

The price of the K4 is interesting. Its basically the same price of a Kia Soul and the lower trims of the Kia Seltos. The Soul and Seltos would have more clearance, something we need in Winter.

[@AOI1601]

I personally think the k4 gt line turbo would be the vfm model and the one most people would buy

[@brainstorm466]

rear vents in Kia K4? is that available for EX trim in USA?

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

Only in Canada. U.S. get rear vents only on the top GT-Line Turbo trim.

[@johnnylau77]

Any hatchback version ?

[@Richardak600]

How does it compare to Mazda 3

[@davidjym]

I'd pick the Mazda 3 sedan anyday.

[@bcockton]

Test drove one this week. The one thing that I did not Ike was the digital dash. What you see is what you get; could not change the look of it. That wing design just did not do it for me.

[@mubirudenis809]

We're is the hatch???

[@jjukjkjiok7782]

For $29k usd, top K4 1.6T or base K5 2.5L with comparable hp and similar price.. which is your pick?

[@MicahB98]

So in America we are getting the hatch model and that’s the one I would buy. If it was a hybrid 🔥🔥🔥

[@thecman26]

Thanks to this video i bought one. Had to have the red one however!

[@Fuentes6544]

Damnnn wish I got this maybe the Qt and not a 2024 Sentra lol. This has so much more better stuff 😍😮‍💨. You can get the fully loaded one and not the SV Sentra for the price for the GT-line. Wait why not the comparison with the Sentra? New remodel Sentra coming 2026?

[@leightonrawlings3971]

Hi im from United Kingdom 🇬🇧, absolutely love this new K4 and does anyone know if this car is coming to UK/Europe? I would love to buy one, i drive a 2022 Kia Proceed GT,

[@samastra1066]

I like it ❤

[@GlennLaycock]

Looking more at the pricing in Canada - you know - if pricing includes apples to apples - the Elantra is quite a bit less expensive I think. Nothing wrong with it either - and I like that they dropped largely the analog (simulated) gauges in it for mostly a digital display (easier to read - mine took a bit to get used to - perhaps with kph so many numbers squeezed in there). K4 is a nicer execution with that extra time in there - but humm Elantra you get to keep more money in your pocket eh.

[@robertMSP19]

We're waiting for the hatchback............

[@davidjym]

I'm not ...

[@janoycresnova9156]

Liftback

[@KarimVEVO0]

Video description keep stating K5 . Just thought to let you know to avoid viewer confusion

[@josephpanozzo4815]

Those three headrests on the back seat look distracting.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

No, they don't.

[@keyshawnrussell245]

Wish they offered a sunroof on lower trims like the EX

[@msalvag]

They shoukd of just made the fastback a hatch. Looks like a sedan when closed but opens like a hatch. .

[@SoBe80s.]

Reminds me of some of the very odd-looking Datsuns of the 1970s. Whilst some may find Hyundai or kia products to be very futuristic looking, I suspect they will not age well at all whereas in my opinion, a Honda Civic is a much classier looking vehicle.

[@mrslcom]

Top marks for feature content. The styling is plain weird and Volvo-like.

[@BMan100]

....That steering wheel reminds me of a Rover SD1....thought it's a Elantra under it.

[@playbak]

waiting for tha 5 door hatch next year!

[@mrdmc86]

How do you buy a car with no crash rating?

[@moisetopaz]

The rear reminds me of a Volvo S60.

[@davidjym]

Except the K4 is uglier all around.

[@aderg8001]

That’s what Kia/Huyndai are all about - kinda looks like this, a bit like that, a bit like that. Only worse than all of them. Like a bad parody.

[@davidjym]

Hyundai had a good moment in the year 2018/19 with their designs. That's my favorite version of the Tucson, Santa Fe, Elantra and Accent. Mainly because they were 'normal' looking.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

​@@davidjymNormal is boring. This is more edgy and fun with the new design language. I want to look back at my car and say, "Damn, that's all me!" The new K4 definitely delivers that excitement.

[@NelsonGasparDrives]

Will there be a K3?????

[@davidjym]

The K3 will be more in line as a replacement for the Forte in terms of size.

[@johnholst]

As I've heard, the K4 is a replacement for the K3/Forte. They won't be making it anymore.

[@davidjym]

@@johnholst it's sad because the K4 is way to big to be considered a 'compact' car ...

[@johnholst]

@@davidjym I agree. But that's what Americans want. :(

[@davidjym]

@@johnholst they also want Tahoes and Escalades

[@wulongchai]

Texas? since you are in Texas, maybe you can test drive Hyundai Sonata hybrid too. See if Sonata hybrid is comparable with toyota and honda.

[@richardrankin7488]

Nice car but in five years will it be ready for the knacker?

[@DavidRhyne]

I want the hatchback so bad.

[@dcb113]

Saw a few of these last Sunday on the dealer lot. Just didn't like the styling or the interior when I saw it in person. It just looked cheap. Was hoping the gt might be my next car but I'll look again when it comes out.

[@calebniederhofer6529]

I could not disagree more. This is crazy impressive for a compact and mid trim level. Especially at the price point.

[@dcb113]

@@calebniederhofer6529 Have you seen one up close?

[@jeree477]

they took the appeal and features of the K5 shrunk it

[@Tbcp1313]

Great reviews as always. Another alternative is a 2025 Mazda 3 GX comes standard with heated front seats and a 2.5-liter 6-speed auto for a base price of $24,900.

[@aderg8001]

It’s a much better option than a junk Kia without any real warranty.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

Mazda 3 is just too small and cramped.

[@Tbcp1313]

@ true but for the money you're getting a better quality car with better horsepower and handling.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

@Tbcp1313 An average person doesn't care about driving dynamics. They care about which car has the latest technology, more space, and better value for the money. The K4 already has the Gen Z crowd attention. Mazda 3 is for a mature target audience. And it's nothing wrong with that. I just know space is a big thing now. Especially in the U.S. If Mazda made the Mazda 3 a Mazda 6 size in interior dimensions, then it will stand a chance to stay more competitive. Not only has more power, but it can be spacious as well. It's time for a redesign anyway. Hopefully, it will be 2026 model year. Mazda has to bring its A game.

[@freed14760]

That’s $24,000 at my local Kia dealer.. smoking deal…!! Ex

[@velboone6041]

I like it

[@guylr7390]

Wait, whose CVT uses a belt? I’m pretty sure they’re all chain type now.

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

A & Z, WHAT ABOUT THE K5 GT?? 🇺🇲🇨🇦😎

[@andreaspencer9813]

The K5 is no longer being sold in Canada.

[@NOCAPPING8275]

K4 has similarities on side veiw of the looks like the 2024 honda accord on the side view

[@dr.robotnik825]

hopefully thye do a coupe version, dont like 4 doors

[@edwardlai3960]

Bought a Kia Optima in 2013 and started burning oil at 80,000 km in just 4 years. No matter how good looking the K4 is, I will not touch another Kia.

[@johnholst]

Thankfully, they retired that old Theta engine a few years ago.

[@JakeDrives1]

From what I’ve seen, the top trim is not yet in production. Every example on sale in the USA is spec’d just like this. The more I look at it, the less I like it. I feel it would look best in black paint with tinted windows to hide the odd rear door and 3/4 design.

[@palebeachbum]

In the U.S. the options packaging is odd. You get a fancy digital cluster and radar cruise...luxury features...but NOT a folding rear seat. What? That's such a basic feature! You have to step up one trim to the LXS if you want that. If you want auto climate control, which several competitors offer standard, you have to step up yet another trim to the EX, which is priced up there with the Honda Civic. Such strange packaging. I will happily trade the digital cluster and radar cruise for the folding rear seat and auto climate standard.

[@realilty]

That screen is bigger than lucid airs lol

[@CaptainCJ97]

140 horsepower? I'm not a horsepower junkie but good lord this thing gonna struggle merging on the freeway when its pack

[@TheJ1s]

When they bring the EV version of this or K5, the EV4, I hope the price will be under $35k.

[@rw1557]

I just looked at this yesterday because of the incentives. I really wanted to like it because it's way under budget. But I can't get past the rear passenger window, it's HIDEOUS

[@GuileneAuman]

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[@TiniZineb-d3y]

Completely agree with you! Stephanie Janis Stiefel helped me save up and invest smartly before I bought my first Porsche. She’s great at helping you see the bigger picture so you’re not just buying on impulse. It’s a game-changer

[@ArataHaru-n1t]

This is exactly what I need. I’ve been thinking about getting a McLaren, but I know it’s a huge investment. Does she help with budgeting out all the other costs involved too, like maintenance and insurance?

[@GuileneAuman]

​@@ArataHaru-n1tshe definitely does! I’ve worked with her for about three years, and she’s super thorough. She went through every detail with me when I was buying my Lamborghini, maintenance, insurance, even potential resale value. I wouldn’t have been able to make such a smart choice without her.

[@TreviMounir]

​@@ArataHaru-n1tI’m in the same boat as you. I’ve always wanted a Ferrari, but I want to make sure it’s the right move financially. I’ll definitely look her up. Thanks for the tip

[@GuileneAuman]

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