Kia Forte rebadged the K4 in 4th-gen redesign

The fourth generation of Kia's popular compact sedan has bolder styling proportions, technology upgrades, two GT-Line variants and a new name: the K4.

Kia introduced the K4, previously badged the Forte, at the New York auto show on Wednesday. It follows in the footsteps of the Optima midsize sedan, renamed K5 for the 2021 model year.

The automaker has found success with its top-selling crossovers but has maintained its commitment to the sedan segment. Last year, the Forte's sales of 123,953 were up 14 percent compared with 2022. The small car is Kia's No. 2 seller behind the Sportage compact crossover.

"Succeeding in the compact segment means overdelivering on the features that customers want, and the K4 is designed to exceed expectations," Kia America's COO Steve Center said in a statement.

Kia has worked to transform its image from a value-oriented import brand to a leader in design, performance and technology. The new K4, on sale this year, is part of Kia's evolved blueprint.

Designers gave the K4 a fastback roofline and wide stance, which "splits the difference visually between the compact and midsize segments," said Tom Kearns, Kia Design Center America's chief designer.

The 2025 K4 stretches 185.4 inches, compared with the 182.7-inch length of the 2024 Forte. Kia did not provide all of the K4's dimensions but said the interior is roomier, especially when compared with rivals.

Vertically-oriented LED headlights and taillights evoke the design of the flagship EV9, and rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar draw more attention to the sleek silhouette.

The GT-Line trims get exclusive design elements, including a distinct front and rear fascia with gloss black accents, a satin chrome beltline and 18-inch alloy wheels. Gloss black accents are also found on the mirror caps, window trim and side sill.

The GT-Line Turbo gets small cube LED projection headlights, LED fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Kia K4 will come in four trims: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. The EX and GT-Line Turbo are new for 2025, and the six-speed manual transmission is no longer.

The standard engine is a carryover from the 2024 Kia Forte. It's a 147-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine mated to Kia's intelligently variable transmission.

The same turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four is available on the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Horsepower also drops from 201 to 190.

Kia said the engine has been re-engineered to hit super-low emissions standards versus the outgoing engine's ultra-low emissions ratings, causing the 11-hp output decrease. K4 fuel efficiency ratings aren't yet final.

The turbo engine is standard on the GT-Line Turbo and available on the GT-Line. When equipped with the more powerful engine, the GT-Line gets paddle shifters and a multi-link rear suspension for a sportier driving experience; both are standard on the GT-Line Turbo.

The K4's interior features a standard 30-inch digital instrument display and infotainment system with Kia's new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system that debuted in the EV9. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the line.

Kia's Digital Key 2.0 is available and allows drivers to lock, unlock and drive using their compatible Apple and Samsung smartphones. Access also can be shared with friends and family via text message.

Voice assistant also is available through Kia Connect and enables voice control to functions such as climate control and audio. It is designed to interact with the driver in a more conversational way and, using generative AI, will eventually be able to provide information on subjects such as stocks, sports, owner's manual content and local points of interest.

Kia included its full suite of advanced driver-assistance safety features, including Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Forward Collision Avoidance 1.5 is also standard as are haptic steering wheel warnings for the driver.