As fall settles in at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, it's a time of exciting change. With cooler temperatures, it's a perfect opportunity to explore some of the beautiful hiking trails St. Louis has to offer. Just under 30 miles away, you can find gems like Klondike Park, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery along the Lewis and Clark trail. This season also brings the arrival of new models, including the all-new Kia K4, which is set to replace the Forte sedan.
Every K4 model comes standard with an Intelligent Variable Transmission, while the GT-Line Turbo gets a traditional 8-speed automatic. We're still waiting to see if the hatchback version will debut with the first model, or if it will be available in 2025. The trim levels start with the LX, LXS, and EX, and top off with the impressive GT-Line. The GT-Line stands out with its rear multi-link and sport-tuned suspension, replacing the standard K4's torsion beam rear axle.
Under the hood, the GT-Line Turbo is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, which replaces the 2.0-liter engine found in the lower trims. Despite its smaller size, it delivers 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of 130 mph.
The entry-level 2025 K4 LX is estimated to achieve 30 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined. The GT-Line Turbo is expected to have similar fuel efficiency. The K4 faces competition from the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla, but Motor Trend noted that the K4’s styling, both inside and out, is more impressive than its rivals. Most K4 trims will arrive in September, with the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo expected in November and early 2025, respectively.
Car and Driver praised the GT model, calling it “distinctively good-looking, well-equipped, and rowdy fun.” They highlighted the K4 as a great family buy, with the GT trim offering an extra dose of excitement. Consumer Reports also praised the K4’s technology, from its optional large screen array to its extensive list of safety features. The K4 continues Kia's tradition of offering premium features that exceed expectations for its class.
The Kia K4 is about 2 inches longer and wider than the Forte, and slightly larger than the Honda Civic. Its new vertical LED headlight design, inspired by the EV9 SUV, adds a striking visual touch at night. The GT-Line models feature stylish black accents, 18-inch wheels, and satin chrome garnish. Other available upgrades include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sunroof. The optional Highway Driving Assist can make long journeys more comfortable by helping with lane changes and reacting to merging traffic.
