The spy photos of the 2025 Kia K4 have emerged, marking the arrival of a compact sedan that will replace the popular Kia Cerato or Forte, known for its reasonable price and compact size. These images were captured during the vehicle's prototype testing under full camouflage. Interestingly, Kia already unveiled the new K4 earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show.
The photos depict a muscular and powerful compact sedan that appears to be a derivative of the now-discontinued Stinger, but with the new design language found in the EV9 and EV3 models. The daytime running lights are Y-shaped, and the headlights are vertical, complemented by squared wheel arches and rear door handles cleverly hidden in the C-pillar. This makes it a modern and youthful four-door vehicle, more so than the 2025 Toyota Camry.
Although the spy shots do not reveal the K4's interior, it closely resembles that of the updated Sorrento, EV3, and EV9. Alongside a square steering wheel, a wide digital screen integrates both the instrument cluster and media display. An interesting detail is the old T-shaped gear shifter on the console, while the rest of Kia's modern lineup has shifted to dial-style gear controls.
Kia has confirmed that the K4 will reach U.S. showrooms with a choice of a 2.0-liter engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. The vehicle delivers 147 horsepower sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission, while the turbocharged engine produces 190 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
It is likely that the same powertrains will be carried over from the K4 hatchback to the sedan version. The hatchback will replace the Ceed in Europe, and in a surprising move, Kia has announced it will also introduce it to the U.S. market.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
