• The K4 five-door hatchback was teased on a video screen during the K4 sedan presentation at the New York International Auto Show.
  • Apparently, the compact hatch will be available in the US, arriving after the sedan launch in the second half of 2024.

Enthusiasts, rejoice! Well, sort of, at least if you have a soft spot for compact hatchbacks. Kia believes that the future of the automotive industry will include more than just crossovers, and has surprised us with our first look at the K4 five-door hatchback, which will soon join the sedan in its U.S. lineup.

The automaker treated us to our first glimpse of the car today during their presentation of the K4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show. While we knew beforehand about the unveiling of the compact sedan, the company had kept mum about any plans for a hatchback version of the Forte replacement until now.

More: 2025 Kia K4 Is America’s Forte From Another Planet, Offers Turbo Too

“The all-new K4 is a testament to the future of the sedan and a symbol of our belief in that elegance and sportiness will remain highly relevant,” said Karim Habib, Kia’s head of global design. “And now, I’m excited to give you a look at what’s coming next. A five-door hatch version. A practical vehicle that is aimed at the dynamic and urban lifestyle.”

Few other details were offered, but Kia did confirm to Motor1 that the vehicle will be sold in the U.S., and that it will arrive later than the sedan. From the early renders, it appears that little other than the roofline and the rear will have to change to transform the sedan into a hatchback.

New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup
New Kia K4 Hatchback Teased, Will Join Sedan In North American Lineup

While it is not yet clear if all powertrains will be shared between the models, the K4 sedan will be offered with two engine options. The entry level 2.0-liter engine makes 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS) and 132 lb-ft (179 Nm) of torque, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged option offers 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

The engines may not be nothing to write home about, but Kia is prioritizing comfort and safety for the car. Alongside features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance technology, the vehicle is equipped with acoustic glass in the windshield and noise-reducing tires, elevating its overall feel to a more premium level.

Additionally, it can be outfitted with a massive curved display, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The K4 also boasts a voice assistant feature, supports over-the-air updates, and even offers the convenience of phone unlocking.

Unfortunately, , Kia has not yet disclosed when they intent to fully unveil the K4 five-door hatchback, but the sedan will start being available to customers in the second half of 2024.