- Kia’s new K4 sedan has been spied testing in Europe ahead of a US launch later this year.
- The muscular-looking sedan has already been shown completely undisguised earlier this year.
- Kia will also introduce a sharp-suited K4 hatch that will come to the US as well as replace the Ceed in Europe.
Affordable mass market sedans are usually dependable, but rarely desirable. No one ever lusted after a Kia Forte, but you might find yourself strangely drawn to a Kia dealer later this year to check out its replacement, the K4.
Our spy photo team tracked Kia’s R&D team down while it was testing this prototype K4, still wearing a full camouflage outfit despite the automaker having revealed the compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year.
Related: 2025 Kia K4 Is America’s Forte From Another Planet, Offers Turbo Too
Those images show a confident, muscular compact sedan that looks like the result of Kia taking the now-defunct Stinger and updating it with the firm’s new design language from the EV9 and EV3. The Y-shaped DRLs, vertical headlights, squared fenders, and rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar come together to create a four-door fastback that’s far more modern and youthful than a 2025 Toyota Camry.
Though the spy images don’t show the K4’s interior, we know from the New York debut that it bears a strong resemblance to the ones in the facelifted Sorento, EV3, and EV9. Beyond a squared steering wheel, there’s a slim but wide digital display that combines the instrument cluster and media screen.
One interesting detail is the old-fashioned T-bar gear shifter on the console, as the rest of the modern Kias have now moved over to rotary shift controls.
Kia has already confirmed that the K4 will arrive in US showrooms with a choice of naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6 power. Atmo cars send 147 hp (150 PS) to the front wheels via a CVT while the turbo pushes 190 hp (193 PS) via an eight-speed auto.
And those same engines will probably find their way under the hood of the K4 sedan’s hatchback sister. The VW Golf-sized hatch will replace the Ceed in Europe, but in a surprise move, Kia has said it will bring it to the US, too.
