2025 Kia K4 vs. 2024 Kia Forte | Merrillville, IN

2025 Kia K4 vs. 2024 Kia Forte Exterior Design

Externally, the 2025 Kia K4 and 2024 Kia Forte are both a classic small sedan, but there are several style distinctions. The slim headlights on the K4 feature elegant vertical lines flanking each side of the bumper, which then merge into a horizontal line. The Forte boasts a more traditional horizontal headlight design resting on top of the grille. The Forte is shorter and slimmer than the K4, measuring in at 182.7 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, while the K4 comes in with a 185.4-inch length and a 72.8-inch width. Plus, the Forte offers a wider range of wheel sizes — from 15 to 18 inches. The K4, meanwhile, offers 16- to 18-inch wheels.

2025 Kia K4 vs. 2024 Kia Forte Interior Design & Technology

Within the 2025 Kia K4 and 2024 Kia Forte, you’ll find numerous amenities designed to make daily drives pleasant. Both include standard six-way manual front seats, with a ten-way power driver’s seat becoming available in the K4 GT-Line. The same ten-way power driver’s seat is only optional on the Forte. The K4 features an available SynTex-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob; the Forte instead offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. For open-air refreshment, the K4 offers power front windows with one-touch auto-up and down; the Forte driver’s window is the only one with these features.

Both the 2025 Kia K4 and 2024 Kia Forte offer contemporary connectivity features. The Forte offers either an 8- or 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the K4 instead comes standard with a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen. While both include Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, only the K4 is equipped with wireless smartphone connectivity. Monitor vehicle updates with the 4.2-inch instrument display on the Forte or either the 4- or 12.3-inch instrument panel display on the K4. Treat yourself to an optimized musical experience through an eight-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system that is available on the Forte or optional on the K4.

2025 Kia K4 vs. 2024 Kia Forte Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

Both the 2025 Kia K4 and 2024 Kia Forte have engine options with proven performance capabilities and excellent fuel economy ratings. The Forte offers two engine options, while the K4 has one engine. Both the 2.0L four-cylinder engines available on the K4 and Forte have roughly equivalent performance and fuel efficiency capabilities. The available 1.6L turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) engine on the Forte maximizes power with 201 horsepower, plus it offers a choice between two transmission options.

Kia K4 and Kia Forte engine options are shown in the accompanying table.

2025 Kia K4 vs. 2024 Kia Forte Size & Cargo Space

While both are compact sedans, the 2025 Kia K4 has a larger interior cabin than the 2024 Kia Forte. To start, the K4 includes class-leading second-row rear legroom — 38 inches. Meanwhile, the Forte only has up to 35.7 inches of rear legroom. Passenger volume also increases in the K4 to 98.7 cubic feet from the 96 cubic feet in the Forte. If you need to expand the cargo space in either sedan, they both offer a 60/40 split-folding rear seat functionality.

Kia K4 and Forte interior dimensions are shown for quick reference.

2025 Kia K4 vs. 2024 Kia Forte Safety Options & Features

You’ll find that most driver assistance and safety features are available on both the 2025 Kia K4 and 2024 Kia Forte, with a few distinct features exclusive to the Forte. The Forte offers blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and rear park distance warning. A feature both sedans have available is Highway Driving Assist, which allows you to remain a specified distance from the vehicle in front of you while maintaining a set speed.

Driver assistance and safety features available on both the K4 and Forte include:

• Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go
• Highway Driving Assist
• Rearview monitor
• Hill start assist control
• Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane following assist
• Rear occupant alert
• Driver attention warning
• Blind-spot collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
• Safe exit warning