There’s no doubt that SUVs have been dominant in the American market for years, accounting for about 58% of vehicle sales in 2024. But at the same time, automakers have been raising prices on SUVs because of their popularity. If you want an affordable new car, the insider tip is to buy a sedan.

Among the great sedans still on the market is the Kia K4. This compact model was formerly known as the Forte, but was completely reworked and renamed. Still, you get an attractive four-door car with seating for five passengers. The K4 is convenient, quiet, easy to drive, and economical.

The basics of the Kia K4 include a 2.0-liter engine, except for the top GT-Line Turbo trim level, which gets a more powerful 1.6-liter turbo engine. Still, the basic specs are good, with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque from the two-liter engine. The standard transmission is a continuously variable unit, again except for the top Turbo trim, which gets a traditional eight-speed automatic. All K4 models feature front-wheel drive.

On the inside, the K4 provides a spacious, sensible, modern interior. In the GT-Line trim, there’s a single pane of glass stretching across the dash, which houses both the driver information display and the infotainment system. Infotainment is a touch screen, but there are also audio buttons for convenience. Climate control is also managed with traditional buttons below the infotainment screen, and there’s a traditional shifter on the console. In the back seat, the K4 offers class-leading legroom.

On the road, the K4 is nimble and easy to drive. It’s not fast compared to some higher horsepower cars available now, but you also won’t feel like it’s underpowered. My only complaint after driving the K4 for a week was that I had to give it back. This compact sedan was convenient, comfortable, and a pleasure to use. One of the best things about the K4 is its fuel economy – which hits 39 MPG on the highway, and 29 around town.

The Kia K4 starts with its base LX trim at a thrifty $21,990, but you still get the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. However, it’s a much better choice to spend an extra $1,000 for the upgrade LXS trim, which buys blind spot monitoring and LED headlights, among a few other things. Moving up to the mid-grade EX trim is just another $1,000, and you get the dual 12.3-inch screens, a wireless phone charger, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Next up is the GT-Line trim we tested, which also includes a navigation system and heated front seats, starting at $25,190. The top trim gets you the turbo engine, and starts at $28,090.

All things considered, we’d suggest any of the middle-grade trims from LXS to GT-Line. For a little extra cash, you get some important features. It’s quite easy to find a very great value in features and still keep the bottom line under $25,000. The 2025 Kia K4 is on sale now at area Kia dealers.

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

Base price: $25,190

Price as tested: $28,345

Type: Compact sedan

Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 hp, 132 lbs-ft)

Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission

EPA estimated mileage: 29/39

Overall length: 185.4 inches

Curb weight: 3,161 pounds

Final assembly: Pesqueria, Mexico