DecodedCars2025 Kia K4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 30 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,954 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Kia K4 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,954 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 40 highway), 13% better than the 2025 midsize car average of 30 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2025 K4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 72.8 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 2,954 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +13% | $1,950 | 264 |
| K4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +10% | $2,050 | 273 |
| K4 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 29 | -3% | $2,300 | 303 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 KIA K4 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.9% |
Similar 2025 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia K4 (this car) | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2025 Honda Civic | 49 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2025 Toyota Camry | 51 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2025 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2025 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 26, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V046000 · 42,677 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Critical Fasteners · Aug 25, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V548000 · 30 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.
Not every 2025 Kia K4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Kia K4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Kia K4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other K4 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →