Best Kia Sedans

I owned a demo near new 2025 Kia K4 S (base model with the Safety Pack) and drove it for approximately 20,000 km over close to a year. Below is my… Read more

honest, opinion based, real‑world ownership experience.

Resale - I paid $29,990 for a demo K4 in June 2024, and by the time I looked to trade it in—less than a year later—the car had already suffered 15–20% depreciation. That level of value loss in such a short period is significant by any standard. Several dealers were not keen to take the K4 as a trade in at all, largely because Kia has been aggressively discounting demo and near new stock to clear inventory. This directly undermines resale values and leaves recent buyers exposed. The problem is exacerbated by the base model K4 S flooding the used market. Supply clearly outweighs demand, particularly compared to the Sport and GT Line variants, which sit at a higher price point and attract a different buyer profile. As a result, the S model is the weakest performer from a depreciation standpoint. By comparison, my move to a Mazda CX 5 is objectively stronger from a long term value and depreciation perspective, not just a driving one. A 2018 CX 5, purchased new for roughly $32,000 drive away, was still retailing at $26,888 after eight years. That equates to far slower, more predictable depreciation, and highlights just how poorly the K4 performs when value retention is taken into account.

Safety - The safety tech is excellent, no complaints there. Beyond that, there’s very little to praise. Strong driver‑assist features alone do not justify the K4’s near $30k price point.

Transmission - The K4 is fitted with Kia’s IVT (their CVT equivalent), and unfortunately, it’s not a transmission I enjoyed. As with most CVTs, it feels disconnected and unrefined. What makes this worse is that the previous Cerato used a traditional 6‑speed automatic, which was a brilliant gearbox. Subaru shows that CVTs can be done well, but Kia still has a long way to go. Kia if you are reading this, please bring back a conventional automatic.

Engine – Powered by a 2.0‑litre engine, the car is noticeably slow on take‑off, requiring extra care when merging into traffic or making quick moves at intersections. With momentum, performance becomes acceptable, but it never feels particularly strong or confident.

Interior – The interior is let down by extensive use of hard, flimsy plastics. The steering wheel, armrest, and dashboard all feel cheap to the touch, detracting from the overall driving experience. One positive is the fabric upholstery, which has proven durable and held up well during ownership.

Electrics - no rain sensing wiper, shame!

Exterior – Following three months of WA summer temperatures, a visible gap appeared where the rear bumper meets the body. This indicates possible thermal expansion or material quality issues, which is disappointing given the vehicle had only just undergone its first summer.

AC – Main deal breaker - The air‑conditioning vents are positioned quite low, around belly level, meaning airflow is directed away from the upper body. To compensate, the vents have to be angled upwards, and the fan speed increased, which makes the cabin noticeably noisy—yet still struggles to cool the upper body effectively. This was particularly uncomfortable during the WA summer. In my view, Kia prioritised the large display screen to appeal to buyers, and the air‑conditioning system was compromised as a result. Even at the lowest temperature setting, the system fails to blow sufficiently cold air.

Windscreen – Intermittent sharp knocking sound like a stone hitting the windscreen, single sharp knock near the base of the windscreen more noticeable at low speed. Lodged a complain with Kia, apparently its normal!!!

Brakes – a strong resonant or booming brake sound when backing out cold, logged in with Kia, apparently its normal!!!

Fuel – very good

Wiper blades – change to the good stuff as the originals are useless

I’ve since replaced the K4 with a 2018 Mazda CX‑5. Despite being older and a base‑spec model, the Mazda feels superior in terms of build quality in every respect. Overall, it’s a much more engaging car to drive, and one I genuinely enjoy being behind the wheel of.

Verdict: If you’re working with a $30k budget, it’s worth comparing a few options before deciding. While the large screen and safety tech is impressive, it shouldn’t be the main draw. The car performs well enough as a daily driver and fulfils its role, but if you do choose the K4, the higher‑spec models are likely the better buy in terms of fit, finish, and overall performance. Credit where it’s due, Kia’s after‑sales and warranty service has been very good.

I purchased this vehicle from the Dealership and all Servicing was done at the dealership from 2013 to 2021. This is important because about 2021 I… Read more

noticed that the Paintwork on the Rear Right passenger Door was beginning to peel. So I approached the Dealership who blamed 1) The heat 2) Servicing done by others 3) My fault.

Until I wrote a blog and they took notice. Only to say that they would repaint only the door if I took down the blog. They made me promise that should the paint work deteriorate any where else on the car they would not fix it.

Guess what in 2025, The paint work on the bonnet is dropping off in large patches. The Paint work on the windshield trim running blotches all the way from top to bottom. The other doors also showing patches. Essentially the Metallic Blue paint on the body work with thin 10years is looking like a patient with Vitiligo.

I feel when I saw the car at the dealer ship in 2013 and requested that instead of the white Kia RIO Hatch, could I have the Blue. They must have taken it into the back & repainted the white & sold it to me or repainted Metallic Blue onto a vehicle with already defective paintwork.

So a 10 year old Car that has barely reached 100,000km , parked mainly at home in the driveway is losing its paintwork & the Dealership won't take any responsibility - who else is going too?

A Car , 10 years old ONLY, is losing its original paintwork. My 30year old Red Daihatsu Charade maintained its colour till I gave it away. And Yet a 10 Year Old Kia Rio in metallic blue cannot!!!!! Perhaps there should be a disclaimer to say that after 10 years Kia Rio cars cannot guarantee their original paintwork. Or should the Disclaimer read " All Kia Rio's purchased from that Dealership cannot be guaranteed"