Kia K4 (2025-2026)

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 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 had the opportunity to drive the 2025 Kia K4 as a loaner vehicle for about a month, and while it made a strong first impression, my experience was a mix of positives and negatives. What I Liked: The first thing you notice about the K4 is its posh exterior design — Kia has clearly stepped up its styling game. It looks more premium. The infotainment system is another highlight: it’s responsive, and easy to use. The music system is especially impressive, producing crisp, clear sound that makes every drive enjoyable.

Where It Falls Short: Comfort is where the K4 starts to lose points. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla, the seats and ride comfort are noticeably less impressive. While the cabin remains fairly quiet on highways with minimal engine noise, I was surprised by how loud it got on the freeway due to significant road and tire noise. This really detracts from the overall driving experience.

Rear passenger space is another disappointment — rear legroom feels quite cramped, which could be an issue for taller passengers or longer trips. Additionally, the steering wheel feels heavier and stiffer than what you’d expect from a compact sedan in this segment, making city driving and tight maneuvers less effortless.

Verdict: The 2025 Kia K4 is a stylish sedan with great infotainment and audio performance, but it’s held back by comfort issues, cabin noise at higher speeds, and a less refined driving feel. It’s a solid choice if looks and tech are your top priorities, but if comfort and quietness are essential, rivals like the Corolla might suit you better.

Such a will built in Zippy car for the price. Love the features