Houston drivers who want a small, efficient, and reliable car that packs a modern punch have a new contender. The Kia K4 is all-new for the 2025 model year, and its all-around performance is already turning heads. As the successor to the Kia Forte, this four-door compact sedan has excellent fuel mileage, upgraded technology, a surprisingly roomy interior, and enthusiasm that will turn heads while driving around Space City.

Before heading out to find a Kia K4 for sale near Houston here at our dealership, you should think about which trim is best suited to you. The 2025 Kia K4 rolls out with five trims to fit different driving needs and budgets so everyone gets the vehicle they deserve. Our 2025 K4 trim guide has the important details to help you make the right choice.

There are several things in common between the K4 options. They all have seating for five with 42.3 inches of front legroom and 38 inches of rear legroom that blows past rivals. Owners also get plenty of cargo space, a massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen with over-the-air updates, and a swath of safety features that earned the K4 an IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA five-star overall safety rating. Then there’s the confidence of Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. So, what separates the Kia K4 trims? Let’s get into it.

2025 Kia K4 LX: The Daily Commuter Essentials

Like other Kia vehicles, the LX is a budget-friendly version that offers a lot for a low price. The beating heart is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque connected to a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. It won’t win any speed awards, but efficiency-conscious Houston commuters will love the EPA-estimated 34 MPG combined. This includes 40 MPG on the highway to cruise for hours on Interstate 69 between fill-ups.

The exterior styling is dotted with useful features like high-visibility LED lighting that includes Kia's signature amber daytime running lights. The black and metal tiger nose front grille makes an opening statement, while a standard Smart Trunk provides easy loading. Standard tech features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, four USB-C ports in the front and rear, and remote start. You also get solid driver assistance features such as:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning

Overall, it’s a strong commuter vehicle for someone who wants a lot of bang for their buck. The Kia K4 LX is also a great first car thanks to its low price and impressive safety.

2025 Kia K4 LXS: Added Features and Customization

To take the next step in performance and convenience, consider the 2025 K4 LXS. While the powertrain is identical to the LX, this foundation gets some key updates to enhance the driving experience wherever you go. Outside, the 16-inch wheels are updated from steel to lightweight alloy for improved handling and acceleration. Inside the Kia K4 LXS, the sound system increases from four to six speakers for higher-quality audio. The driver assistance tech also gets a boost with Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Warning.

Finally, while the K4 LX is available in three paint colors, the LXS offers seven. Eye-popping hues like Currant Red, Deep Sea Blue, Morning Haze, and Steel Gray are added to the "big three" of Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, and Interstellar Gray. Your sedan will receive a healthy dose of personality whether you want to blend in or stand out.

2025 Kia K4 EX: An Exceptional Everyday Sedan

Do you want a compact that’s equally adept at going to work or taking a road trip? The 2025 K4 EX should be on your list. The wheels grow to 17 inches with a shorter tire sidewall for more curb appeal and sportier handling on Texas roadways. You also get a bold style with machined-finish black wheels and a gloss black and chrome grille. The premium TriCot fabric upholstery gets snazzy embossing, and you can choose gray and black or green and black patterns. Kia covers the steering wheel and shift knob with SynTex synthetic leather for a great feel and added protection.

Beyond this, Kia bumps up the comfort and tech in a big way. The digital instrument display grows from four inches to 12.3 inches, and you get a wireless phone charging pad for cord-free battery top-ups. The new dual-zone automatic climate control includes a separate five-inch climate display and the ability to turn the system on remotely using the Kia Access App—you can step from the sweltering Houston heat into a pre-cooled car. The app also offers a maintenance reminder to help you stay on top of oil changes and tire rotations.

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line: Exciting Style and Advanced Amenities

Even drivers who emphasize practicality sometimes like to live on the edge. You can do so with the 2025 K4 GT-Line, which looks and feels more like a premium sports sedan. Kia replaces the rear suspension with a more sophisticated independent multi-link setup and adds dual stabilizer bars—and the wheels grow again to 18 inches. This combo produces refined handling that lets you lean into corners.

As for appearance, the K4 GT-Line comes with track-inspired traits like an aggressive grille, black and chrome window surrounds, a sport-style steering wheel, and black side mirror caps. Anyone who likes to let the Houston sunshine into their sedan can do so with the available panoramic sunroof. The upholstery is offered in full SynTex or a SynTex/cloth blend, and you can pick fiery black and white or black and red color schemes. A black headliner continues the sporty vibe.

Tech was already great on the EX, but the GT-Line goes to the next level. The on-board navigation system guides you around Houston and works in tandem with the Smart Cruise Control to smoothly handle curves. Kia AI Assistant supports voice commands, and you can upgrade to a Harman Kardon premium eight-speaker audio system. Paddle shifters, Highway Driving Assist, integrated side mirror LED turn signals, and LED brake lights are a few more high-level features.

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: Sporty and Speedy

This is the top-line K4 with everything a Houston car enthusiast could want at a reasonable price point. This small sedan drives big as the base powertrain is swapped for a 1.6L turbo-four and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Together, they boost output to 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque—and fuel economy is still respectable at an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined.

You don’t just get more power in the 2025 K4 GT-Line Turbo. Kia replaces the standard reflector headlights with Small Cube LED projection headlights for the best nighttime clarity and adds LED fog lights for rainy days. Full LED combination tail lights help other drivers see you, too. The panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system, and all-SynTex upholstery become standard features for luxury cruising. Available driver assistance tech like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, front and rear Park Distance Warning, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 offer further peace of mind for those who want it.

Discover the 2025 Kia K4 at Parkway Family Kia

Kia’s all-new compact car is poised to take on the biggest names in compact sedans, and by selecting the right 2025 Kia K4 trim, you can get a version you will enjoy for years. From the practical affordability of the LX to the upscale performance of the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo, the K4 is here to deliver.

Visit Parkway Family Kia today to test-drive the 2025 K4. We are the #1 volume Kia dealer in Texas because we provide a great shopping experience for every customer. Everyone who buys a new Kia K4 from us receives the Parkway Family Advantage, which includes lifetime complimentary state inspections, alignment checks, and loaner cars to keep you on the road. Contact us today to find your perfect K4!