Kia K4 S 2025 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
7.3

Likes

Sleek exterior design
Much more refined than Cerato
Modern, spacious cabin and ample boot space

Dislikes

Pricier than its predecessor
2.0L engine could do with more poke
Intrusive driver assistance systems
Tim Nicholson

Managing Editor

2 min read

The Kia K4 replaces the long-running Cerato and the new model has increased in size to the point that it’s straddling small and mid-size car dimensions.

From launch the only body style is the sedan, but a hatchback is coming before the end of 2025. It’s also petrol power only for now but expect a hybrid soon.

Kicking off the range is the base S, which has gone up in price by more than $3500. Kia says the uptick in price can be put down to an increase in in-car and safety tech, greater levels of refinement and more.

Read More About Kia K4

The S is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine offering up power and torque of 112kW/192Nm. This drives the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The carryover 2.0-litre unit consumes 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle and emits 167g/km of CO2.

Standard gear in the S includes a 4.0-inch LCD driver’s instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear-seat air vents and USB-C ports, digital radio, customisable driver profiles and manual air conditioning.

You can opt for a 'Safety Pack' ($2100) that adds a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 5.0-inch air con display, dual-zone climate control and an expanded AEB system with junction turning and crossing and direct/oncoming lane change detection.

Kia K4 2025: S

Engine Type Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 7.4L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $25,630 - $31,680
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$36,086
Based on 423 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$24,490
HIGHEST PRICE
$49,444
Tim Nicholson

Managing Editor

Calling out the make and model of every single car he saw as a toddler might have challenged his parents’ patience, but it was clearly a starting point for Tim Nicholson’s journey into automotive journalism. Tim started his journalism career as a staff writer for the Australian Open tennis tournament in 2011, completing an internship as part of his Master of Arts (Media and Communications) at Swinburne University. Tim followed his passion for all things automotive by launching the program, Fender Bender, on community radio station JOY 94.9. This led to an entry role at industry publication GoAuto, before eventually holding the role of Managing Editor. A stint as RACV’s Motoring Editor – including a year as an Australia’s Best Cars judge – provided a different perspective to automotive media, before leading him to CarsGuide where he started as a Contributing Journalist in September 2021, and transitioned to Senior Editor in April 2022, before becoming Managing Editor in December 2022. You can find Tim on LinkedIn and Instagram Education Master of Arts (Media and Communications) | Swinburne University | 2010-2012 Featured Publications GoAuto | 2012-2019 GoAutoNews Premium | 2012-2019 RACV Royal Auto | 2019-2021 CarsGuide | 2021-present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$24,490
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2025 Kia K4
See Pricing & Specs

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