Can the Kia K4 go up against the likes of the Mazda 3?

In the Philippine market, where sedans like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3 have long been favorites, Kia’s presence has also been felt with models like the Forte, which was sold here several years ago. 

Now, Kia is introducing a new compact sedan for 2025, replacing the outgoing Forte after three generations with the all-new K4. The K4 is bigger, bolder, and features an assertive design with sharp LED headlights, a wide lower grille, and a well-appointed interior. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t seem like the K4 is slated for a Philippine launch—at least not yet. 

Kia has announced the pricing for the 2025 K4, and while it's $2,000 (about P113,000) more expensive than the outgoing Forte, it remains a competitively priced option in the increasingly costly new car market. The base LX trim starts at $23,145 (around P1.3M) and comes loaded with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and multiple USB-C ports. Moving up to the LXS trim upgrades the wheels to dark gray alloys while also including rear cross-traffic collision avoidance.

For those looking for more luxury, the K4 offers an EX trim priced at $25,145, or about P1,400,000 which includes 17-inch black alloy wheels, a digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless charger. The sportier GT-Line, priced at $26,345 (around P1,500,00) enhances driving dynamics with a multi-link suspension setup, paddle shifters, and sporty 18-inch wheels, along with a host of driver assistance features.

Under the hood, the LX, LXS, EX, and GT-Line all come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Those seeking more power can opt for the GT-Line Turbo, which comes with a 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, full LED lighting, faux leather seats, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

With the K4 set to hit dealerships in the U.S. in September 2024, the big question remains: Will Kia bring this new model to the Philippines? Given the love for compact sedans in the country and Kia’s history of offering competitive models here, it wouldn’t be surprising if the K4 eventually makes its way to Philippine shores. Only time will tell if it will join the ranks of the beloved sedans in the local market.

With all that being said, there’s no denying that Kia has quite a spectacular lineup of vehicles in the local market. Check all of them out by clicking here. And once you’ve decided which Kia tickles your fancy, why not hit “Get Quote” and receive an official quote from a dealer near you within a matter of minutes?