KIA’s introduction of the all-new 2025 Kia K4 into the compact sedan market left a lasting impression as you can see regarding my favorable Street Lines review of the GT-Line version. Eager to compare that model to the other four—LX, LXS, EX and GT-Line Turbo—I excitedly got behind the wheel of the latter, which is the top of line of the quintet. The most obvious differences? Performance and more opulent features coming standard.
The GT-Line Turbo stayed consistent regarding the popular “Morning Haze” exterior, attractive LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels with black gloss accents. However, the standard appointments to boost the sport factor included LED projector headlights, fog lights, and rear combination lights embellishing the exterior.
Under the hood, the GT-Line Turbo justifies its name with a major engine upgrade—a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, leaving behind the less responsive Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Of course, adding the sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension, sport pedals, and a GT-Line steering wheel with paddle shifters completed the performance-minded driving experience.
On the luxury side, the K4 GT-Line Turbo’s list of standard features include a power sunroof with a sunshade, leatherette seating throughout the cabin, rear air vents, and an ear-pleasing Harman/Kardon premium sound system. The optional Technology Package ($2,200) is highly recommended if you want to go all out. This bundle adds ventilated front seats; a surround-view monitor; blind-spot view monitor; LED ambient lighting in various colors; memory function for both the driver’s seat and outside mirrors; and the very handy smartphone digital key. Safety wise, the Package delivers an extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features like forward collision-avoidance assist with cyclist and turning detection; blind-spot collision-avoidance assist; rear cross-traffic avoidance; highway driving assist 2; and parking collision-avoidance to undoubtedly ease the mind as well.
Although the K4 GT-Line Turbo is the cream of the crop of the five trims complemented with more muscle, efficiency still plays a big part with a respectable 29 miles per gallon combined. And no worries, the applauded 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty further boosts the confidence to drive it off the lot.
With a sticker price of $31,445 as equipped including the Technology Package, the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo leaves virtually nothing to be desired in the compact sedan segment.
Fuel Economy: 26 city/36 highway/29 combined
Price: Starts at $30,290 and $31,445 including both the Technology Package
For more information, visit Kia.com.