2025 Kia K4: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2025 Kia K4 scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation compared to 28 other budget Sedans. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1 average for Sedans.
- Starting MSRP
- $21,990 - $28,090
- EPA Combined MPG
- 33 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,800 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,750 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 30 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $980 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
Priced from $21,990 to $28,090, the 2025 Kia K4 is one of 28 budget Sedans. The data below covers what it costs to fuel, insure, and maintain over the miles you will actually drive.
- Avg repair cost $280 per year below Sedan average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 2 recalls on file (above Sedan average of 1)
2025 Kia K4 at a Glance
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Kia K4 are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that the recall history is not a standout.
- safety
- reliability
- fuel cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest Sedans 2025 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Sedans 2025 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,800. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2025 →
Cautions in the data
- There are 2 recalls on file, above the current sedans average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
- NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file, above the 16-complaint average for 2025 Sedans.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2025 Kia K4?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2025 Kia K4 has been tested by both NHTSA and IIHS crash test programs. Among Sedans, 99% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 9.9%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard & Optional |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard & Optional |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard & Optional |
The NHTSA star rating covers frontal, side, and rollover crashes. IIHS picks up where NHTSA leaves off with small-overlap frontal tests, roof strength, and headlight evaluations.
How Did the 2025 Kia K4 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2025 Kia K4 earned an IIHS TSP+. To qualify, a vehicle must score well across all crash test categories and demonstrate effective crash prevention technology. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | A Acceptable |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small cars
Test results are a snapshot from before the vehicle shipped. The recall record tracks what has been discovered since, including any components the manufacturer has agreed to repair at no cost.
Does the 2025 Kia K4 Have Any Recalls?
With 2 recall campaigns on file, the 2025 Kia K4 exceeds the 1 average for Sedans. Affected components include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS. Note that more recalls can indicate more proactive defect identification. All recall repairs are free. Source: NHTSA.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 341,476
What Do 2025 Kia K4 Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia K4. This is above the average of 16 complaints for 2025 Sedans. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
9 in the last 90 days · 29 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-04-06
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- ADAS / Safety Tech11
- Electrical8
- Powertrain5
- Engine5
- Steering4
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Commuting miles add up. The EPA fuel data below shows what you can expect to spend annually on the 2025 Kia K4, broken down by trim.
What Is the 2025 Kia K4 Fuel Economy?
EPA rates the most efficient 2025 Kia K4 trim at 33 combined MPG, with a projected annual fuel cost near $1,800. That is roughly in line with the $1,723 average for budget Sedans. Source: EPA.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 33 MPG | 29 | 39 | $1,800 per year |
| LXS | 33 MPG | 29 | 39 | $1,800 per year |
| EX | 33 MPG | 29 | 39 | $1,800 per year |
| GT-Line | 33 MPG | 29 | 39 | $1,800 per year |
| GT-Line Turbo | 33 MPG | 29 | 39 | $1,800 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $9,000 based on EPA data.
EPA smog rating ranges from 6 to 7 out of 10 across trims.
Commuters put the most predictable miles on a vehicle. That makes the full ownership cost, not just fuel, the number that matters most. AAA breaks it down below.
What Does the 2025 Kia K4 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Kia K4 ranges from $63,840 to $78,270 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
Commuters benefit most from the trim that balances fuel economy and features at the lowest total cost. The table below puts all 5 options side by side.
How Do the 2025 Kia K4 Trims Compare?
With 5 trims priced from $21,990 to $28,090, the 2025 Kia K4 offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $21,990 | 33 MPG | $1,800 per year | 147 hp | 2,956 lbs | $78,270 |
| LXS | $22,990 | 33 MPG | $1,800 per year | 147 hp | 2,956 lbs | $63,840 |
| EX | $23,990 | 33 MPG | $1,800 per year | 147 hp | 2,987 lbs | $64,840 |
| GT-Line | $25,190 | 33 MPG | $1,800 per year | 147 hp | 3,161 lbs | $66,040 |
| GT-Line Turbo | $28,090 | 33 MPG | $1,800 per year | 190 hp | 3,283 lbs | $69,690 |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After comparing trims, the question shifts from 'what does it cost to buy' to 'what does it cost to keep.' RepairPal's reliability data addresses that directly.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Kia K4?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2025 Kia K4 rates above average for budget Sedans. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Third-party reliability data is backward-looking. The Kia warranty below is forward-looking: it defines what is covered and for how long if the vehicle does not live up to expectations.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Kia K4 Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Kia's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2025 K4 trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Kia K4 Specs?
Technical specifications for the 2025 Kia K4 from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size car
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 - 190 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 93.0 - 115.8 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $148 - $171 |
| Torque | 132 - 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 12.4 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 409 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 185.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 72.8 in |
| Height | 55.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,956 - 3,283 lbs |
All data shown for the 2025 Kia K4 comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a vehicle driven every day, the fuel and reliability data above matters most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2025 Kia K4 FAQ
Which 2025 Kia K4 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the LXS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $63,840, starting at $22,990 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $78,270. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Kia K4?
The 2025 Kia K4 competes with 2025 Hyundai Elantra, 2025 Toyota Corolla, and 2025 Nissan Sentra based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2025 Sedans.
How much does a 2025 Kia K4 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Kia K4 include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $150 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $980 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is headquartered in South Korea. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our South Korea-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2025?
Each 2025 Kia vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Kia lineup on our Kia models page.
What does the 2025 Kia K4 cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2025 Kia K4 costs approximately 66.4 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.