Exciting news for Kia fans in the U.S.! The latest announcement from Kia confirms that the new K4 compact will not only be available as a sedan but will also reintroduce the beloved hatchback body style to American shores. This marks a significant shift from the previous generation Forte, which was exclusively offered as a sedan in the U.S.
While specific details about the timing of the hatchback’s release are yet to be disclosed, Kia has assured enthusiasts that the hatchback version will debut “at a later date.”
This move aligns Kia with its competitors in the compact segment, such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla, all of which offer hatchback variants. Revealed at the New York auto show, the K4 hatch exhibits a distinctively different design from its sedan counterpart, particularly aft of the B-pillar.
Featuring a sleek “floating roof” design and unique chrome trim around the rear window and D-pillar, the hatch exudes a modern and dynamic aesthetic.
With taillights reminiscent of the sedan but with LED lighting strips spanning the width of the car, the K4 hatch promises to make a bold statement on the road.
Under the hood, we anticipate the hatchback to share powertrains with the sedan, including a 147-hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four engine for lower trims and a more robust 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine for the GT-Line Turbo model.
While Kia has referred to the hatchback as the “K4 5-door hatch,” the official name is yet to be revealed. Nevertheless, Kia enthusiasts can expect the same level of performance, style, and innovation that the brand is renowned for.
As the K4 sedan is slated to hit U.S. dealerships in the second half of the year, we can anticipate the hatchback’s arrival by the end of the year or in early 2025. Stay tuned for further updates as Kia prepares to introduce this exciting addition to its lineup.
