Kia, like every other automaker, has been working hard on the SUV angle in recent years, but these images prove that despite giving the Stinger a head start in 2022, the Korean automaker still thinks there is demand for sedans. And there could be an especially healthy demand for this sedan if it looks as good under its disguise as its sleek coupe-like silhouette suggests.
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We’ve already spied the next Rio tests, but these spy images show a bigger car that we think is the new Forte. However, don’t be surprised if that name is missing when the camouflage releases later this year. We hear Kia may rename it K4 – a badge previously used in China – which would bring it in line with the brand’s latest alphanumeric naming strategy.
Like the aforementioned Rio prototype, this Forte features a sporty fastback roofline and a beltline that gently rises as it moves rearward, creating a fish-shaped window area in the side profile. We expect the K4 to offer around 100mm of extra wheelbase, assuming Kia maintains the size difference between the Rio (which may be renamed K3) and this Forte replacement.
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Another difference between the two is the treatment of the rear door handle. While the next Rio (and the current Forte) have handles placed in a conventional location in the upper part of the rear door trim, the K4’s handle has been moved up to the door frame next to the C-pillar, adding to the coupe atmosphere .
From the photos you can see that the rear lights have an inverted L shape, just like the daytime running lights up front, and while the camouflage prevents us from seeing what’s going on between each set, we imagine there’s a light bar across the front the full width will be and a partial one at the rear. Inside, you can expect a long, sleek screen that combines digital gauge functions with the infotainment system, while the powertrain offering is likely to include turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, at least one of which will offer plug-in options for some markets.
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When is it coming to the US? The current facelifted version of the Forte premiered in June 2021, so we suspect the K4 will arrive in mid-2024, ready for the 2025 model year.