How Does the Hyundai Elantra Compare to Kia K4?

Terry Lambert Hyundai in North Augusta SC

2025 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2025 Kia K4

Hyundai and Kia have long been popular entrants in the compact car segment. For 2025 Kia introduced the K4 compact sedan to replace the Forte. When comparing Hyundai Elantra to Kia Forte in the past, Elantra has stood out for offering more space and more efficiency. Is Hyundai Elantra better value than Kia K4 in small sedans? Let's compare.

When it comes to overall value, the Hyundai Elantra stands out with its comprehensive package of features at a competitive price. Both the Elantra and the Kia K4 are attractively priced within the compact sedan segment, but the Elantra offers more standard features, giving it an edge in value.

Performance

The base Elantra is enough to make anybody happy with its capable engine at an affordable price. For 2025, the Elantra comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder delivering up to 147 horsepower. For added thrills, the available 1.6L Turbo GDI is what you're after, getting up to 201 HP. The mileage is incredible, bringing you 32 in-city and 41 highway miles per gallon. The Elantra's N Line trim is where it's at, equipped with a multi-link rear independent suspension system for optimal handling and a 7-speed DCT with paddle shifters to put you in control of your drive, just like a performance car should.

Here is where people get confused and end up with a regrettable purchase. Higher horsepower doesn't always mean a better ride. There are so many factors that go into what makes a sedan drive smoothly and how well it handles turns and road conditions. Yes, the new Kia K4 comes with a 2.5L engine capable of 191 HP, and yes, the available 2.5L turbo brings that up to 290 HP. This is why people pay the higher price, only to find that the K4 isn't as grand as they thought. The reason why the Elantra provides a better drive is because it's built to adapt to your driving habits, making you one with the vehicle for an intimate experience rather than having you just sit behind a big engine.

Safety Features

One of the best things about going with a Hyundai like the Elantra is that you can bet you'll have Hyundai SmartSense to be at your aid when you need it. The SmartSense package has grown to be more substantial than many other standard safety and driver-assist packages out there, making it a tough one to beat. When you include the available Highway Driving Assist system, the Elantra's aptitude for safety is enhanced tenfold. Allow the car to aid you with gentle guidance and proactive warnings in a way that feels natural with your regular driving style!

Kia included 11 standard safety and driver-assist features in the new K4, but they're nothing out of the ordinary. You already know to expect automatic emergency braking and other collision avoidance systems. For available features, a couple of interesting ones would be the 360-degree camera and power-folding side mirrors.

Interior

The latest Hyundai Elantra is your fast track to a life of refinement with leather appointments and tech-centered upgrades. You can choose between H-Tex leatherette seating or the exclusive N Line sports chairs to hold you in place comfortably during joyrides. The leather is shared amongst the steering wheel and shift knob for a complete look, and aluminum sport pedals add a bit of shining allure. The 2025 Elantra supports wireless smartphone connectivity for greater accessibility to the available 10.25-inch infotainment and driver gauge combo.

Promoting class-leading 2nd-row legroom is the Kia K4, but what's the point when you still must settle for ordinary SynTex seating? All the fancy leather has been taken up by the steering wheel and gear shifter. You get similar tech like a decently sized infotainment screen, wireless charger, and Bose speaker system, but it's missing the excitement of an iconic sports car like Hyundai's N Line models.

Bottom Line

The Kia K4 might be all talk, but the new 2025 Hyundai Elantra knows how to walk the walk. Robust engine choices, curated comfort, and the iconic N Line style are all things to love about the latest Elantra for a purchase you won't regret!

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Terry Lambert Hyundai

5585 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
North Augusta, SC 29841
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