Is the Kia K4 more popular than the Forte?

When Kia announced the K4 as the official successor to the Forte, it wasn’t just a name change—it was a signal of reinvention. The Forte had been a reliable compact sedan option for years, beloved for its affordability and practicality. But the arrival of the K4 raised a new question for Canadian drivers: Is the K4 truly taking over as intended, or is the Forte still holding on to its popularity?

In other words, has the K4 become more popular than the Forte, or are drivers still attached to the nameplate they know? That’s the debate we’re tackling today—with the help of real sales numbers and early buyer feedback.

Sales Data Doesn’t Lie

Let’s start with what we know. In January 2025, the combined sales of the K4 and Forte reached 11,616 units, up significantly from 8,977 units during the same month in 2024, when only the Forte was available. This isn’t just a modest increase—it’s a strong signal that the K4 is being embraced quickly and broadly across Canada.

To add more context, the K4/Forte duo outperformed many other Kia models, including the K5 (4,357), Seltos (2,840), and even the Soul (3,554). It also nearly caught up to the popular Sportage, which recorded 11,357 units in January. If the K4 had entered quietly, these numbers would look very different.

Why the K4 Is Gaining Traction

There’s no denying that the Forte had its following. It was a practical, no-nonsense sedan that earned respect for its reliability and value. But it was also beginning to show its age, especially as the automotive world shifted toward bolder design and more advanced tech.

Enter the 2025 Kia K4. From first glance, it’s clear this isn’t just a re-skinned Forte. The K4 brings dramatic design language, a larger frame, and upscale touches like a curved panoramic display and premium safety features. It feels modern, confident, and far more in step with where sedans are headed.

And Canadian drivers have noticed. At Orléans Kia, staff have seen a clear pattern: first-time Kia buyers are more likely to gravitate toward the K4, while longtime Forte owners are curious—but often surprised by how big of a leap the new model really is.

Is the Forte Still in the Picture?

In some markets, the Forte is still being sold alongside the K4 as inventory cycles out. And yes, some buyers do still ask for the Forte by name. That kind of brand recognition doesn’t disappear overnight.

But when buyers compare both side by side—or test drive the K4—it becomes clear the new model is meant to lead, not follow. The Forte may still have fans, but the shift is happening. The K4 is taking over in both perception and preference.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Transition

If Kia’s goal was to make the K4 a worthy successor to the Forte, early numbers suggest they’ve succeeded. The K4 isn’t just matching the Forte’s performance in the market—it’s surpassing it. And based on what we’re seeing so far in 2025, the trend isn’t slowing down.

For drivers in Ottawa and beyond wondering whether the K4 lives up to the Forte legacy, the answer is increasingly clear: not only does it live up, it moves things forward.

Visit Orléans Kia at 2045 Mer-Bleue Rd, Orléans, ON
Explore our latest Kia K4 inventory