A latest spy video reveals that despite the popularity of SUVs, Kia is still committed to sedans in the United States. The spy video shows a new three-box car being tested in California. Although it is not confirmed, it appears to be larger than the K3 compact sedan that was unveiled in August. It also looks different from the K5, which suggests that it could be a successor to the Forte. If this is the case, it is expected to arrive in 2025, as the 2024 model year is already on sale in the US.

There are speculations that the new sedan might come with a name change. Kia is reportedly considering dropping the Forte name and adopting the K4 name, following the trend of using alphanumeric designations. Similar to the Optima, which is now known as the K5, the smaller sedan could also receive a simpler name. It is worth noting that the K4 name is not entirely new, as there was a sedan bearing this name in China from 2014 to 2020.

The prototype seen in the spy video appears to have the complete production body and wide lights both at the front and rear. It rides on two-tone wheels that seem to be borrowed from the Hyundai Elantra, and its rear door handles are subtly integrated near the C-pillar. The partially exposed cabin of the test vehicle reveals a side-by-side screen layout, which is becoming more common in 2023.

It is unclear when the K4 will be unveiled in the US market, but it is unlikely to happen anytime soon since the 2024 Forte was announced recently. Kia has confirmed that the larger K5 sedan will receive a mid-cycle facelift by the end of this year. Additionally, the brand plans to introduce an updated Carnival minivan with a hybrid powertrain in the same timeframe.

In other news, Kia will be discontinuing the smaller Rio after the 2023 model year in the US, but it will be replaced by the new K3 sedan in other markets.