Is the Kia Forte Discontinued? Meet Its Replacement: The 2026 Kia K4

If you’ve been searching for a new Kia Forte near Riverdale, Wayne, or Pompton Plains and keep hitting dead ends, you’re not alone. The Forte is one of the most searched Kia models online — and also one that no longer exists in the lineup. Here’s everything you need to know about what happened, what replaced it, and whether the successor is worth your attention.

Is the Kia Forte Being Discontinued?

Yes — the Kia Forte has been discontinued. Kia officially ended production of the Forte after the 2024 model year. If you’re shopping for a new Forte in Riverdale or anywhere in New Jersey, you won’t find one. The nameplate is gone. What Kia replaced it with, however, is a significantly more capable and technology-forward car.

What Replaced the Kia Forte?

The Kia K4 is the direct successor to the Forte. The name change is part of Kia’s global lineup realignment, adopting a consistent K-name convention across its sedan range — Kia K4, Kia K5, Kia K8 — mirroring the naming structure used in other markets for years. The K4 occupies the exact same position in the lineup: a compact sedan slotting beneath the midsize Kia K5, priced for everyday buyers who want more than basic transportation without stepping up to a larger car. It carries the Forte’s strengths — value, reliability, Kia’s class-leading warranty* — and builds on them with a dramatically updated design, next-generation technology, and a new hatchback option that the Forte never offered.

2026 Kia K4 vs. Kia Forte: How Do They Compare?

For buyers wondering whether the K4 is a true upgrade or just a rebadge, the comparison table below tells the story clearly:

The bottom line: the K4 is a genuine upgrade in interior technology, passenger space, and cargo flexibility. The Forte had a slight edge in highway fuel economy and peak horsepower on the turbo trim, but the K4 closes that gap with a far more premium cabin experience at a comparable price point.

What Body Styles Does the 2026 Kia K4 Come In?

This is one of the biggest differences between the Forte and the K4. The Forte was offered as a sedan only (Kia discontinued the Forte5 hatchback years earlier). The 2026 Kia K4 brings the hatchback back — and it’s a compelling option for drivers near Fairfield or Franklin Lakes who need more cargo versatility without stepping up to an SUV. The K4 hatchback offers 22.2 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially more than the sedan’s 14.6 cubic feet, while keeping the same sporty exterior profile. Learn more about the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback and whether it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

What Happened to the Kia Forte GT?

Forte GT owners looking for their performance equivalent in the new lineup will want to look at the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo. It’s powered by the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the Forte GT made 201 hp, the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo offers a more refined transmission pairing and a dramatically upgraded interior — the dual panoramic display alone is a significant quality-of-life improvement over the Forte GT’s 8-inch screen.

2026 Kia K4 Trim Levels at a Glance

The 2026 Kia K4 sedan is available in five trims, from the value-focused LX up through the LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. The hatchback is offered in EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo configurations. Every trim includes Kia’s class-leading warranty*, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and the K4’s signature dual panoramic display. For a complete trim-by-trim breakdown of features and packages, visit our K4 inventory page.

*Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the longest coverage among non-luxury automotive brands. Source: Kia.com, 2026. 38.0 inches of rear legroom based on Kia.com segment data, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kia Forte and K4

Is the Kia Forte still being made?
No. Kia discontinued the Forte after the 2024 model year. New Fortes are no longer in production, and new inventory at dealerships is effectively sold out. The K4 is Kia’s current compact sedan.

Is the Kia K4 the same as the Forte?
Not exactly — it’s the successor. The K4 fills the same role in the lineup at a similar price point, but it’s a completely new vehicle with a new platform, new design, and significantly upgraded technology. Think of it as the Forte’s next generation rather than a simple rebadge.

Is the Kia K4 better than the Forte?
In most measurable ways, yes. The K4 offers more rear legroom (38.0 vs. 35.7 inches), a vastly improved infotainment system (~30″ dual display vs. an 8″ screen), the option of a hatchback body style, and advanced technology features like Digital Key 2.0 and the Kia AI Assistant. The Forte had a slight highway MPG edge and a marginally more powerful turbo engine, but the K4 closes those gaps with an overall more premium package.

Where can I buy a 2026 Kia K4 near me in New Jersey?
Kia of Riverdale in Riverdale, NJ carries the 2026 Kia K4 in stock. We serve drivers from Riverdale, Wayne, Pompton Plains, Franklin Lakes and beyond. Contact us or visit our showroom at 1 Windbeam Road to schedule a test drive.

Shop 2026 Kia K4 Inventory at Kia of Riverdale

The 2026 Kia K4 is in stock now at Kia of Riverdale. Whether you’re a former Forte owner making the transition or a first-time Kia buyer, our team is ready to walk you through every option. Browse our K4 sedan and hatchback inventory, or apply for financing online to get a head start before you visit. We look forward to seeing you at our Riverdale showroom.