As SUVs continue to rule the road, Kia is one of the few car brands still offering a compact sedan offering that remains affordable for buyers on a budget.

New for 2025, the Kia K4 (an updated version of Kia’s previous compact sedan, the Forte), shows that a small vehicle can still have a lot to offer.

Here are 5 key things to know if you are considering taking home the Kia K4.


1.  Sharp design

Design is a strong point of the Kia K4 — which offers a wide build, sharply designed front end, and standout lighting designs, plus an attractive sloping roofline. It’s unique enough that you won’t mistake the K4 for any other compact sedan offering.

Opting for the GT-Line trim level also adds gloss black exterior accents.

Interior design is modern and highlighted by a futuristic dashboard, and a sport style steering wheel with paddle shifters.

You won’t get luxury level seating materials at this price point, but it’s a higher quality than you might be expecting. All five passengers in the K4 will be traveling in comfort, with plenty of head room and leg room.

Cargo space is also respectable, with 14.6 cubic feet in the trunk area.

People looking for a smaller car these days have fewer options than ever before, but thankfully many in the segment are sticking around for the long haul.

And if you’re looking for something that’s pretty high-end in design but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, your choices are even more thin.

One vehicle that does check this box in 2025 is the compact Mazda3, which comes in both a sedan and hatchback version. It’s attractive, sporty, fun to drive, and it looks and feels more expensive than the price tag would indicate.

I recently tested a 2025 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition AWD sedan, and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up against the remaining compact offerings — such as the Honda Civic, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.

Automakers are wisely leaning into their hybrid lineups as the switch to EVS happens at a slower pace than many had anticipated.

One brand with a strong hybrid lineup is Hyundai, including its midsize sedan offering — the Sonata hybrid, which competes mainly with hybrids from Toyota (Camry) and Honda (Accord).

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited hybrid, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up in this resurging category of vehicles.

Hybrids are a major discussion right now in the auto industry as companies pull back on their plans to expand EV lineups.

Many people want fuel efficiency, but still want to be able to go to the gas station, at least until EV prices come down and EV infrastructure is improved.

To reach these people now, vehicles like the 2025 Hyundai Elantra hybrid are plugging the gap and earning increased interest. Offering strong fuel mileage, attractive design, and an affordability EVs can’t deliver yet, they are seeing increased interest.

I recently tested a 2025 Elantra hybrid, and I’m back with a full report on this sold hybrid sedan option — which competes with vehicles such as the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Corolla hybrid and Toyota Prius.