A proper replacement in Kia’s lineup
Replacing the Forte in Kia showrooms, the K4 sedan debuts with far more style and design elan than the Forte, as high style was never its, um, forte. The new K4 eclipses its predecessor with a very roomy 99 cubic-foot cabin and a healthy 15 cubic feet of cargo space. Having taken a page from Mazda, the K4 can be trimmed to feel more opulent than its market slot. Our recent test car featured faux leather trim and heated and ventilated seats, extravagances that are totally unexpected in this class. Dual 12.3-inch screens, one for instrumentation, one for infotainment, along with a five-inch display fill the large horizontal glass that rests atop the instrument panel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
Kia
Most models come with a 147 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission feeding the front wheels. GT-Line Turbo models get a 190 hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a multi-link rear suspension. The EPA rates the 2025 Kia K4 at 33 or 34 mpg, depending on trim, with turbo models rated at 29 mpg. The Kia K4 may boast interesting design, a long list of features, and a roomy cabin, but it belies its driving characteristics, which are totally lackluster. If driving character doesn’t matter, you’ll find this to be a top candidate, but for those for whom such things matter, you may want to consider one of its rivals.
Kia
Honda Civic
With its timeless good looks, notable fuel economy, and engaging driving experience, the Civic is available as a sedan or hatchback, powered by a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission, which returns 31-32 mpg, depending on the trim. While both the sedan and hatchback offer 99 cubic feet of passenger space, the sedan offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provides a generous 24.5 cubic feet of luggage space. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Honda
The base Civic feels sprightly around town, although it’s fairly slow off the line, a feeling not helped by its transmission. Its athleticism and good steering feel remain intact, making it a satisfying vehicle to drive. If you have the budget, opt for the Civic Hybrid, which generates 200 horsepower, an EPA-rated 49 mpg, and more muscle.
Mazda3
Kyle Edward
More than its rivals, the Mazda3 conveys a sense of extravagance for a mainstream economy car. Available as a sedan or hatchback, this is among the smaller vehicles offered here, with a mere 93 cubic feet of passenger volume and a 13 cubic-foot trunk on the sedan. The hatchback is better in this regard, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space. A 9-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is standard, although it’s annoyingly controlled by a console-mounted rotary knob.
Mazda
Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. A turbocharged 250-horsepower version of the same engine is available, but it comes solely with the automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional, but it extracts a 2-3 mpg penalty in fuel economy, which runs 29-31 mpg depending on the model. The Mazda Mazda3 proves to be every bit the athlete that the Honda is, delivering a beautiful balance of handling and ride quality despite lacking an independent rear suspension. But its cabin feels more upscale than others here.
Nissan Sentra
Nissan
It’s hard to argue with the Nissan Sentra’s prime attribute: value. Like some others here, the powertrain is nothing to write home about. It’s a comfortable, compact sedan, offering up 96 cubic feet of passenger space and 14 cubic feet of trunk space. While its 149-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission with front-wheel drive don’t provide much in the way of driving fun, it does return an EPA-rated 34 mpg.
Nissan
Its cabin is fitted with 7- or 8-inch infotainment displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upper trim levels offering upscale touches such as a sunroof and dual-zone climate control. It can feel indulgent when nicely equipped, though, which helps make up for the lackluster driving experience.
Toyota Prius
Toyota
Now that every Toyota has a hybrid model, company designers created a sporty, aerodynamic Prius that provides a driving experience to match its great new looks. It still returns an EPA-rated 52 mpg while furnishing 194 horsepower from its 2.0-liter engine and electric motors. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available, with a two-horsepower bump in power.
Toyota
There’s 91.2 cubic feet of passenger space, and a generous 20.3 cubic feet of luggage space, along with six USB-C ports, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices. A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and navigation are optional. The Prius is no longer engineered solely for high mileage, and acceleration proves better than you might expect. Steering is nicely weighted and satisfyingly quick, returning some road feel. Push the Prius and it feels planted, with minimal body lean in corners. It’s actually fun to drive, something you could never say before.
Subaru Impreza
Subaru
Inexpensive four-wheel drive can be hard to come by, but not at Subaru, where the Impreza offers what few automakers do. This practical little hatchback provides 99 cubic feet of passenger space and 20 cubic feet of cargo room, making it one of the roomier offerings here. Base models get a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, while others get a 12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an auxiliary input jack, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Pricier models get a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat four with the same gearbox. The EPA rates the Impreza at 30 mpg with the former and 29 mpg with the latter. The base model is definitely the one to choose, as the larger engine doesn’t make a huge difference in performance, and the Impreza’s calling is its cheap, practical nature.
Volkswagen Jetta
While it’s one of the older models here, the Volkswagen Jetta is worth considering. It offers 94 cubic feet of passenger space and 14 cubic feet of cargo room, with a cabin that is fitted with niceties you’ll appreciate, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, wireless charger, and heated mirrors. An 8-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, although top models get a 10.3-inch unit. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Volkswagen
Power comes from a 158-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not as sharp a handler as the Mazda or Honda, the Volkswagen Jetta proves to be generally pleasing to drive, with decent power and a somewhat more Teutonic sensibility.
Final thoughts
Gabriel Ionica
Even though we find the 2025 Kia K4’s feature list worthwhile, its main tradeoff is a remarkably unremarkable driving experience. While that’s true of compact economy cars in general, both the Honda Civic and Mazda3 remain exceptions, and both offer a choice of hatchback or notchback body styles. If your budget allows you to spend a little more, go for a Civic Hybrid or the surprisingly fun Toyota Prius. If frequent inclement weather is a concern, the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 are good solutions. The Nissan Sentra offers a good value and better driving experience than the Kia, while the Volkswagen Jetta is just a solid, all-around good value.
About the author
Larry Printz
Contributing Writer, Autoblog