Honda Accord vs Kia K4

The 2026 Accord sedan is roomy inside like a full-size car, holds more luggage in the trunk than its rivals, and rolls off the showroom floor for less than $30,000. Not only that, but it’s more fuel-efficient than some small crossovers, and earns top safety ratings. For 2026, the Accord adds a larger standard infotainment touchscreen, tech features, and sporty new 19-inch wheels for the SE trim level. Honda also sells an Accord Hybrid, but we’ll cover that in a separate review.

Verdict: Affordable, efficient, practical, and safe, the 2026 Honda Accord is an excellent choice in a midsize sedan. However, there are a few problems with the 2026 Accord that Honda should fix sooner rather than later.

Kia’s new compact sedan replaces the oft-overlooked Kia Forte, an option that traded on value more than merit. Although the Forte provided practical packaging and decent performance (particularly in GT trim), shoppers driving home in a Forte were usually doing so because it was cheaper, rather than better, than the competition. With a revamped design and an impressive suite of standard tech, the new 2025 Kia K5 doubles down on the Forte’s fortes–particularly cargo space–while adding attractive features and retaining fuel efficiency and an affordable price tag.

Verdict: The 2025 Kia K4 is better than the outgoing Kia Forte. It offers more impressive tech, more standard safety features, more passenger space, and more cargo space. It’s still not quite as satisfying to drive as the segment leader, but with a starting price hovering around $22,000, it’s a far sight less expensive, too.