Kia K4 vs Honda Civic Hatchback

Few cars can put a smile on your face when driving and making the monthly payment like a 2024 Civic can. That’s especially true when it comes to the hatchback version, which adds significant utility and an available manual transmission to the mix. Last redesigned for 2022, the Civic hasn’t seen any major changes since then. But next year, the 2025 Civic Hybrid arrives in both hatch and sedan flavors.

Verdict: We’re big fans of the 2024 Honda Civic. Unless you want all-wheel drive, you can’t go wrong with this excellent compact car. It’s practical and safe, affordable yet first-rate, and thanks to its available turbocharged engine is a blast to drive. Instead of getting a small SUV like everyone else, strongly consider a Civic Hatchback instead.

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.