Toyota Camry vs Kia K4

Available in five trim levels, each equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain, the Camry is one of the few remaining midsize sedans for sale in the United States. Toyota stopped just short of a complete redesign for the 2025 model year, and the 2026 Camry lineup continues mostly unchanged, adding a sporty new Nightshade Edition trim level and a paint color called Dark Cosmos.

Verdict: The Toyota Camry is cheap to own, safe, and known for its dependability. Is that exciting? No. But fortunately, a 2026 Camry is also comfortable and good to drive.

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.