2026 Kia K4

The 2026 Kia K4 is a compact car that slots beneath the midsize K5 sedan and replaces the previous Kia Forte. Introduced last year as a sedan, the K4 now comes in hatchback form for 2026. Just like the sedan, the K4 hatchback is big on value, offering many useful features at an attractive price.

The K4's new hatchback variant sports the same sleek front-end styling as the sedan but with the added practicality of a rear hatch. Its profile is defined by a sporty raked roofline. The K4 hatchback is available starting with the EX trim, and its equipment is virtually identical to that of its sedan counterpart. That holds true for the drivetrains as well, with the EX and GT-Line getting the 147-horsepower engine and the top GT-Line Turbo using an upgraded 190-hp turbocharged engine. As you might expect, the hatch has more cargo volume than its more traditional sibling, offering 22.2 cubic feet of space to the sedan's 14.6 cubes. That's less room than you'll find in the Honda Civic hatchback but more than in some of the K4's other rivals.

The compact car class has seen a steady decline in the U.S. over the past few years, but there remain several contenders to fly the banner. The Honda Civic, available as a sedan or hatchback, is our current favorite thanks to its surprisingly roomy interior, agile handling and impressive available hybrid drivetrain. Another option that we like for its driving dynamics is the Mazda 3, which offers available all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine. If you like the K4, you might also like the mechanically similar Hyundai Elantra. It's only available as a sedan, but like its corporate cousin, it delivers on value. Check out our test team's Expert Rating for a full breakdown of how the K4 performs in several key categories.