K4

Slotting in beneath the mid-size K5 sedan, the compact K4 wears aggressive-looking bodywork and starts at an aggressively low price. Offered as either a sedan or a hatchback, the K4 is a spacious, practical, and high-value choice among compact cars. You have a choice between two four-cylinder engines, and Kia has baked in plenty of tech, including an available wall of screens on the dashboard and a host of driver-assistance features. Even adults will find the rear seat comfortable enough for a long ride, and the trunk offers plenty of space for everyone’s luggage. Our main gripe is the K4’s relative lack of driving verve compared to rivals such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3; the K4 looks far more sporty than the way it drives.