The K4 was named the Compact Car segment winner in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study and finished second overall in the industry for initial quality.
Offered in two body styles with class-leading rear-seat legroom, more versatility than most compacts.
Named U.S. News Best Compact Car for the Money for 2026, starting around $22,290, with an available 190-horsepower turbo.
A 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ backed by a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ALM VIP Club benefits, and our Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying new vehicles.
Picked a compact to compare? Open a full side-by-side with the K4 for the complete rundown.
| Model | Starting MSRP | Engine | Hybrid | AWD | Powertrain warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia K4 | About $22,290 | 2.0L (147 hp); turbo (190 hp) | No | No (FWD) | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Hyundai Elantra | About $23,000 | 2.0L (147 hp); hybrid; N-Line turbo | Yes (hybrid) | No (FWD) | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Toyota Corolla | About $23,000 | 2.0L (169 hp); hybrid | Yes (hybrid) | Available (hybrid) | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Honda Civic | About $25,000 | 2.0L (150 hp); hybrid | Yes (hybrid) | No (FWD) | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Subaru Impreza | About $24,000 | 2.0L (152 hp) | No | Standard | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Nissan Sentra | About $22,000 | 2.0L (149 hp) | No | No (FWD) | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
They all seat five, so the details decide it. The K4 has the lowest starting price of the group, and the K4 and Hyundai Elantra lead on warranty with 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain coverage, versus 5-year / 60,000-mile for the Corolla, Civic, and Impreza. The K4’s standout is an available 190-horsepower turbo; where it gives ground is electrification and traction, since it offers no hybrid (the Elantra, Corolla, and Civic do) and no all-wheel drive (the Impreza has it standard and the Corolla Hybrid offers it). For a full breakdown of any single matchup, open one of the head-to-head comparisons above.
The K4 is offered as a sedan or a hatchback. Every trim is front-wheel drive, and the 190-horsepower turbo is reserved for the GT-Line Turbo. There is no hybrid or electric K4.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Highlights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | FWD | Value-priced base trim with a large touchscreen and standard safety tech | Value shoppers |
| LXS | FWD | Adds popular convenience and comfort features | Everyday value |
| EX | FWD | More comfort and technology content | Most buyers |
| GT-Line | FWD | Sporty styling cues with the standard 2.0-liter engine | Sporty look |
| GT-Line Turbo | FWD | 190-horsepower turbocharged engine for a sportier drive | Performance |