Lexus IS vs Kia K4

Lexus refreshed the IS for the 2026 model year, infusing it with the latest digital instrumentation, infotainment, and driver assistance technologies. It also updated the exterior and interior, retuned the steering and suspension, and refined the driving experience. However, the lineup loses the IS 300 with the lower-powered V6 engine and the IS 500 with the thundering 5.0-litre V8, leaving a V6-powered IS 350 with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) as the sole model in Canada.

Verdict: The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is enjoyable to drive, exudes quality, and boasts a long-standing reputation for reliability. For those who want a small sports sedan with such characteristics, this is the car.

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, retaining fuel efficiency, and keeping its 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 $24,000 Canadian before fees, it’s a far sight less expensive, too.