Nissan Versa vs Kia K4

It’s getting hard to find a basic subcompact sedan, but Nissan is keeping the faith.

The Nissan Versa returned to the Canadian line-up in the 2021 model year after a six-year hiatus, slotting below the Sentra in the lineup. The most recent redesign was just a year earlier, for the 2020 model year. For 2023, the Versa gets a handful of updates, including freshened styling and more available tech features. In addition to the Versa S, the lineup includes SV and SR models; we tested the latter for this review.

Since the Versa has been on sale, the ranks of subcompact cars have thinned considerably. The Chevrolet Sonic, the Ford Fiesta, the Honda Fit, the Hyundai Accent, and the Toyota Yaris are no longer sold in North America. That leaves the Kia Rio and the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback as the Versa’s main competitors, and the Rio is on its way out of Canada for 2024 as well. But, as is always the case in this market segment, shoppers must also consider whether to buy a new car like the Versa or a potentially better-equipped used car for similar money.

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.