Toyota Prius vs Kia K4

Decades ago, few cars were anywhere near as fuel efficient as the Toyota Prius. Today, the 2025 Prius remains a fuel economy champion, but numerous alternatives are close. Some even offer more interior room at a lower price. That reality, coupled with the cramped interior, limited trunk space, and general weirdness of the Prius, means hybrid car buyers have options.

Verdict: The point of the 2025 Toyota Prius is fuel economy, but our test car averaged 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres, falling significantly short of the Natural Resources Canada estimate of 4.8 L/100 km in combined driving. That certainly isn’t superior to roomier hybrid cars from Honda, Hyundai, or from within Toyota’s own lineup.

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.