Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick Is a more practical shape enough to elevate the K4? We're kicking off a new week in something equally new to us here at AutoGuide. Say hello to the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback, this week's test car and one I've personally been looking forward to for some time. The K4 hatch debuted last year at the New York Auto Show. From the B-pillar forward it's the same as the sedan, while the back half adopts an upright tail that-from certain angles, anyway-gives just a hint of the old BMW "Clown Shoe" Z3 Coupe. The color doesn't hurt that comparison, either. The K4 does battle with the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3 hatchbacks. The 20 Most Popular Used Vehicles Available In America Right Now Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick Mechanically this is identical to the K4 GT-Line sedan we put through the wringer in our whole-segment compact car mega-comparison last year. That means a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder throwing down 195 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sedan didn't garner a ton of love there, finishing in the bottom half; can the hatchback redeem Kia's smallest offering with better looks and practicality? What would you like to know about the K4 hatchback? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to our social media channels for updates throughout the week. 2026 Mercedes G 580 With EQ Technology: All the Details
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