The 2025 Kia K4 is set to be the largest compact car in America, boasting a spacious interior and a range of features including dual digital displays, a Harman/Kardon stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The definition of a compact car has evolved over the years, with many current models exceeding the EPA's classification due to their larger size. While the growing size of compact cars may pose challenges for urban parking and maintenance costs, it also offers more space for families. The K4's modern design and upscale features position it for success, but some enthusiasts are hoping for a smaller alternative like the K3.
Car and Driver's 10 Best List for 2022 includes seven sedans and three sports cars, dominated by old school internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The Honda Accord makes the list for the 38th time, while the Civic makes its fourth appearance. The list also features luxury EVs like the Lucid Air, along with the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and Porsche Boxster/Cayman. Toyota's Prius and Subaru's BRZ/GT86 are recognized, as well as the Acura Integra Type S and Ford Maverick. Hyundai's Ioniq 5 and Kia's EV9 and Telluride represent the electric and crossover segments, while the Macan and Ram trucks round out the selection. Overall, the list highlights the strengths of Toyota, Honda, and Porsche in building quality vehicles.
The 2023 LA Auto Show showcased several new and updated car models for 2024 and beyond. Notable debuts included the Acura ZDX, Chevy Equinox EV, Silverado EV, and Traverse, Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally and GTD, Genesis GV80 Coupe, Honda Prologue, Hyundai Sonata and Elantra N, Kia Sorento, Lexus GX, Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition, Toyota Camry and Crown Signia, and VW ID Buzz EV van. These models offer a range of features, from electric powertrains to rugged designs, and are set to go on sale in the coming years.
Ford has officially stopped production of its Fiesta sedan in Germany, marking another step in the automaker's shift away from sedans. However, recent data from Honda and Toyota shows a surprising upswing in car sales, with Honda's Accord and Civic leading the way. This trend may be attributed to consumers seeking more affordable options amidst economic uncertainty. Carvana, an online used-car platform, also reported that sedans accounted for more than half of its top-selling vehicles in the first half of 2023. Despite Ford's focus on larger vehicles, the demand for sedans appears to be making a comeback.
The 2023 Toyota Crown, which replaced the discontinued Avalon, is experiencing similar sales issues as its predecessor. The Crown has sold just over 3,300 units so far this year, which is comparable to sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86. The car's year-to-date sales are currently worse than the Avalon's numbers last year. However, the Crown's April sales are better than the Avalon's, indicating that it needs time to catch on with consumers. The fate of the Crown remains uncertain, as it could suffer the same fate as the Avalon if sales continue to decline.
BMW has unveiled the 2024 5 Series, which includes a fully electric variant called the i5. The i5 offers a driving range of 295 miles and is available in two model variants, the eDrive40 single-motor RWD variant and the M60 xDrive AWD performance model. The i5 is built on the CLAR flexible drive architecture shared with internal combustion, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid 5 Series models. The i5 eDrive40 delivers 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the i5 M60 xDrive features a dual-motor powertrain delivering 590-hp and 549 lb-ft of torque. The i5 is priced at $67,795 for the eDrive40 and $85,095 for the M60 xDrive.
