Kia K4 Named Best Family Car of 2026 by MotorWeek
For its “dynamic styling, spacious interior, advanced technology, and standard ADAS features,” the Kia K4 compact sedan was named Best Family Car of 2026 by MotorWeek, a program with 45 years on the air on US broadcast television.
To determine the winners of the Drivers' Choice Award, the production team tests more than 150 cars, trucks, and SUVs each year, which are evaluated in 12 consumer-oriented categories based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel economy, and value for money.
MotorWeek experts drive, research, and conduct instrumental tests to generate a list of winners that aligns with the perspectives of both automotive experts and consumers, with recommendations that serve as a practical guide for purchasing a new vehicle.
The program's jury chose the vehicle produced in Pesquería, Nuevo León, for its “bold fastback styling and advanced connectivity that makes it stand out as a safe and attractive option.”
“It has a premium interior packed with features, highlighted by a total combination of nearly 30 inches of digital displays, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with 11 standard functions, and enhancements such as a Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a digital key 2.0 with ultra-wideband,” the sedan review notes.
The team also praised the fact that consumers can choose between two powertrain options and enjoy up to 29 available ADAS features, including a 360° Surround Vision Monitor, depending on the trim level selected.
“With the automotive industry favoring SUVs and trucks, it's easy to forget that more than a million family cars were sold in the United States last year. Such cars continue to represent great value, a characteristic that the K4 embodies,” said Brian Roberts, senior executive producer of MotorWeek.
The executive pointed out that beyond its price, “the Kia K4 also offers impressive styling—first in a sedan version and now also in a hatchback version—along with easy-to-use technology and extremely comfortable space.”
“It's also one of the smoothest family cars we've ever driven. But what really matters is that Kia managed to integrate the fun of a mid-size sports sedan into this compact, and we loved driving it,” he emphasized.
Regarding the award, Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, said the K4 “is the best example of Kia's commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations, raising the bar and offering sedans that combine comfort, performance, technology, and safety.”
The executive added that the vehicle “meets all the requirements that consumers are looking for, making it the ideal choice in the compact sedan segment.”
