People looking for a smaller car these days have fewer options than ever before, but thankfully many in the segment are sticking around for the long haul.

And if you’re looking for something that’s pretty high-end in design but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, your choices are even more thin.

One vehicle that does check this box in 2025 is the compact Mazda3, which comes in both a sedan and hatchback version. It’s attractive, sporty, fun to drive, and it looks and feels more expensive than the price tag would indicate.

I recently tested a 2025 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition AWD sedan, and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up against the remaining compact offerings — such as the Honda Civic, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.

Automakers are wisely leaning into their hybrid lineups as the switch to EVS happens at a slower pace than many had anticipated.

One brand with a strong hybrid lineup is Hyundai, including its midsize sedan offering — the Sonata hybrid, which competes mainly with hybrids from Toyota (Camry) and Honda (Accord).

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited hybrid, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up in this resurging category of vehicles.

Hybrids are a major discussion right now in the auto industry as companies pull back on their plans to expand EV lineups.

Many people want fuel efficiency, but still want to be able to go to the gas station, at least until EV prices come down and EV infrastructure is improved.

To reach these people now, vehicles like the 2025 Hyundai Elantra hybrid are plugging the gap and earning increased interest. Offering strong fuel mileage, attractive design, and an affordability EVs can’t deliver yet, they are seeing increased interest.

I recently tested a 2025 Elantra hybrid, and I’m back with a full report on this sold hybrid sedan option — which competes with vehicles such as the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Corolla hybrid and Toyota Prius.

Kia’s continued presence in the sedan field with its K4 and K5 offerings shows they are serious about sticking it out in this segment, as many other OEMs are dropping sedan lines to focus on SUVs.

And to spice things up, they have some interesting options available, including the 2025 Kia K5 GT, a turbocharged powerhouse I recently had the pleasure of pedaling.

The K5 is the larger of the two Kia sedan offerings, and this GT offering shows they are able to provide buyers with an option that doubles as both a solid family commuter ride and a fun weekend getaway car.

Read on to learn more about the 2025 Kia K5 GT, and how it holds up against the remaining midsize SUVs battling for critical market share.

While much of the world continues to obsess over SUVs and trucks, it’s easy to forget that some individuals and families still need a small, affordable car.

This is why vehicles like the brand new 2025 Kia K4 — a brand new compact sedan that replaces the Forte in Kia’s lineup — exist.

I recently tested a 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo model, which showed me that a small vehicle can still have a lot to offer.

Read on for a full breakdown of how this vehicle measures up in a battle against compact sedan stalwarts such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra.