Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

We're hatching open an expanded compact, the Kia K4 Hatchback... Then, Stephanie Hart arms us with good car buying sense and tactics... We'll roll right into a "Your Drive" on making your car roll just right... Then, huddle up for a look at the return of the Jeep Cherokee... So, come drive with us, next!

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JOHN: Whether, you're talking the midsize K5 or the compact K4, Kia's reinvention of their sedan lineup has been very successful.

Well, now they're reinventing one of their reinventions with a hatchback version of the K4.

Is there room for such a vehicle in a world gone SUV mad?

Well, let's find out.

♪ ♪ We first tested Kia's K4 a year ago and found it a breath of fresh air for the compact sedan segment.

Overall, it impressed us greatly; easily earning our Drivers' Choice Award for Best Family Car.

Their follow up, this 2026 K4 Hatchback, has made us even more excited.

And not just because of how great it looks, though that's certainly where it starts.

Riding on the same 107.1 inch wheelbase as the sedan, the Hatchback is almost a full foot shorter, and swapping the trunk for a hatch means an extended roofline with a handsome floating roof motif on the D-pillar.

For now, the sedan's LX and LXS trims didn't make it over to the Hatchback, leaving just EX, GT-Line, and this GT-Line Turbo.

The engine lineup mirrors that of the sedan, with the standard 147 horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.0 liter I4 in EX and GT-Line.

Stepping up to the GT-Line Turbo gets you a 1.6 liter turbo-4 with 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

And in addition to more power, you get an 8-speed automatic transmission in place of a CVT.

At our Mason Dixon test track, after the slightest hesitation at launch, power arrived forcefully, bringing a little bit of torque steer with it.

But the turbo propelled us to 60 in 6.8 seconds, just a tenth slower than we achieved in the GT-Line Turbo sedan last year, with gear changes in the 8-speed automatic quick and smooth.

We were dodging some spring showers by the time we got around to dodging cones in our handling course, but that didn't hold us back, as the K4 was quite fun and very capable even on damp pavement.

Steering feel was quite nice, light but responsive, and there were minimal amounts of both understeer and body roll.

Adding the turbo engine also gets you a suspension upgrade, swapping out the rear torsion beam for a multi-link setup, and quicker steering too, thanks to a revised ratio.

(car whooshing by) Normal and Sport Drive Modes are included to tailor the driving experience, and the Turbo also comes with a brake upgrade.

It felt plenty zippy on the street too, yet also very refined and quiet with an overall great driving experience, just like the sedan.

Kia is not new to producing some great looking hatchbacks.

Before this K4 Hatchback was a Forte5, and prior to that there was a Spectra5, and predating that one was a liftback version the Sephia sedan, the first Kia to be sold here in the U.S.

Inside, the seating position does feel a little higher than the sedan, and the seats themselves have adequate comfort.

And just like the 4-door, there's a good amount of legroom for rear-seat passengers, plus, the benefit of an additional inch of headroom.

All other dimensions inside are the same as the sedan, which makes it still a bit tight for three across back here.

The gauge display is fully digital, but with a good facsimile of analog dials.

Sandwiched between that and the 12.3 inch touchscreen for infotainment are the climate controls.

It didn't take us long to get used to the non-typical location, but the display itself is blocked by the steering wheel most of the time.

Materials throughout the cabin are very nice, with top GT-Line Turbo including Harmon/Kardon premium audio, sunroof and Kia's Highway Driving Assistant.

As for utility-like abilities, what many buy a hatchback for, there is a quite good 22.2 cubic-feet of cargo space, which expands to 59.3 cubic-feet with the rear seatbacks folded; not far from what you'd find in a small SUV.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings with the turbo engine are 26 city, 33 highway, and 28 combined.

We averaged a fine 30.8 miles per gallon of Regular.

Pricing for an EX Hatchback starts at $26,235, with the GT-Line just a grand more at $27,235.

Stepping up to the GT-Line Turbo will cost you $30,135.

It may not be a hot hatch in the literal sense, but the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback is one hot looking ride, and our hearts warmed to it quickly.

It's a darn fine automobile, and knowing Kia, it very well just might lead to something even greater down the road.

♪ ♪ JOHN: Let's be honest: New cars are expensive.

Add in high interest rates and it's no wonder the average payment for a new vehicle is now over $700 a month.

Those sky-high payments make it a real stretch for many people to buy a new car.

But, our Stephanie Hart is here with auto financing tips to help you make that new car dream come true.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: Given our current economic environment, a solid strategy is crucial in order to help you secure a good car loan.

I discussed the situation with Bankrate's Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick.

MARK HAMRICK: It could be in the coming years that interest rates will be higher for longer, but perhaps not as high as they are right now.

In some cases, financial institutions are going to be a little more stingy with the money they're lending because they're worried about whether people can make good on those payments.

We have seen lending tightening over the last year or so.

STEPHANIE: But don't panic, deals are out there.

You just have to be prepared before you can capitalize on them.

After all, buying a car is the second largest purchase you're going to make behind buying a home.

So, before you walk into a dealer showroom like this one, you'll want to make sure you have done your homework.

First, create a budget.

Second, have savings for a down payment.

Lastly, make sure you know your credit score.

The higher it is the lower interest rate you will qualify for and the more money you will save.

If you've checked off all of those boxes, then you're ready to shop around for the best auto loan.

Start by contacting credit unions, banks, and dealerships.

Find out what you qualify for, compare rates and learn about what you really can afford.

At MECU credit union in Baltimore, Maryland, auto loans topped the charts as its number one loan product in 2023.

As you may know, a credit union is a not-for-profit financial organization that's owned by members, not shareholders, so profits are returned to members in the form of lower fees, better rates and service.

ADRIAN JOHNSON: We offer financial wellness, financial literacy, financial education.

We have certified financial counselors who will help our members for free- budgeting, savings, improving their credit score.

So, that's been a big plus.

STEPHANIE: And keep in mind, getting a pre-approval letter from a credit union or bank will always save you money during the auto finance process.

KEITH GROSSNICKLE: We actually love that because that is an enlightened consumer who's prepared.

And we work with them to help get the best rates for them.

Sometimes, we can actually do better than what they're already pre-approved for, and if not, we're ready to put the deal together the way they want.

STEPHANIE: And remember, you can typically get a lower interest rate on a new car than you can on a used car because the risk of loss to the bank is lower.

KEITH: The factory uses what is called a subvented rate.

That's where they actually pass the savings through to a consumer.

Instead of in the form of a rebate, they do it in the form of a lower interest rate.

STEPHANIE: Whether, you choose to finance through a dealership, credit union or bank, don't rush into anything.

And remember, the life of the loan is important.

Auto loans with payments of five years or longer have become increasingly common and should be avoided.

MARK: In the early part of the purchasing process, you may be underwater.

Being underwater on a car payment means that what you owe is more than the value of the car.

And guess what?

If you're in an accident and let's say it's totaled, you could really be on the hook if you don't have gap coverage that can make sure that you're reimbursed for the total cost of the car.

STEPHANIE: Even though high sticker prices, combined with high interest rates, have increased the debt-to-income ratio of most borrowers compared to previous years, making it more difficult for some people to qualify for loans, sound financing is still possible if you've done all your homework first.

♪ ♪ (beeps of phone) LISA BARROW: Car phones... They used to be just for the rich, but now cellular technology is changing that, making them more appealing to more people.

Today's owners of cellular car phones are buying, selling, divesting and merging, or just plain talking on the road.

Even rescue vehicles may soon switch to this mode of communication.

CHRISTOPHER BUCK: So basically, you can get a phone in your car purchase price, about $1,200.

LISA BARROW: There are many brands, but only three types, beginning with the mobile car phone, the type that stays in your car.

The second type of phone is a transportable unit; it goes where you go.

The third phone is the much smaller portable model.

It's compact enough to fit in a briefcase but much more expensive.

JOHN: Finding your center is good advice for staying grounded and for keeping your car rolling right.

If you have anxieties regarding the latter, follow this checklist from Audra Fordin on this week's "Your Drive!"

(car engine starts up) AUDRA FORDIN: Have you ever felt like your car is pulling to one side, or your steering wheel is shaking like it's had too much coffee?

That's your car trying to tell you something- And it's not just being dramatic.

Today, we're diving into three key players in your tire's performance-- wheel alignment, tire rotation, and wheel balancing-- that keep you rolling smooth and straight.

A wheel alignment isn't just about your wheels pointing forward.

It's about the angles your tires hit the road: The camber and caster, and the toe.

When these are off, your car might pull to one side, your tires wear unevenly, or your steering feels off-center.

Think of it like your spine: If you're out of alignment, the rest of your body starts compensating and wearing down.

Wheel alignment machines take your car through a full-body posture check, like a chiropractor but for your suspension.

In just minutes, the system scans and shows exactly where you're off.

A properly aligned car means better handling, longer tire life and safer driving.

If you hit a pothole or a curb, get it checked!

That one bump can throw off your entire alignment.

Now, tires naturally don't wear evenly.

The front tires, well, they handle your turning, and the back tires, they follow; and depending on whether your car is front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, each tire has a different job.

Rotating your tires, moving them from front to back and side to side, evens out wear and extends tire life.

It also gives us a chance to inspect your tires, your suspension, your front end, and catch early signs of damage.

A general rule is to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or at every oil change.

It's simple, it's quick and saves you money.

Skipping tire rotation can cost you up to 25 percent of your tire life.

That's like buying four pairs of shoes and only wearing two of them.

Now, let's talk about wheel balancing because, just like you wouldn't run a marathon in wobbly shoes, you don't want to drive on tires that are out of balance.

Every tire and wheel has tiny weight differences, even when brand new.

Balancing evens this out by adding small weights so the tire spins smoothly.

Without it, you'll feel vibrations, your steering may shimmy and your tires can wear out fast.

Feeling vibrations at 60 to 70 miles per hour could be a balance issue- get it checked before it damages your suspension.

So, remember... Wheel alignments keep you straight and steady, rotation keeps your tread even, and wheel balancing keeps your ride smooth and your parts happy.

And that keeps money in your pocket!

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: Let's head inside and rejoin Stephanie Hart for all the latest MotorNews.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE: When we learned that the next generation Toyota Highlander was going fully electric, we figured Lexus wasn't far behind; and we've just seen their spin on it, the 2027 TZ.

This all-electric 3-row utility is targeting at least 300 miles of range.

There's no other performance data just yet, but we know all-wheel-drive is standard.

Press photos show an inviting, luxurious cabin, which Lexus says is made even quieter thanks to additional sound-deadening materials.

We'll spend more time with it soon.

"Standard all-wheel-drive" also describes the Porsche Cayenne Electric.

What's new here is this Coupe body, which features a sportier swept-back roof.

Expect three grades, starting around $116,000, about five-grand more than the SUV.

Some good news for affordability, the Kia EV6 price dropped for 2026.

Most grades average a $5,000 reduction, with the base model starting just below $40,000.

Model year changes are otherwise minimal, including better Charge Pass app support, and new interior and exterior finishes.

Now, here's one for America's hardworking tradesfolks or those who just like a good jacket: The 2027 Ford Super Duty Carhartt Package.

The perfect matchup, this trim adds interior upholstery, stitching and floormats inspired by Carhartt's renowned apparel.

Outside, function meets form through unique wheels with all-terrain tires, running boards, a spray-in bedliner with the Carhartt logo, and special graphics that also protect the paint.

The Carhartt package is available on XLT Crew Cab trucks.

Tapping into a different side of patriotism, Cadillac is celebrating their Formula 1 debut with a special edition of the CT5-V Blackwing sport sedan.

Its muted tone and carbon fiber body elements serve as a nod to the team's F1 heritage.

In addition, its 6.2 liter supercharged V8 has been uprated to 685 horsepower.

That's almost 20 more than before, making it the most powerful Blackwing yet; and it might just be the most limited, with just 26 being produced.

And that's it for this week's MotorNews!

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The best doctor's visits are ones that are short and worry-free, and this week's check-up on our 2026 Porsche Cayenne Long-Term is one of those.

Now at 10,000 tested miles, we took it in for scheduled service, where the Porsche techs gave it a clean bill of health.

Its 6-cylinder heart is still pumping a spry 348 horsepower, which we put to use often.

Perhaps too often, having observed another slight dip in overall fuel economy, down to 23.5 miles per gallon, still above the EPA's 23 mpg highway rating.

And considering recent fluctuating fuel prices, we'll take every decimal point we can get.

In these long-term tests, we don't actively try to beat the EPA fuel economy estimates.

We just drive how we drive.

And in this Cayenne, we drive enthusiastically because it's just so athletic.

But, it's not totally without fault.

The auto stop/start system, like us, tends to operate enthusiastically, which is to say that it's a little too quick to shut off the engine sometimes in stop-and-go situations.

But, you can turn it off.

Our Porsche Cayenne isn't quite done yet, but one of our other utilities is... Our Acura ZDX, which will feature, along with its replacement, in the next MotorWeek Long-Term Road Test Update!

JOHN: Something's been missing from the Jeep portfolio.

Well actually, it's two things: One, a Cherokee, and two, a non-plug-in hybrid option.

Well, 2026 sees the end of both of these omissions with a brand-new Cherokee that showcases Jeep's new hybrid powertain.

That's a lot to sort through, but we've got just the crew to do it!

♪ ♪ GREG: When we say this 2026 Jeep Cherokee is Jeep's first hybrid, we're talking in the strictly traditional hybrid sense, not a plug-in like the 4xe, which Jeep has actually now phased out of their lineup.

This Cherokee is working with an all-new hybrid system built around Stellantis Europe's 1.6 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

It's partnered with a pair of electric motors that make up the variable transmission to produce 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.

It will operate on battery power alone at speeds up to 62 miles per hour, but a very small 1.0 kilowatt hour battery means it can't do it for long.

Jeep's Active Drive 1 is standard and has the ability to operate strictly in front-wheel-drive, or send as much as 50 percent of power to the rear wheels.

Selec-Terrain has settings for Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Auto; but off-roading is not really a priority for this particular Cherokee.

The hybrid delivers Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 39 city, 35 highway, and 37 combined; our average was just a little below that at 34.4 miles per gallon of Regular.

JESSICA RAY: Despite modest power numbers, the Cherokee makes good use of what it has, responding quickly to throttle inputs.

It is a very noisy setup, especially when you start it up, but it does get quieter as things settle down.

Transitions between engine and battery power are relatively seamless and are really only noticed by what feels like a very subtle shift of a transmission.

At the test track, there was plenty of torque off the line to get us to 60 in 7.5 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 89 miles per hour.

There's a lot of momentum here at launch.

The engine comes on very quickly; you can tell it's working hard.

And different from a typical CVT, there is plenty of power throughout the entire quarter mile.

Between the all-wheel-drive sending varying amounts of power to the rear wheels, and that power coming from two different sources, there was a lot going on when it came to evaluating handling.

But, despite some inconsistencies in feel, it all came together quite nicely.

Through our cone course, there's really not much steering feel, and when pushed hard enough, you do get a fair amount of oversteer.

But the Jeep Cherokee is actually pretty maneuverable, and I never feel like the body roll is out of control and things feel pretty stable.

In our braking runs, stops averaged a good 110 feet with solid pedal feel, very little fade and no drama.

GREG: The last Cherokee, which ended its run in 2023, didn't exactly stop people in their tracks when it came to style.

And while it wasn't realistic to make a new Cherokee as square as the original XJ, designers did add some subtle nods to it, and we think Jeep fans will like it.

It's much bigger than the last Cherokee; taller, wider, and about 5.0 inches longer, but ground clearance is down slightly, coming in right at 8.0 inches.

The interior is comfortable and well outfitted regardless of trim, but there are a few quirks.

This steering wheel looks and feels huge, and the controls down here on the console are very similar to other Stellantis offerings, namely the Dodge Charger.

Jeep has also gone with electronic door switches both on the outside and in, though there is also a manual release inside as long as you're in the front row.

Rather than plopping a mega-screen up here, Jeep keeps this one integrated into the dash; it's still a good size, though, at 12.3 inches.

Uconnect 5 looks great and works well, but the haptics on either side of the screen and down here for climate are not our favorite.

Laredo trim is just one step up from base and comes with upgraded cloth upholstery, heated seats, and plenty of charge ports, but the cargo area is the big deal in the Cherokee, literally, with a great 33.6 cubic-feet worth of space for gear.

And that seemed to be the priority for Jeep as there's actually less second room leg room than before, but there is more hip and shoulder room, and that helps it feel less claustrophobic back here.

Laredo pricing starts at $39,995, 3-grand over a base offering, the top Overland coming in $44,995.

So, Jeep has pulled the plug on the 4xe for now, but don't think of this 2026 Cherokee as a step backward, rather a leap forward, as its turbo hybrid powertrain is making better fuel efficiency more attainable for the Jeep faithful.

It looks like efficiency is the new Jeep thing.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time when we take stock of the new Subaru Outback's Wilderness upgrade, followed by the fast and low Audi RS3.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

We're Tire Rack.

We test tires, then share our results.

We stock over a million tires.

We offer multiple installation options.

We do this because we believe tires matter.

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