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If you’re looking for an affordable new sedan, comparing the Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata is the way to go. And, if you’re wondering which one of these sedans will be the most surefire way to elevate your Monday morning and get you excited to take on the week, the answer’s coming at you like a set of multi-reflector LED headlights: the Kia K5.
As you go through our Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata comparison, we’ll look at each vehicle in the categories that matter the most so you can clearly see the winner in this battle. Once you know how the Kia K5 claims that victorious spot, head over to Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw and put one in your driveway today.
In the following table, we’ll outline some of the key points you’ll want to know about when deciding between these two vehicles. Here’s the main thing, though: If nothing else, the new Kia K5 for sale is all about being a driving enthusiast’s car.
You’ll find enhanced performance options and styling throughout the dynamic K5, along with an engaging and fun drive that’ll make your morning commute more appealing. The Hyundai Sonata does have a performance option, but it’s tailored more to the “point A to point B” type of driver.
Though the entry point on either model may seem the same, the Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata pricing battle swings more favorably to the Kia K5 when you compare what you get. Both sedans have nearly identical starting MSRPs, but there’s a key factor: With the performance trim, the K5 GT, you’re looking at a lower starting price than the equivalent Sonata N Line.
Now that we’ve talked about what’s less, here’s what’s more: The Kia K5 gives you more room across nearly every interior measurement. Who wants to be cramped? You certainly don’t, and with our Kia K5 lease specials, you can get the spacious specs you seek.
See more details below with our 2025 Kia K5 vs. 2025 Hyundai Sonata chart.
| 2025 Kia K5 GT-Line FWD | 2025 Hyundai Sonata SEL FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 191 | 191 |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 25 / 36 / 29 MPG1 | 25 / 36 / 29 MPG2 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight | 3,291 lbs | 3,305 lbs |
Those of you familiar with the Kia brand may know that the Kia K5 replaced the Kia Optima. The Kia company is trending more toward performance across all models, and the K5 spearheaded the first phase of that performance overhaul. The design team took what was best about the nameplate and infused it with race-inspired driving dynamics for a vehicle that looks unlike anything else out there.
The Hyundai Sonata shares a lot with the Kia K5, but the main difference you’ll find when you compare the Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata is that the Sonata takes a less sporty approach to the sedan segment, offering one performance trim (N-Line) vs. the K5 sedan’s three performance trims (GT-Line FWD, GT-Line AWD, and GT).
We’ve already mentioned that the Kia K5 has a lower starting price in certain trims, but with feature-based advantages over the Sonata, like a standard Highway Driving Assist on the GT-Line FWD trim, the Kia K5 offers even more value.
Additionally, the Kia K5 weighs less than the Sonata, whisking you off the starting line faster. Engine upgrades can make both models deliver 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. So, who wins the Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata comparison in terms of overall value? It’s a closer call, but we think the answer is clear.
Did we forget to mention that the stunning new Kia K5 also has an available AWD system in its exciting and sporty GT-Line trim? The Hyundai Sonata limits you to FWD in all but its value-focused SEL trim.
| 2025 Kia K5 | 2025 Hyundai Sonata | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.1 in | 193.3 in |
| Width | 73.2 in | 73.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 111.8 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 40.2 / 37.8 in (w/o sunroof) | 40 / 37.8 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 46.1 / 35.2 in | 46.1 / 34.8 in |
| Cargo Space | 15.6 cu ft | 15.6 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 105.3 cu ft | 104.4 cu ft |
On paper, both the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata have very similar dimensions specs both inside and out. With similar measurements for passengers and cargo in both cars, the real differences come down to the interior materials, amenities, and comforts.
Both sedans have 15.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk, and both offer around 35 inches of legroom for rear passengers. The K5 has around 1 cubic foot of additional passenger volume in the cabin.
The Kia K5 has been slightly refreshed for the 2025 model year and has an upscale and refined interior with available features like LED interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging for your phone. Standard features inside the K5 GT-Line FWD include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, solar control glass, sound-absorbing windshield and door glass, SynTex seat trim, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability.
Inside the Hyundai Sonata SEL, standard features include cloth seating materials, heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities are included, but it is not wireless in the Sonata SEL, and wireless charging is not available on this trim model.
| 2025 Kia K5 GT-Line FWD | 2025 Hyundai Sonata SEL | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 Stars5 | 5 Stars6 |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Standard | Standard |
| Highway Driving Assist | Standard | Not Available |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist | Standard | Standard |
The Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 both have excellent safety ratings and driver-assistance features. But when it comes to value, the safety features in the K5 outshine the Sonata.
Although the Sonata lineup does offer Highway Driving Assist, you’ll need to upgrade to the top-tier trim level to get it. On the other hand, the Kia K5 sedan has Highway Driving Assist on every trim level except the base LS model, meaning you don’t have to stretch your budget to get access to this convenient feature. Additionally, Front and Rear Parking Distance Warning comes standard on every model of the Kia K5, but you’ll have to opt for a higher trim on the Sonata for this amenity.
| 2025 Kia K5 | 2025 Hyundai Sonata | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 5 years/60,000 miles3 | 5 years/60,000 miles4 |
| Powertrain | 10 years/100,000 miles3 | 10 years/100,000 miles4 |
Both the Kia and Hyundai brands provide excellent Basic and Powertrain warranties for their new vehicles. Whether you opt for the K5 or the Sonata, you’ll be supported by impressive manufacturer-backed warranties.
When it comes to reliability and consumer ratings, the Kia K5 outscores the Hyundai Sonata. The J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Rating for the K5 is 84 out of 100,7 while the Hyundai Sonata receives an 81 out of 1008 for the same metric.
Thanks for taking the time to read our Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata comparison page. We hope that you have found it helpful. The Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw team is here to help you take home one of the biggest brands with a small-town feel. We take pride in knowing our customers’ names.
We love to listen to your needs, and we’ll always treat you with the respect that you deserve. Check out our new Kia specials and give one of our Kia brand representatives a call. They’ll help you craft a truly curated deal so you can get out there and do what you love most.
The 2025 Kia K5 does offer optional AWD. The Hyundai Sonata, like the Kia K5, comes standard with FWD and has optional AWD, but there’s a key difference here. The Kia K5 can be equipped with AWD in its exciting GT-Line trim for thrilling handling, while the 2025 Hyundai Sonata only offers AWD in its value-oriented SEL trim.
The entry point on the 2025 Kia K5, the LXS, is similar in price to the base-trim 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE. The next trim in the Kia lineup, the GT-Line FWD, costs just a bit more than the Sonata SEL. After the base models, the Hyundai Sonata trim levels outpace the Kia trim levels in price but not in amenities.
That’s a tough question to answer, believe it or not. “Better” is an entirely subjective word, but if our above discussion means anything to you, then it’s clear to see that the 2025 Kia K5 offers you more. Plus, it has more interior room, more trim options, and extra standard features in equivalent trims when compared to the 2025 Sonata.
1Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle’s condition.
3Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
4Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/KIA/K5/4%252520DR/FWD
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/HYUNDAI/SONATA/4%252520DR/FWD
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/kia/k5
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/hyundai/sonata
