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 sure-fire 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 real driver’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 is 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. The Kia K5 sedan’s starting price is a bit less than the Sonata, and the lease payment can be less, too. With the performance trim, the K5 GT, you’re also 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 Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata chart:
| Vehicle Details | 2024 Kia K5 GT-Line FWD | 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Specs | ||
| Engine Specs | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Gas |
| Horsepower | 180 | 191 |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight | 3,228 lbs | 3,305 lbs |
| MPG Overview | ||
| EPA-Estimated City MPG | 27 MPG1 | 25 MPG2 |
| EPA-Estimated Highway MPG | 37 MPG1 | 36 MPG2 |
| EPA-Estimated Combined MPG | 31 MPG1 | 29 MPG2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gallons | 15.9 gallons |
| Cargo Space | ||
| Trunk Space | 16 cu ft | 15.6 cu ft |
| Safety Features | ||
| 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 |
| Warranty | ||
| Basic | 5 years/60,000 miles3 | 5 years/60,000 miles4 |
| Powertrain | 10 years/100,000 miles3 | 10 years/100,000 miles4 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | ||
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: | 5 Stars5 | 5 Stars6 |
| Interior Room | ||
| Front Headroom | 40.2 in | 40.0 in |
| Front Legroom | 46.1 in | 46.1 in |
| Rear Headroom | 37.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 34.8 in |
| Front Hip Room | 56.6 in | 54.6 in |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.6 in | 54.4 in |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.0 in | 57.9 in |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in | 56.1 in |
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, 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 and makes more standard torque than the Sonata, whisking you off the line faster. Engine upgrades can make both models deliver 290 horsepower. For 2024 Kia K5 vs. 2024 Hyundai Sonata safety, it’s a tie, as the NHTSA gave both models a five-star overall safety rating.5, 6 So, who wins the Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata comparison in terms of overall value? 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 base, value-focused SEL trim. Even though the winner seems evident to us in the Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata comparison, we’ll outline a few more popular questions that we’ve heard at Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw.
The 2024 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 2024 Hyundai Sonata only offers AWD in its entry-level SEL trim.
The entry point on the 2024 Kia K5, the LXS, is lower than the base-trim 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL by a noticeable amount. Models like the K5 GT-Line FWD cost only a bit more than the Sonata SEL. The top-trim Kia K5 GT also starts for several thousand less than the equivalent Hyundai Sonata, the Sonata N Line.
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 2024 Kia K5 offers you more for less. Plus, it has more interior room, more trim options, more standard torque, and extra standard features in equivalent trims.
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.
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/2024/KIA/K5/4%252520DR/FWD#safety-ratings-frontal
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/2024/HYUNDAI/SONATA/4%252520DR/FWD#safety-ratings-frontal
