Kia K4 vs Kia K5

What's the difference between the Kia K4 and the Kia K5?

The Kia K4 and the Kia K5 headline a new era of Kia sedans. The K5 was introduced in 2021 to replace the well-known Kia Optima as the brand's new midsize sedan model. Then a few years later in 2024, the K4 was introduced to replace the longstanding Kia Forte and slot into Kia's compact sedan position. A shift to the K4 and K5 model names signified a change to a sportier, more modern vehicle. With the name refresh came new impressive contemporary designs inside and out.

So what exactly are the differences between these compact and midsize Kia sedans? Watch the video below and continue reading for an in depth breakdown of these terrific Kia sedans.

Kia K4 vs Kia K5 Comparison Video








Get the K4 vs K5 Specs Breakdown & More Below
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Model

Kia K4 - Compact Sedan
Kia K4 Specs
Kia K5 - Midsize Sedan
Kia K5 Specs

Kia K4 vs Kia K5 Specs

Specs
Kia K4 LX (Base Model)
Kia K5 LXS (Base Model)
Powertrain
 2.0L I-4 Cylinder
2.5L I-4 Cylinder
Transmission
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
Fuel Economy (MPG)1
30 city / 40 highway / 34 combined1
26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined1
Exterior Dimensions (L / W / H)
185.4 in / 72.8 in / 55.9 in
193.1 in / 73.2 in / 56.9 in
Horsepower
147 HP @ 6,200 rpm
191 HP @ 6,100 rpm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR)
3,924 lbs.
4,365 lbs.
Wheels
6.5J x 16" steel
6.5J x 16" alloy
Fuel Tank Capacity
12.4 gallons
15.8 gallons

Kia K4 Interior
Kia K4 Interior vs Kia K5 Interior
Kia K5 Interior
Kia K5 Interior vs Kia K4 Interior

Kia K4 Interior vs Kia K5 Interior

Features
Kia K4 LX (Base Model)
Kia K5 LXS (Base Model)
Display
 12.3" touchscreen infotainment display
 12.3" touchscreen infotainment display
Connectivity
Wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
Wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
Front Headroom (without sunroof)
39 in
40.2 in
Rear Headroom (without sunroof)
37.3 in
37.8 in
Front Legroom
42.3 in
46.1 in
Rear Legroom
38 in
35.2 in
Cargo Space
14.6 cu. ft.
15.6 cu. ft.
Passenger Capacity
98.7 cu. ft.
105.3 cu. ft.

Kia K4 & K5 Trim Options

Both the Kia K4 and the Kia K5 offer five unique trim levels, giving drivers plenty of options to outfit their sedan just the way they like it. To learn more about each trim option check out our full breakdown of the Kia K4 and the Kia K5.

Kia K4 Trims

  • LX
  • LXS
  • EX
  • GT-Line
  • GT-Line Turbo

Kia K5 Trims

  • LXS
  • EX
  • GT-Line FWD
  • GT-Line AWD
  • Turbocharged GT

So Which Kia Sedan Is Right For Me?

As you can see, finding whether the K4 or K5 is the car for you largely comes down to your lifestyle. If you're still a little unsure or if you simply want to confirm what you're thinking, schedule your K4 or K5 test drive today at Napleton's Northlake Kia. Our K4 and K5 dealership is located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL just off of I-95.

Top 10 Most Common K4 vs K5 Questions:

The Kia K4 is a new compact sedan from Kia. It's a fantastic car that thrives in fuel-efficiency and its modern sporty design. Learn more about the K4 at Napleton's Northlake Kia.

As you may have guessed, the 'K' stands for "Kia". The numbers in the model name follow the trend of using an abbreviated name to symbolize a sportier model of vehicle. The Kia K4 represents the brand's compact sedan while moving up to the K5 represents the brand's larger midsize sedan.

The Kia K5 is the bigger sedan when comparing the K4 and K5 models. Get the exact dimensions of these vehicles and discover the differences between these two great sedans from our specs table. 

Whether the Kia K4 or Kia K5 is better depends on what type of vehicle you're looking for. If you're looking for a sporty, modern, compact sedan that's fun to drive while also very fuel-efficient, then the K4 may be the better model for you. However, if you're looking for a bit more space, a larger engine, and more advanced features then you may want to look at the Kia K5. If you're not sure which vehicle is better for you, check out our Kia K4 vs Kia K5 comparison video to learn all about the differences between these new Kia sedans.

The Kia K4 and Kia K5 are two different sedans from Kia. They are in two different sedan segments. The Kia K4 is in the smaller, compact sedan segment, while the Kia K5 is in the midsize sedan segment. Watch our K4 vs K5 comparison video to learn more about these Kia sedans.

The Kia K4 replaced the longstanding Kia Forte as the brand's new compact sedan. It joins the K5, which replaced the popular Kia Optima as the brand's staple midsize sedan. The Kia K4 and K5 are close neighbors in Kia's sedan lineup and both offer their own advantages depending on what you are looking for out of your vehicle. Schedule a free test drive today at Napleton's Northlake Kia to find out which vehicle is right for you.

The Kia K4 was introduced in 2024 to be the brand's new compact sedan for the 2025 model year and beyond.

The Kia K5 was introduced in 2021 to be the brand's midsize sedan for 2021 and beyond.

Even though drivers in the United States became well-aware of the Kia Forte and Kia Optima, most of the rest of the world knew the Kia model names as K1-K9. The name change of the Forte to the K4 and the Optima to the K5 not only signified a new era for Kia, but it also is a step closer to keeping their model lineup more consistent worldwide.

The new Kia K4 and Kia K5 are two of the best sedans on the market today. Both have a new, modern, design with tons of amazing features that come standard. Don't just take our word for it, learn more about these two incredible sedans to find which is the best sedan for you, and schedule a test drive today.

1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition.

Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All vehicles subject to prior sales. See dealer for details. MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold in trade area. New car prices include applicable manufacturer incentives in lieu of special financing. Plus tax, title, tag, $199 doc processing & $899 dealer fees. New vehicle MPG’s are EPA’s estimated highway MPG’s. New vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating. Warranties 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. Used car prices plus tax, title, tag, $199 doc processing & $899 dealer fees. Used car MPG claims are based on EPA estimated city and highway ratings when vehicle was new. Used vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating when vehicle was new. Consumers actual mileage will vary. The value of used vehicles varies with mileage, usage and condition. Book values should be considered estimates only.