Kia K5 vs K4: Which Kia Sedan Is Right for You?
The Kia K5 and Kia K4 are Kia’s two sedans, and both offer a sporty turbo trim and the same long warranty. The difference is size and price: the K5 is the larger midsize sedan with an available 290-horsepower GT, while the K4 is a compact that starts lower and even comes as a hatchback. Here is how to tell which one fits you.
K5 vs K4: the specs side by side
| Specification |
Kia K5 |
Kia K4 |
| Class |
Midsize sedan |
Compact sedan |
| Seating |
5 |
5 |
| Starting MSRP |
About $28,000 |
About $22,290 |
| Body styles |
Sedan |
Sedan and hatchback |
| Powertrains |
Gas |
Gas |
| Performance option |
290-hp GT |
190-hp GT-Line Turbo |
| Drivetrain |
FWD standard, AWD available |
FWD |
| Recognition |
Car and Driver Editors’ Choice |
2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, U.S. News Best Compact Car for the Money |
| Basic warranty |
5 yr / 60,000 mi |
5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty |
10 yr / 100,000 mi |
10 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Assembly |
West Point, Georgia |
Pesqueria, Mexico |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
Which one is right for you?
Choose the K5 if
- You want the larger midsize sedan with more room
- You want the 290-hp GT for performance
- You want available all-wheel drive, rare in the class
- You prefer a traditional sedan shape
Choose the K4 if
- You want the lower starting price, around $22,290
- You want a compact that is easy to park
- You want the choice of a sedan or a hatchback
- You want a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with roomy interior space
Size and space
The K5 is the larger midsize sedan with more overall room, while the K4 is a compact that punches above its size; the EPA classifies the K4 as midsize by passenger volume at 98.7 cubic feet, and it adds a hatchback body for extra cargo flexibility. Both seat five, so the choice is how much car you want.
Price and performance
The K4 is the value pick, starting around $22,290 versus about $28,000 for the K5. The K5 answers with a 290-horsepower GT and available all-wheel drive, while the K4 offers a 190-horsepower GT-Line Turbo. If budget leads, the K4 fits; if you want more size and power, the K5 does.
What the K5 and K4 share
Because both are Kia vehicles, they have a lot in common: the same 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty, a choice of efficient powertrains, and Kia’s ownership support. New K5 and K4 models at ALM Kia South also add ALM VIP Club benefits and, on qualifying new vehicles, our Included Lifetime Warranty.
The bottom line
Neither is better across the board; the right pick is the one that matches how you drive. Look over the strengths above, then come drive both at ALM Kia South. Our team can line up a back-to-back test drive so you can feel the difference for yourself.
K5 overview | K4 overview
All K5 comparisons | All K4 comparisons
K5 vs K4: common questions
Should I buy the Kia K5 or K4?
It comes down to size and budget. The K5 is the larger midsize sedan with an available 290-hp GT and available all-wheel drive, while the K4 is a compact that starts lower, around $22,290, and comes as a sedan or hatchback. Both are Kia sedans with the same 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What is the difference between the Kia K5 and K4?
The K5 is the larger midsize sedan with a 290-hp GT and available all-wheel drive. The K4 is a compact sedan or hatchback that starts about $6,000 lower. Both are gas sedans with a sporty turbo trim and the same warranty.
Is the Kia K5 bigger than the K4?
Yes. The K5 is a midsize sedan and the K4 is a compact, though the K4 is EPA-classified as midsize by passenger volume. The K5 is the larger car overall.
Is the Kia K4 cheaper than the K5?
Yes. The K4 starts around $22,290 and the K5 starts around $28,000, so the K4 is the lower-priced way into a new Kia sedan.
Does the Kia K4 come as a hatchback?
Yes. The K4 is offered as a sedan or a hatchback, while the K5 is a sedan only. The hatchback adds cargo flexibility.
Do the K5 and K4 have the same warranty?
Yes. Both come with Kia’s 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty. New models at ALM Kia South also add ALM VIP Club benefits and the Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying vehicles.
