The Kia K4 and Kia K5 are attractive sedans with sharp styling, appealing accommodations, and easy driving dynamics. While they might look similar at first glance, they're unique offers designed to suit different driving needs. Shoppers from Levittown to South Brunswick Township can buy or lease the latest Kia cars here at Ciocca Kia in Trenton. To help you determine the best fit for you, here's a quick look at some of their distinguishing attributes.
Compact Versus Midsize
The K4 is a compact sedan introduced in 2024-2025 as the successor to the Kia Forte. It's designed for buyers who want efficiency, practicality, and easy maneuverability — ideal for city driving or daily commuting. It's smaller on the outside, more affordable, and aimed at people who don't need a lot of extra power or luggage space but still want something sleek, stylish, and modern.
By contrast, the K5 is a midsize sedan that has been around a little longer, having taken the place of the Kia Optima for the 2021 model year. The Kia K5 is larger than the K4 (eight inches longer and an inch taller), and thus offers more passenger volume and a slightly larger trunk. It has a similar profile to the K4, but a more aggressive front end with unique signature lighting details. It also has more power under the hood in both its stock and GT configurations.
Kia K4 vs. Kia K5 Key Differences: Size, Power, Features, and Feel
- Size & Cabin Feel: The K4's smaller frame doesn't mean it skimped on comfort. It offers surprisingly generous rear legroom, even a little more than the K5, plus a 14.6 cubic-foot trunk. However, the K5 gives more room up front, more cargo capacity (15.6 cubic feet), and a more premium-feeling cabin.
- Powertrain & Driving Dynamics: The K4 typically comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower), while the GT-Line Turbo upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbo -four (190 horsepower). The K5, meanwhile, comes standard with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, while the high-performance K5 GT features a 2.5-liter turbo-four (290 horsepower) and sport-tuned driving dynamics.
- Features: The Kia K4 and K5 have similar trim levels and feature offerings; however, the Kia K5 typically has more amenities in its lower tiers. Both come standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and several advanced driver aids. The Kia K5's base model also includes dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist—features the K4 reserves for higher trims.
Test-Drive New Kia Cars near Ewing and Princeton, NJ
Reach out to Ciocca Kia for more information about the latest Kia models, including their available features, financing opportunities, and reservation options. If you'd like to check out the differences between the Kia K4 and Kia K5 for yourself, we invite you to visit our Trenton-area dealership for a test drive. We'll be happy to show you around.