
If you’re looking for a sleek sedan with great gas mileage and outstanding capabilities, the midsize 2025 Kia K5 and the all-new compact 2025 Kia K4 are both great options. To help you figure out which one meets your needs, read on to explore the highlights of each before scheduling a test drive at your Kia dealership.
The 2025 Kia K5 vs. the 2025 Kia K4: Midsize vs. Compact Sedan at Your Kia Dealership
Four-Cylinder Engines
Both the 2025 K5 and 2025 K4 are powered by four-cylinder engines, but the K5’s 2.5-liter churns out 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque with the base configuration, and the GT model packs a turbocharged version for 290 hp and 311 lb-ft. The K4 features a 2.0-liter engine that produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, and the turbocharged engine in the range-topping GT-Line Turbo ups the output to 190 hp and 195 lb-ft.
Fuel Economy
The base models of both the K5 and K4 offer the best fuel economy of each lineup. The K4 LX boasts ratings of 30 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for the K5.
Drivetrains
Front-wheel drive is standard on both the K5 and K4, but if you need extra traction control, the K5 GT-Line AWD trim level is your best option. Both lineups include standard Drive Mode Select to tailor performance between Normal, Sport, and My Drive modes, while the AWD model of the K5 adds Snow Mode to help you navigate winter weather during mountain adventures.
Cabin Comfort
A six-way manual driver’s seat is standard in the base K5 and K4, but the K5 upgrades to heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar in all models above the base trim, while the same features are reserved for the top two trim levels in the K4. Five-person seating is standard across both lineups.
The midsize K5 is ideal for taller drivers, with 46 inches of legroom in the front and 35.2 inches in the rear, while the K4 provides 42.3 inches up front and a more generous 38 inches in the second row.
Cargo Space
You’ll enjoy plenty of cargo space in both the K5 and K4, which have almost identical capacities. However, the larger K5 offers slightly more, with 15.6 cubic feet in the trunk compared to 14.6 in the K4.
The 2025 K4 is ideal for commuters who want an efficient, well-equipped ride, while the 2025 K5 offers more space and extra engine power. When you’re ready to compare in person during a test drive, visit us at Kia of Marin in Novato, CA!


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.