Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata: What's The Difference?

Published December 9, 2021
in Car Comparisons

The Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 (previously known as the Optima) together are some of the best-selling midsize sedans and result in a sizable part of annual sales for this class. With two of the highest customer satisfaction ratings out there, it’s no surprise that these well-rounded vehicles give off comfort and luxury while they drive. If you’ve narrowed your search down to these two, consider the following information when reviewing the Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata.

While these two brands operate separately, they are owned by the same parent company and share many obvious and subtle features. Hyundai and Kia are both at the top of the class in terms of sophisticated driver aid technology, in terms of the number of features and how effectively they perform. You’ll get a huge, helpful infotainment display with a smartphone connection regardless of which trim level you pick for either model.

Kia K5 Breakdown

While the K5 might be new to consumers, the Kia brand has a long history of providing stable and reliable vehicles. In the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Kia Optima, the K5’s predecessor, placed top among midsize sedans. In the 2020 study, it came in third place. Driver’s should expect the K5 to continue to be in the top few models every year.

In its new model debut, the K5 is ranked #4 overall by U.S. News and World Report for the midsize car category, with an overall ranking of 8.⁴⁄₁₀, and a safety ranking of 9.⁴⁄₁₀. Consumers looking into buying a Kia K5 will have a modest price range from $23,590 to $30,590, depending on the trim level.

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On the K5, Kia only offers two 4-cylinder engines. Most customers will be satisfied with the base engine; the Kia K5 does not have a hybrid variant, at least not for the 2021 model year. However, unlike the Sonata, the K5 has an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as an option.

For the most part, the touch screen is basic but intuitive, and the UVO infotainment system is simple to understand. There are control buttons and knobs strategically positioned around the display in addition to the touch screen. The physical controls that come with the regular system are replaced by somewhat poorly based digital buttons on the 10.25-inch touch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also removed, replaced by tethered smartphone connectivity.

Pros

A smooth ride
Seats that are comfortable
There are several standard features
The highly-rated infotainment system

Hyundai Sonata Breakdown

The Sonata finished with the same overall ranking from U.S. News and World Report and shared the #4 overall spot with the K5 on an 8.⁴⁄₁₀ ranking. Its safety evaluation came in just slightly higher at 9.⁵⁄₁₀, and is well-deserving of the rankings.

When you get behind the wheel of a Hyundai Sonata or a Kia K5, these rankings make sense. The price of a Sonata varies from just under $24,000 to just under $34,000. Hyundai provides linked services on the conventional Sonata starting at the SEL trim level and the Sonata Hybrid starting at the Blue trim level.

The Sonata comes with three distinct 4-cylinder engines, as opposed to the K5’s two. All are rated well, but the Sonata N Line’s high-performance engine will give drivers a little extra rush. The Sonata also offers a hybrid version that combines a 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a modest battery pack. The hybrid Sonata comes in three different trim levels and is priced between $27,750 to $35,300.

This set of connected car services, known as Hyundai Blue Link, is free for the first three years you own a Sonata. You can lock the doors and start the engine remotely with the Blue Link app loaded on your phone, as well as receive notifications about warning lights and essential maintenance.

You can also integrate Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to provide orders to your Sonata. A vehicle location tool can also assist you in finding your Sonata in unfamiliar parking lots, and you can establish geofencing parameters specific to your vehicle.

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Pros

Excellent fuel efficiency
Connectivity options
Stable and smooth feel
Luxurious interior with spacious seats
The infotainment system is simple to use

Hyundai Blue Link is also there for you when you’re in a tight spot. Automatic collision notification, live emergency assistance, quick access to roadside assistance, and a stolen car locating feature (which can disable the engine) are all included.

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Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata: warranty

While both vehicles have the same parent company, they do slightly differ when it comes to their warranty options. Both are very strong options but offer something additional to consider when looking at the two options.

The following warranties and roadside support are included with the 2022 Kia K5:

5 years or 60,000 miles is the standard warranty
10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain warranty
5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside support

The following warranties and roadside support are included with the 2022 Hyundai Sonata:

5 years or 36,000 miles is the standard warranty
10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain warranty and for hybrid systems and batteries
5 years of roadside support and unlimited miles

However, those who want more power should look at the K5 GT, which shares its drivetrain with the Sonata N Line.

Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata: Head to head performance winner

Drivetrain: Identical

Engine: Identical

Power: Identical

Transmission: Identical

Turning radius: Kia K5

Acceleration at multiple intervals: Identical

Braking distance 60mph - 0 mph: Kia K5

Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata: Head to head size winner

Wheels: Hyundai Sonata

Wheelbase: Kia K5

Vehicle length: Kia K5

Vehicle width: Identical

Vehicle height: Identical

Vehicle weight: Hyundai Sonata

Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata: Interior winner

Seating capacity: Identical

Front headroom: Identical

Rear headroom: Hyundai Sonata

Front legroom: Identical

Rear legroom: Kia K5

Cargo volume: Identical

When you look at the breakdowns, anyone can see how similar these corporate cousins are to each other. Their critical rankings, features, size, price range, and performance are nearly identical across the board. Either of them will be a safe bet, and the best bet to find which model works better for you will be in the test drive. Slightly different seats, screen layouts, and even the feel of the ride are best to experience in person.

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