How to Tell the Difference Between the 2025 Kia K5 and K4

In a world in which sedans are quickly disappearing from the market, Kia drivers are thrilled to have plenty of options available to them. Not only is the highly popular Kia K5 returning for the 2025 model year, but Kia has also introduced the all-new K4. Now, drivers who are searching for a Kia K5 for sale have to wonder which car is best for them. Although the 2025 Kia K5 and K4 are both sedans, they are very different vehicles at the heart of things. While both are sporty, powerful, and reliable, there are a few differences in their overall personalities, sizes, and behavior.

The good news is that no matter which Kia you choose, you know you’re getting a well-priced, fully outfitted vehicle that provides peace of mind every mile of your journey. Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Kia K5 and the 2025 Kia K4 to help you decide which sedan best fits your life, drive style, and overall commuting needs.

A Brief Overview

Since Kia made its brand debut on American shores in the 1990s, it has demonstrated an acute sense of knowing exactly what drivers need. That includes engineering, designing, and building vehicles that provide drivers with a reliable, solid ride and offer the comfort, convenience, and technology that modern drivers crave.

Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America describes the K5 as the ideal five-passenger midsize sedan for “those needing room for five but prefer to make a bold statement when it comes to their vehicle.” Offered in five trims–LXS, EX, GT-Line, GT-Line All-Wheel-Drive, and turbocharged GT–the Kia K5 offers a little something for every driver.

On the other hand, the 2025 Kia K4 is a smaller, sportier vehicle. Center describes the K4 as part of “Kia’s commitment to deliver sporty sedans with advanced technology and elevated performance. Succeeding in the compact segment means overdelivering on the features that customers want, and the K4 is designed to exceed expectations.”

The trim lineup for the K4 may seem similar to that of the K5, with its LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo models. However, the contents of these vehicles vary from the K5 lineup, with a focus on speed, technology, and enjoying a premium-level commute.

Size and Comfort

While words like “premium” and “sporty” are frequently used to describe the all-new Kia K4, the 2025 Kia K5 is hardly old and basic, especially after a round of serious remodeling and refreshment for the new model year.

For sedan drivers, size is usually an important factor. Most drivers agree that if they wanted a large vehicle, they’d get an SUV, and if they wanted a smaller version, they’d get a sports car. Four-door sedans are popular with many drivers because they can easily navigate city streets, tight parking lots, and highways while being economical at the gas station.

The 2025 K5 is just slightly larger than the K4. With a total length of 193.1 inches and a width of 73.2 inches, the K5 uses its space well, providing rear seat passengers with a comfortable 35.2 inches of legroom and 37.8 inches of headroom. The trunk space comes in at a generous 16 cu.ft.

The proportions of the 2025 K4 seem to defy physics. At 185.4 inches in body length and with a width of 72.8 inches, it’s really not that much smaller than the K5. However, rear passengers are in for a real treat with a class-leading amount of space, including 38 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom. However, this extra room for passengers does result in some trunk shrink, as the K4 offers just 14.6 cu.ft. of cargo space.

Power and Performance

Another key component of any car is how well it performs. Kia drivers know they’re in for a treat when they press the accelerator, with well-mannered giddy-up coming from every model in the lineup, but the K5 and K4 offer drivers very unique experiences.

The Kia K5 LXS, EX, and GT-Line trims each have a newly engineered 2.5L I-4 engine. Providing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, this engine seriously outpowers the previous power source. But for those who crave power, the K5 GT has you covered. Its turbocharged 2.5L I-4 engine carries over from 2024, but with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, that’s perfectly fine. Paired with GT-unique 19-inch wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires, the GT is both sleek and wicked fast.

The 2025 K4 isn’t exactly a slowpoke, either. The standard powertrain is a 147 hp 2.0L I-4 engine, creating 132 lb-ft of torque. Though the numbers don’t seem impressive on paper, this is a Kia, which means peppy and responsive acceleration.

However, if you want to take advantage of the aerodynamics created by the K4’s low, stout stance, consider the 1.6L turbocharged engine that comes on the aptly named GT-Line Turbo model. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel, sport pedals, and an exclusive GT-Line multi-link rear suspension give drivers a true sportscar feel.

All the Tech

Of course, the star of many of today’s sedans is the technology. As we spend more and more time on the roads, we crave comfort and convenience while we’re away from home.

The 2025 K5 has drivers covered with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen system, which includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The EX trim, a favorite among many drivers, has been updated with more standard features than before, including a standard Bose Premium Audio system with Active Sound Design, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support settings, a heated steering wheel, and power-folding mirrors with LED turn signals.

The 2025 K4 debuts with Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, which provides a nearly 30-inch digital display, including a driver’s instrumentation panel and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Cockpit not only learns your habits and saves your favorite Quick Controls but is also capable of over-the-air updates to keep you always on track. Other Kia K4 highlights include a Harman-Kardon premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and an extra wide sunroof. Kia Assistant uses AI to answer your questions with a quick “Hey Kia” voice control, including any important follow-up questions.

Is the 2025 Kia K5 or K4 for Me?

While the 2025 Kia K5 and Kia K4 may look similar, they’re actually quite different. The K5 comes in a range of trims that offer drivers plenty of options in features and functions, including the powerful GT model. The K4 also comes in a range of trims with a GT-Line Turbo model. Ultimately, you’ll want to consider how much space you want in your cabin for people and cargo alike. You’ll want to choose a driver’s seat that fits your driving style, and of course, you’ll want to keep your budget in mind. Perhaps this is one of those times when you’ll just have to take a test drive to really make up your mind. Maybe you’ll need a couple of test drives. After all, a car is a big investment, and you want to be sure you make the right choice.