VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 5800
147hp @ 6200
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1650
132lb-ft @ 4500
Fuel
28 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Sonata and the KIA K4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Sonata delivers 290hp @ 5800 while the KIA K4 produces 147hp @ 6200. On fuel, the Sonata returns 28 mpg est. while the K4 uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,900 for the Sonata and $24,490 for the K4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 5800
147hp @ 6200
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1650
132lb-ft @ 4500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
29 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32 (2025)mpg
39 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
12.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
193.3in
185.4in
Width (in)
73.2in
72.8in
Height (in)
56.9in
55.9in
Wheelbase (in)
111.8in
107.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3534lbs
2987lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA K4
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonata
Fuel Economy
K4
Value
K4
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Sonata
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA K4
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($24,490)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonata or K4?
The Sonata gets 28 mpg est. and the K4 gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The K4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sonata or K4?
The Sonata produces 290hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1650 of torque while the K4 delivers 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque. The Sonata is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonata and K4?
The Sonata starts from $35,900 and the K4 from $24,490. The K4 is cheaper by $11,410 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Sonata or the K4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider