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2026 Hyundai Sonata
SEL Sport FWD
vs
2026 KIA K5
GT DCT FWD

From $29,000 vs From $33,590

Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonata
SEL Sport FWD
From $29,000
★ Our Pick
View Full Specs →
VS
KIA K5
KIA K5
GT DCT FWD
From $33,590
View Full Specs →
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 6100
290hp @ 5800
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4000
311lb-ft @ 1650
Fuel
30 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci

Choosing between the Hyundai Sonata and the KIA K5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Sonata delivers 191hp @ 6100 while the KIA K5 produces 290hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Sonata returns 30 mpg est. while the K5 uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,000 for the Sonata and $33,590 for the K5. 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.

Specification
Hyundai SonataSEL Sport FWD 2026 - From $29,000
KIA K5GT DCT FWD 2026 - From $33,590
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 6100
290hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
181lb-ft @ 4000
311lb-ft @ 1650
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
36 (2025)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
15.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
193.3in
193.1in
Width (in)
73.2in
73.2in
Height (in)
56.9in
56.9in
Wheelbase (in)
111.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3305lbs
3596lbs
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
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard

Which Wins?

Overall Winner
Hyundai Sonata
2 / 4 categories
Performance
K5
Fuel Economy
Sonata
Value
Sonata
Practicality
Tied
Hyundai Sonata
+Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
+Lower starting price ($29,000)
-Few notable weaknesses
KIA K5
+Well-rounded specification
-Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
-Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonata or K5?
The Sonata gets 30 mpg est. and the K5 gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sonata 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 K5?
The Sonata produces 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the K5 delivers 290hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1650 of torque. The K5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonata and K5?
The Sonata starts from $29,000 and the K5 from $33,590. The Sonata is cheaper by $4,590 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Sonata or the K5?
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.

Hyundai Sonata Variants

All Sonata Specs →

KIA K5 Variants

All K5 Specs →

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