VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 5800
271hp @ 5600
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1650
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the KIA K5 and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA K5 delivers 290hp @ 5800 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the K5 returns 28 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $33,590 for the K5 and $38,995 for the WRX. 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
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1650
258lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.8gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
193.1in
183.8in
Width (in)
73.2in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.9in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
112.2in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3596lbs
3419lbs
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA K5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
K5
Fuel Economy
K5
Value
K5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA K5
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,590)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru WRX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the K5 or WRX?
The K5 gets 28 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The K5 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 K5 or WRX?
The K5 produces 290hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1650 of torque while the WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The K5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the K5 and WRX?
The K5 starts from $33,590 and the WRX from $38,995. The K5 is cheaper by $5,405 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the K5 or the WRX?
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