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The exterior of two different 2022 Kia K5 models. One in blue, one in grey.

Hyundai Sonata vs. Kia K5: Which Korean Midsize Sedan is Right for You?

Few segments are as competitive as the midsize sedans. Every automaker has seemingly thrown its hat into the ring and wants drivers to purchase its example. Two of the most impressive models, the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5, are, in many ways, siblings, but once you dig into these two models, it will be apparent …

Few segments are as competitive as the midsize sedans. Every automaker has seemingly thrown its hat into the ring and wants drivers to purchase its example. Two of the most impressive models, the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5, are, in many ways, siblings, but once you dig into these two models, it will be apparent that they are different in many ways. 

Both of these models are ready to stand out and can be prepared to handle all adventures, all while ensuring you are allowed to choose a sedan that can do more. Read on to determine which midsize sedan is the perfect choice for you.

What’s your budget looking like?

One of the significant differences between these two models is the pricing. When you begin to look at both the new Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5, you will notice a pretty noticeable difference in pricing. 

When you look at the new Hyundai Sonata, you will notice that the starting price comes in at $24,350. For that price, you will get plenty of great features as standard. That price does climb rather quickly as you get into the top trims, namely the N Line Night, which will start at $34,750. But, after accessories, taxes, fees, and other associated costs, the price can get close to nearly $40,000!

Now, shoppers considering the new Kia K5 will enjoy that this sedan is available for a bit less money. The Kia K5 starts at $23,790 for the LX trim and is an outstanding choice for more shoppers. At the other end of the line-up, the top trim level, the GT, will start at $31,190 and can get close to $37,000 after accessories, taxes, fees, and additional costs.

Equally well-equipped with some notable changes

The interior of a 2022 Kia K5. Shows the dual-zone climate controls, distinctive shifter, and modern infotainment system.
2022 Kia K5 | Kia

Even those these models are cut from the same cloth; there are still plenty of differences that can make either sedan a good choice. The new Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 are ready to bring you some awesome technologies that can make every drive a better time.

If you are interested in the new Hyundai Sonata, you are in for quite a treat. The Hyundai Sonata offers you a unique combination of top-notch features and technology. Base models include features such as:

  • Durable cloth seating
  • Power windows
  • An eight-inch color touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

But, what makes these base models so unique is the inclusion of driver-assistance technologies like:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian Detection
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Following Assist
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Rear Occupant Alert
  • High Beam Assist
  • Rear View Monitor with parking guidance

When you then climb up into higher trim levels, drivers can experience comfort features like:

  • Dual-zone climate controls
  • Heated and ventilated front seating
  • A heated steering wheel
  • 12 speaker Bose audio system
  • Leather seating
  • Power front seating
  • Memory settings for the driver
  • A 10.25-inch infotainment display
  • A 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster

For more confidence on the roads ahead, the new Hyundai Sonata can also include features such as:

  • Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Safe Exit Warning
  • Blind-Spot View Monitor
  • Highway Driving Assist
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist
  • Surround View Monitor

With everything that the new Hyundai Sonata can offer, it’s no surprise that it has garnered fans all over. 

The Kia K5 is no slouch

The exterior of two different 2022 Kia K5 models. One in blue, one in grey.
2022 Kia K5 | Kia

On the other hand, the Kia K5 is an equally well-equipped sedan, but a few things are missing. Standard features include an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and durable cloth seating. Because these two models share the same platform, they share many features like the 12-speaker Bose audio system, the heated and ventilated front seating, and a heated steering wheel. The Kia K5 also adds features like 10-way adjustable front seating. Additionally, the Kia K5 comes with many of the same driver-assistance technologies as the Hyundai Sonata.

The new Kia K5 is missing features like genuine leather seating, a fully-digital instrument cluster, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist.

What does your drive look like?

From a performance standpoint, these two sedans don’t seem too different because they share many of the same components. One big difference is that the Hyundai Sonata comes with a different standard engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Kia K5 comes standard with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is an added cost for the Hyundai.

The most significant difference between these two sedans is that the new Hyundai Sonata is offered solely with front-wheel drive. While this can help with efficiency, it may not perform as well in inclement weather in the long run. The new Kia K5 can come equipped with all-wheel drive to combat that weather and offer you more capability! The Kia K5 is one of just a few models in the segment to offer all-wheel drive.

Which midsize sedan is right for you?

A white 2022 Hyundai Sonata N-Line driving along the road.
2022 Hyundai Sonata N-Line | Hyundai

Deciding on which new midsize sedan is right for you is not just considering the standard features but also how they will fit into your life. Choosing between these two models is a difficult task. Consider the Hyundai Sonata if you value the additional interior features inside. On the other hand, if you are looking for additional on-road capability and would like to save a little money, choose the Kia K5.

No matter which model you choose, you can be sure you are selecting a sedan that will be ready to impress.

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