Kia Stinger or K5 You Decide

There’s the improved Kia Stinger, which is the brand’s compact luxury vehicle, that’s getting an updated exterior design, a new engine, and some new features. Then, there’s the all-new Kia K5, the model that has replaced the Optima as the brand’s midsize sedan.

With an all-new sedan that’s been added to the lineup and an updated sedan that’s in the works, it can be a chore to pick between the two. While there’s an obvious size difference, there are a few other things that may have you choosing one model over the other.

Interested in learning about how the all-new K5 stacks up against the Stinger? Check out the comparison below.

What the K5 Gets Right

The Kia K5 is the more affordable option, as a midsize sedan. Pricing starts at $24,455 including destination, while the Stinger is priced at $34,125.  Those on a budget may already need to choose the K5 as it is the clear winner here. Even the range-topping K5 GT trim is cheaper than the Stinger’s base trim by a $2,670 margin.

In addition to saving you money on the initial purchase, the K5 will also help you save at the gas pump. The K5 is EPA rated at 32 miles per gallon combined, while the best the Stinger can do is 25 mpg combined. The Stinger also requires premium gas.

The K5 comes with more standard safety features despite its lower base price. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane following assist, and automatic high beams are standard on the K5. Only blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist are standard on the Stinger.

What the Stinger Gets Right

The Kia Stinger is the clear winner when it comes to performance. The base engine in the Stinger is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower. The K5 is equipped with an 180-hp, 1.6-liter turbo-four, giving the Stinger a 75-hp edge.

The K5 is available with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 290 hp, while the Stinger’s optional twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 produces 365 hp.

The Stinger also edges out the K5 with its drivetrain. Front-wheel drive is standard on the K5, while all-wheel drive is optional.  However, the Stinger is available with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive making it more enjoyable to drive than the K5. . High-performance Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, launch control, and 19-inch wheels are all available with the Stinger.

When it comes to available features, the Stinger impresses as a budget luxury vehicle. The sedan is available with a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display, and a 16-way power driver’s seat. Features you won’t find on the K5.

The Stinger has another trick up its sleeve with its hatchback body style that results in 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The K5 only holds 16 cubic feet of cargo in its trunk.

So What Is Right For You?

With features like wireless smartphone pairing, Android Auto, Apple Carplay both being standard and with leather available on the top trim levels it all really comes down to your budget and the test drive.