Although SUVs eclipsed sedans in sales a while ago in a trend that won’t reverse any time soon, some drivers still prefer a sedan. Compared to their closest SUV counterparts, sedans tend to be more affordable, more efficient, and a little sportier to drive. Two compelling options in traditional 4-door sedans are the midsize Kia K5 and the compact Honda Civic. Most folks don’t need anything bigger than these two vehicles, and they are among the best in their class.
Let’s compare these sedans and find the right car for you.
2025 Kia K5
With its sporty, athletic styling, improved performance, and impressive interior, the Kia K5 is a significant step up from the nondescript Optima it replaced a few years ago. And for 2025, it gets subtle updates to the front and rear fascias.
Kia offers the K5 in four trim levels: LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT. The first three levels get an updated version of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 191 horsepower, an increase of 11 ponies over its predecessor. However, if you want power, go for the 290-hp GT. The GT-Line can be ordered with all-wheel drive (AWD).
With lots of room for five passengers and a spacious trunk, the K5 is among the largest vehicles in the segment. It also helps that it has a modern-looking cabin that feels nicer than its pay grade. Pricing starts at $28,145, including destination charge.
Kia K5 Highlights
Safe choice: Kia’s Drive Wise technology suite includes a collision warning system, lane departure warning system, pedestrian detection system, and a raft of airbags around the passengers. However, if a crash occurs, it’s good to know the K5 received a “5-Star” overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Big power, low price: For about $32K, you can get the K5 GT and its 290 hp. That kind of power typically requires a step up into a larger, more expensive vehicle.
Top protection: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are tops in the class. It’s one of the brand’s biggest draws.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the K5 models for sale near you.
2025 Honda Civic
This generation Civic debuted just a few years ago, but for 2025 it gets a styling revision and Honda’s revamped the entire lineup. It reintroduced the Civic Hybrid (which we cover separately) and cut the trim offerings from seven to two: the LX and Sport. The LX comes as a sedan only while the Sport can be had as a sedan or a hatchback. This mirrors what the company did with the Accord.
The LX and Sport are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which produces 150 hp. However, you can upgrade to the Civic Si or Type R, which develop 200 hp and 315 hp, respectively. The interior is well thought out, with everything where it should be, and designed to look thoroughly contemporary, even with the retro honeycomb insert across the dash hiding the climate control venting. Pricing starts at $25,345, including destination charge.
Honda Civic Highlights
Good value: The Civic enjoys a great reputation, which enhances the revamp this year. The car remains a leader in the segment, and it is the reigning Kelley Blue Book Best Buy among compact cars.
Big performance: While it’s not the most powerful vehicle in its class, Honda’s engineers tweaked the latest edition of the Civic to ensure it offers drivers an excellent driving experience. Get the 6-speed manual (which you can’t get in a Kia K5), and you will have more fun than the law might allow.
Gas miser: Even though the new Honda is bigger, faster, and more comfortable, the company ensured one character trait from the smaller early generations remains: fuel economy. The Civic gets up to 36 combined mpg compared to 31 mpg for the Kia K5.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Civic models for sale near you.
Similarities
With plenty of technology, a good-sized cabin, and similar pricing, the Kia K5 and Honda Civic are great options for drivers who don’t want an SUV.
Conclusion
The most significant difference here is size. The Kia K5 is a midsize sedan, and the Honda Civic is a compact that is available as a sedan or a hatchback. However, the more efficient Civic has more backseat legroom despite the smaller footprint. That said, the Kia K5 has the advantages of a longer warranty, a more powerful engine, and available all-wheel drive. Which is right for you depends on your priorities.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia K5 vehicles and New 2025 Honda Civic vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Kia K5 | 2025 Honda Civic | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 27 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg | 31 city/40 highway/35 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 107.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 193.1 inches | 184.0 inches |
| Width | 73.2 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 46.1 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.2 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.0 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.1 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 16.0 cubic feet | 14.8 cubic feet |
