Hyundai Sonata vs Kia K4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 7 Sep 2026, price 8 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$57,000RRP
- no option data for this car
$32,090RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Hyundai Sonata & Kia K4
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Sonata starts from $57,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia K4 opens at $32,090. That makes the Kia K4 the more affordable entry point by $24,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $62,700 and $35,299 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia K4 by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Sonata
- REC-006589 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-005607 · published 24 Jan 2023Due to a programming issue, the “fail-safe” driving mode may not respond as intended when certain transmission faults are detected.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005043 · published 19 Jan 2022Due to a software issue with the Smart Junction Box (SJB) the turn signal may activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intended.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2016
- 4 more on the model page.
Kia K4
- REC-006571 · published 20 Mar 2026K4 Hatch: rear centre seat belt may not latch properlyYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Sonata stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia K4. The Kia K4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Sonata gets suede & nappa leather upholstery while the Kia K4 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai Sonata and 1-zone in the Kia K4.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Sonata uses a Petrol producing 213kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed wet dual-clutch (dct) to a FWD layout.
The Kia K4 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Sonata measures 4,910mm long on a 2,840mm wheelbase, 200mm longer than the Kia K4 at 4,710mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Hyundai Sonata and 508L in the Kia K4, giving the Kia K4 a 28L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Hyundai Sonata and $1,710/year for the Kia K4. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Kia K4.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Sonata) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia K4 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia K4: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 69
The Kia K4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 69), taking 3 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Kia K4 ahead by 19), performance (Hyundai Sonata ahead by 15), value (Kia K4 ahead by 13). The Kia K4 will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Sonata and Kia K4?
The Kia K4 is the cheapest at $32,090 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Sonata by $24,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia K4 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Hyundai Sonata and Kia K4 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia K4 has the largest boot at 508L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia K4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 213kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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