2023 Kia Forte vs. K5 | East Hartford, CT
Kia has a range of stylish sedans that are perfect for a variety of drivers. Two popular models include the 2023 Kia Forte and the 2023 Kia K5 — but what are the differences? Our team at Kia of East Hartford in East Hartford, CT, put together the following head-to-head comparison to assist with your research.
Have an idea of which Kia model suits your lifestyle? Search our inventory to discover available models, trims, and color options. Don’t forget to check out our current lease and finance offers to see if any apply. Have any questions? Give us a call at (860) 291-7000 or send us a message.
2023 Kia Forte vs. K5 Exterior Design
With bold and futuristic exterior designs, the 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Kia K5 are sure to catch your eye. There are many similar design elements to the Forte and K5, however there are some key differences. Both models offer LED daytime running lights, with the K5 touting amber lighting for a warmer glow. The Kia Forte is available with a sunroof over the front seats, while the Kia K5 is available with a panoramic sunroof that spans farther across the roof.
Available 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Kia K5 exterior features include:
- Auto headlight control
- High beam assist
- LED headlights, tail lights, daytime running lights, fog lights
- Smart Trunk™
- Heated side view mirrors
- Gloss-black or body-color mirror caps
- GT body styling
- Gloss black accents
- Rear spoiler
- Unique wheels
2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia K5
2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia K5
2023 Kia Forte vs. K5 Interior Design & Technology
Complete with a collection of desirable amenities, the 2023 Kia Forte and Kia K5 provide a serene cabin for an enjoyable driving experience. The two models share many features, including upholstery options, climate controls, infotainment, and premium sound system options. The K5 takes interior design a step further with a heated steering wheel, a ten-way power driver’s seat, and technical embossing or wood graphic interior accenting.
Available interior and tech features within the 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Kia K5 include:
- Woven cloth, SynTex/cloth, or SynTex upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Six-way manual-adjustable front seats
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- LED interior lighting
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel (GT models)
- 4.2-in. driver information display
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 8-in. infotainment touchscreen or Kia Connect with 10.25-in. touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™
- Bluetooth®
- GPS navigation
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- Wireless phone charger
- Front and rear USB charging ports
2023 Kia Forte vs. K5 Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
Power up your daily drive with a potent engine in the Forte or K5, no matter which engine you choose. Both Kia models offer a GT trim that comes equipped with a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension to receive greater performance. If you’re looking for a Kia that comes with all-wheel drive (AWD), then choose the Kia K5 with the 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine.
Learn more about the 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Kia K5 engine options in the accompanying table.
2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia K5
2023 Kia K5
2023 Kia Forte vs. K5 Size & Cargo Space
Seat five passengers comfortably in the 2023 Kia K5 and Kia Forte. While both Kia models are sedans, they fall into different subcategories: the Kia Forte in the compact class, and the Kia K5 in the mid-size class. Take a look at the accompanying table to learn more about the dimensions and cargo sizes.
| Forte | Kia Model | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| 96 cu.-ft. | Passenger Volume | 105.3 cu.-ft. |
| 15.3 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume | 16 cu.-ft. |
| 38.8 in. / 37.5 in. | Headroom (front/rear) |
40.2 in. / 37.8 in. |
| 42.2 in. / 35.7 in. | Legroom (front/rear) |
46.1 in. / 35.2 in. |
| 56.1 in. / 55.3 in. | Shoulder Room (front/rear) |
58 in. / 56.1 in. |
| 53 in. / 51.1 in. | Hiproom (front/rear) |
56.6 in. / 56.6 in. |
2023 Kia Forte vs. K5 Safety Options & Features
Both the 2023 Kia Forte and Kia K5 offer a wide variety of safety features to give you greater peace of mind on the road. A driver assistance suite — known as Kia Drive Wise — is standard across all Forte and K5 trims. The 2023 Kia K5 offers a few extra features, including reverse parking collision avoidance assist as well as front and rear park distance warning.
Available safety features within the 2023 Kia Forte and Kia K5 include:
- Kia Drive Wise
- Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection
- Driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert
- Lane keeping assist
- Lane following assist
- Rear view monitor
- Blind spot collision avoidance assist
- Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
- Safe exit warning
- Park distance warning - rear
- Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go
- Highway driving assist
2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia K5