K5 vs Crown
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The K5 and the Crown show how Kia and Toyota each approach the midsize sedan class. Across 4 compared areas, the Crown takes 2. The widest gap shows up under fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Crown wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Crown wins
- Space & Practicality K5 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Crown has better fuel economy
The numbers aren’t close. The Crown lists 41 mpg for fuel economy (combined), while the K5 lists 30 mpg. The Crown uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Crown has 45 hp more power
A clear win for the Crown: 236 hp against 191 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The K5 has 5.3% more cargo space
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the K5 leads with 16 cu ft to 15.2 cu ft. The K5’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Crown has better city fuel economy
Here the Crown pulls well ahead of the K5, with 42 mpg compared to 26 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The Crown has better highway fuel economy
Only a little separates them: 41 mpg on the Crown, 37 mpg on the K5. The Crown uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
If you already know the size you like, the K5 and the Crown should suit you equally.
Dimensions
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.1 in | 196.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Crown leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Crown leads, and not by a little. The Crown comes with 45 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Net result: the Crown leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
K5: 191 hp Crown: 236 hp The Crown’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Crown leads
The K5 is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the Crown leads by a clear margin. On the Crown, you get better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Crown.
Fuel economy (combined)
K5: 30 mpg Crown: 41 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
K5: 26 mpg Crown: 42 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Crown has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
K5 leads
Call it a small but real win for the K5 in this area. The K5 adds 5.3% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the K5 is the stronger car.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
K5: 16 cu ft Crown: 15.2 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the K5 and the Crown part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 191 hp | 236 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 41 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 42 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg | 41 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16 cu ft (winner) | 15.2 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Kia Drive Wise | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.1 in | 196.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | K5 | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $41,440 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the K5 if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (16 cu ft vs 15.2 cu ft)
- you prefer staying with Kia
Choose the Crown if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (41 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (236 hp vs 191 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (42 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (41 mpg vs 37 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the K5 or the Crown?
The Crown wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you care more about 5.3% more cargo space than anything else.
Which is larger, the K5 or the Crown?
Neither by much. The K5 and the Crown have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Kia’s K5 against Toyota’s Crown. I’d put better fuel economy at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Crown. And if that weren’t enough, the Crown has 45 hp more power. I’ll admit the K5 has a point with 5.3% more cargo space.
If space & practicality is your thing, the K5 fits. If engine & performance matters more, the Crown makes more sense.
My pick: the Crown for most people, with the K5 as the smarter choice if your top priority is 5.3% more cargo space.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.