Kia K5: Specs, Price, Interior, and Comparison

What Is the Kia K5?

The Kia K5 is a midsize sedan that replaced the Kia Optima in 2021. It’s designed to compete with big names like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, offering a bold look, a comfy interior, and a surprising amount of power for its price. With its sporty vibe and wallet-friendly cost, the Kia K5 is a great pick for high school students dreaming of their first car or families looking for a reliable daily driver.

A Fresh Look for 2025

The 2025 Kia K5 got a major glow-up with updated headlights, taillights, and a sharper interior design. It’s like the car went from “pretty cool” to “whoa, what’s that?!” Kia also swapped out the old 1.6-liter turbo engine for a more powerful 2.5-liter non-turbo engine in most trims, making it peppier for everyday driving. Whether you’re cruising to school or hitting the highway, the Kia K5’s style and performance make it a standout.

Kia K5 Specs

The Kia K5 comes with two engine options, depending on the trim you choose. Most models feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the top-tier GT trim gets a turbocharged version for extra zip. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Kia K5 specs:

• Base Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 (non-turbo)

  • 191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque

  • 0-60 mph in about 7 seconds

• GT Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4

  • 290 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque

  • 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic (standard); 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (GT trim)

• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (standard); all-wheel drive (available on GT-Line trim)

• Fuel Economy: Up to 25/34 mpg city/highway (base engine); 24/32 mpg (GT trim)

Specifications Table

Kia K5 Price

The Kia K5 price starts at around $27,390 for the base LXS trim, making it one of the more affordable midsize sedans out there. Higher trims like the GT-Line and EX range from $29,990 to $32,990, while the high-performance GT model tops out at $34,890. These prices don’t include the $1,175 destination fee, so keep that in mind. For the features you get like a sleek design, advanced tech, and a killer warranty the Kia K5 offers serious bang for your buck.

Kia K5 Interior

Step inside the Kia K5 interior, and you’ll feel like you’re in a much pricier car. The cabin is roomy, with 105.3 cubic feet of passenger space and a 15.6-cubic-foot trunk plenty for backpacks, sports gear, or road trip luggage. The 2025 model got a tech upgrade, including a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12-speaker Bose sound system for blasting your favorite tunes.

Key Interior Features

• Spacious Seating: Comfy front seats and decent rear legroom for friends or family.

• Tech Highlights: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, USB-C ports.

• Premium Touches: Available heated/ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and wood trim.

• Cargo Space: 15.6 cubic feet of trunk space, plus 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

Pro Tip: The dual-purpose climate/audio controls can be tricky. They toggle between functions, which might distract you while driving. A simple fix, Kia?

Kia K5 Mileage

When it comes to Kia K5 mileage, the base engine shines with up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Real-world tests have shown even better results, with some drivers hitting 43 mpg on highway trips. The GT model is less efficient at 24/32 mpg, but that’s expected with its extra power. Unfortunately, there’s no Kia K5 hybrid option, which is a bummer compared to rivals like the Toyota Camry Hybrid or Honda Accord Hybrid.

Kia K5 Safety Features

Safety is a big deal, especially for young drivers or parents buying a car for their teen. The Kia K5 safety features are top-notch, earning it a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (for models built after November 2020) and a five-star NHTSA rating. Here’s what keeps you protected:

• Standard Safety Tech:

  • Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking

  • Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist

  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection

  • Driver attention warning

• Available Upgrades:

  • Blind-spot monitoring with camera-based display

  • Rear cross-traffic alert

  • Adaptive cruise control with highway driving assist

  • 360-degree camera

Kia’s industry-leading warranty adds extra confidence: a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That’s tough to beat!

Kia K5 vs Competitors

The midsize sedan market is packed with heavy hitters like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. Here’s how the Kia K5 compares:

Kia K5 vs Toyota Camry

• Pros for K5: More stylish design, lower starting price, better warranty, available AWD.

• Pros for Camry: Hybrid option for better mileage (up to 51 mpg), slightly larger trunk (16.7 cubic feet), sporty TRD trim.

• Verdict: The Camry’s hybrid gives it an edge for fuel savings, but the K5’s bold look and value make it a strong contender.

Kia K5 vs Honda Accord

• Pros for K5: More affordable, available AWD, sportier GT trim, longer warranty.

• Pros for Accord: Hybrid option, roomier trunk, smoother handling, more rear legroom.

• Verdict: The Accord feels more polished, but the K5 offers more features for the price.

Kia K5 vs Hyundai Sonata

• Pros for K5: Sportier styling, slightly better handling, more standard safety features.

• Pros for Sonata: Available hybrid, similar platform but different vibe, competitive pricing.

• Verdict: The K5 and Sonata are close cousins, but the K5’s design and GT trim give it a slight edge for style-conscious buyers.

Pros and Cons of the Kia K5

Pros

• Eye-catching design that stands out in the sedan crowd

• Affordable price with loads of standard features

• Strong warranty for long-term reliability

• Peppy GT trim for performance lovers

• Solid fuel economy for a non-hybrid

Cons

• No hybrid option (unlike Camry and Accord)

• Base engine can feel noisy under hard acceleration

• Dual-purpose climate/audio controls are confusing

• Rear headroom is tight compared to rivals

• GT trim’s power overwhelms front-wheel drive

Real-World Feedback

Some owners rave about the K5’s smooth ride and cool design, with one saying, “It’s classy, beautiful, and feels like a race car in sport mode!” Others have reported issues like engine codes or brake rotor problems, but these seem rare and often covered by Kia’s warranty. Always test-drive and check reviews before buying!

Is the Kia K5 Right for You?

The Kia K5 is a fantastic choice if you want a midsize sedan that’s stylish, fun to drive, and loaded with features without costing a fortune. It’s not perfect no hybrid option and a slightly noisy base engine are drawbacks but its value, safety, and sporty vibe make it a winner. Whether you’re a high school student saving up for your first car or a family looking for a reliable daily driver, the K5 delivers.