Overview The sleek Kia K5 could easily be mistaken for something more exclusive than the family sedan that it is. Its styling is a departure from the bland-sedan norm, and the interior appointments feel a step up from others in the segment. Power for most K5s comes from a 191-hp 2.5-liter engine, available with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the front-drive GT model steps up to a tire-roasting 290-hp turbocharged engine. All K5s come well equipped with features including LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and rear cross-traffic alert. Though the Hyundai Sonata, the K5’s mechanical twin, delivers similar equipment for about the same money, we prefer the Kia’s more daring styling. What’s New for 2026?There are no major changes to the K5 sedan for this model year.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Kia K5 is expected to start around $29,000 and go up to $36,000 depending on the trim and options.LXS$29,000 (est)GT-Line$30,000 (est)GT$35,000 (est)EX$36,000 (est)For those who don’t care about the extra firepower that comes with the GT’s 290-hp engine, the GT-Line has a satisfying mix of racy styling elements at a very attractive price. That’s the one we’d recommend, and for those who want the all-weather traction of all-wheel drive, it’s available for an upcharge. Otherwise, every GT-Line comes standard with a sportier body kit, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging. We’d also spring for the Premium package, which brings adaptive cruise control, advanced forward-collision warning, and full LED headlights.Engine, Transmission, and Performance Most K5 models are powered by a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Using that engine, the K5 comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. The full-Monty GT model has a more powerful turbo 2.5-liter four that generates 290 horses and 311 pound-feet of torque. Along with its exclusive eight-speed dual-clutch automatic (also available on the Hyundai Sonata N Line), the sportiest K5 is fitted with bigger brakes, a unique suspension tune, and wider tires on larger 19-inch rims.0–60-MPH TimesThe GT we drove sprinted to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and stopped from 70 mph in 163 feet. The Sonata N Line, which shares the same engine and transmission, was slightly quicker to 60 mph (5.0 seconds) and stopped even shorter (152 feet). However, the hi-po Hyundai we tested wore optional summer tires (the Kia only comes with all-seasons), which contributed to its performance advantage.More on the K5 SedanFuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the 2026 K5 yet, but the 2025 model was rated for as high as 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. When we get a chance, we’ll take the base K5 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route and update this story with real-world test results. When we subjected the GT model to this test, it overperformed, beating its rating by 4 with a result of 36 mpg. For more information about the K5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoInside, the K5 looks great for how much it costs. The layout is both sophisticated and straightforward, and the cabin is appointed with attractive materials such as wood trim on the dash and doors. The K5 also offers an array of upscale interior features, such as ambient interior lighting on the dash and doors, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. While the driver’s seat feels high even set at its lowest point, the comfortable dead pedal for your left foot and floor-hinged accelerator are nice touches. The back seat also provides generous legroom, and the trunk has plenty of luggage space. We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases back there.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe K5 comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that shares a bezel with the gauge cluster; in some models that gauge cluster is a 12.0-inch digital unit that can be reconfigured to show a variety of info. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard across the lineup. The K5 is also available with a 12-speaker Bose audio system for those who want the best auditory experience.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesKia’s family sedan also offers a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the K5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageKia’s 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the business. The only real downside to the K5’s coverage is that it doesn’t include any scheduled maintenance, something competitors such as the Honda Accord now do.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
SpecificationsSPECIFICATIONS
2021 Kia K5 GT
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$35,835 (base price: $31,585)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement
152 in3, 2497 cm3
Power
290 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season, 245/40R-19 94W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 193.1 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger volume: 102 ft3
Trunk volume: 16 ft3
Curb weight: 3581 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.2 sec
100 mph: 12.3 sec
130 mph: 22.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 sec
1/4 mile: 13.7 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 24 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 27/24/32 mpg
–
2021 Kia K5 1.6T
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
EX $32,355, GT-Line $27,955 (base price: $24,455)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
98 in3, 1598 cm3
Power
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.0-in vented disc/11.2-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season, 235/45R-18 94V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 193.1 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger volume: 102 ft3
Trunk volume: 16 ft3
Curb weight: 3233 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.0 sec
100 mph: 18.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.4 sec
1/4 mile: 15.5 sec @ 92 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 128 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 31/27/37 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
