Our Opinion - 2026 Kia K5 Review It’s easy to think that the sleek Kia K5 is a more expensive family car. Its interior materials feel superior to those in similar cars in the same class, and its exterior isn’t your typical boring sedan. The front-wheel-drive GT variant is equipped with a turbocharged engine that produces 290 horsepower. In contrast, the majority of K5 models come with a 2.5-liter engine generating 191 horsepower and offer the option of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting, and rear cross-traffic alert are just a few of the standard features available on all K5 Models. We like how the Kia looks more daring, even though the Hyundai Sonata, which is the K5’s technical twin, has similar features and costs about the same. What's New? There have been no significant updates to the K5 for the current model year. Pros and Cons Pros: It has a strong look. Inside, there is plenty of space. Great benefits for the price. Cons: Not enough AWD power. MPGs could be better. There is no mix of the two. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Most K5 models feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive can be added to the K5 with that engine, but front-wheel drive is normal. The full-Monty GT model features a stronger 2.5-liter four-turbocharged engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The sportiest K5 features larger tires on 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, and a distinct suspension setup. It also has the standard eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is also offered on the Hyundai Sonata N Line. Safety Kia’s family sedan also comes with a number of standard and optional tools that help the driver. The following are important safety features: It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are standard features. The vehicle also offers adaptive cruise control. Internal and External Cargo Capacity For the price, the K5’s inside looks great. The car is made of high-quality materials, featuring wood trim on the doors and dashboard, and its layout is both classy and easy to understand. The K5 also features high-end amenities inside, including a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, a wireless charging pad, and ambient lighting that fills the doors and dashboard. Even when it’s set to the lowest position, the driver’s seat seems high. However, the floor-hinged accelerator and the comfy dead pedal for your left foot are nice touches. The trunk has ample space for storage, and the back seat offers generous headroom. That space could hold seven carry-on bags. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG For the 2026 K5, the EPA has not yet released fuel economy numbers. However, the 2025 model was scored at up to 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. We’ll test the base K5 as soon as possible on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and let you know what we find. In this test, the GT model achieved four more miles per gallon than its estimated 36 mpg. Infotainment and Connectivity For some types, the gauge cluster features a 12.0-inch digital screen that displays various types of data. The K5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is integrated and shares a frame with the instrument panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used hands-free on all models in the range. For those seeking the best sound, the K5 can be equipped with a 12-speaker Bose stereo system. Range, Charging, and Battery Life It took the GT we were riding 5.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph and 163 feet to stop from 70 mph. There was no difference between the Sonata N Line and the Sonata. The N Line reached 60 mph a little faster (5.0 seconds) and stopped even faster (152 feet). Still, the high-performance Hyundai we tried did better than the Kia because it had summer tires instead of all-season tires. Price and How to Choose The price of a 2026 Kia K5 is expected to range from $29,000 to $36,000, depending on the model and optional extras. For those who don’t prioritize the extra power offered by the GT’s 290-hp engine, the GT-Line provides a great mix of sporty style features at a very affordable cost. For an additional fee, we recommend that individuals who prefer an all-weather grip switch to all-wheel drive. As for the other GT-Line models, they all have 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless charging for your phone. We would also opt for the Premium choice, which comes with full LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a very advanced forward collision warning system.
