2023 Kia K5

Overview

With a fierce-looking mug and low-slung fastback shape, the 2023 Kia K5 sedan brings oodles of style in what has traditionally been a snooze-worthy segment. The K5’s distinctive design isn’t let down by a ho-hum engine, either, with two turbocharged four-cylinders that include the standard 180-hp version or the gutsy GT-specific 290-hp option. The mightier mill makes Kia’s family sedan shockingly quick (60 mph arrives in just 5.2 seconds), but it’s front-wheel-drive only and can easily overwhelm the tires resulting in squeals of wheelspin. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the GT alone has a quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox. Those who want all-wheel drive will have to stick with the standard powertrain, which is solid for most commutes. With a handsome interior and desirable features, the 2023 K5 is a lot of car for the money. Sure, it’s not as satisfying to drive as the Honda Accord, but the Kia is much more exciting than the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima.

What’s New for 2023?

The 2023 Kia K5 doesn’t change much from last year, except for a few trim level and equipment updates. With the base LX model discontinued, the LXS takes its place as the entry point, but it’s no longer available with all-wheel drive. The fancier EX trim now boasts acoustic front door glass that combats road noise. Acoustic glass has been added to the GT-Line, too, and there’s a newly optional package that includes a panoramic roof with LED interior lighting and gloss-black body molding. All-wheel-drive GT-Line models now have a standard heated steering wheel, and the top-of-the-line GT receives the acoustic glass treatment as well, but it is otherwise unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

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 extra $1600. 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 motivated by a 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional but only on the GT-Line. The front-drive, 180-hp K5 we drove provided decent acceleration around town, and our testing revealed a 7.0-second trip to 60 mph. However, it was less impressive at highway speeds, where it needed extra time to execute passes. Still, its dutiful transmission and well-insulated cabin helped ensure its engine noise rarely rose above a dull roar. The full-Monty GT model has a more powerful 2.5-liter turbo four that generates 290 horses and 311 pound-feet of torque. Along with its exclusive eight-speed automatic (with the same wet dual-clutch as 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. The 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.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the K5 with the base four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive will earn up to 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Both those ratings take a big hit when all-wheel drive gets into the mix, dropping to 25 mpg city and 33 highway. Still, both figures are similar to the all-wheel-drive Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. The front-drive-only 290-hp K5 GT is the least efficient of the bunch at 24 mpg city and 32 highway. We evaluated a front-drive K5 with the standard powertrain on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test and it returned an impressive 43 mpg, beating its government rating by 5 mpg. The GT also 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 Cargo

Inside, the K5 looks amazing 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 spot for your left foot and floor-hinged accelerator are nice touches. The back seat also provides generous legroom, and the trunk has plenty of space for luggage. We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases back there.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The K5 comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that shares a bezel with the gauge cluster. The larger 10.3-inch touchscreen is standard starting on the GT-Line. Both systems have a volume knob as well as physical buttons on the steering wheel. While the smaller display offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, oddly, the larger screen does not and requires a corded connection. However, the upgraded unit does have customizable profiles and the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time. 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 Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Kia’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 forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia provides one of the best warranties, bar none. While it doesn’t include complimentary scheduled maintenance, its limited and powertrain coverage are the longest of any automaker besides its corporate sibling, Hyundai.

Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

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