2017 vs. 2019 Kia K900: What’s the Difference?

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• The Kia K900 full-size luxury sedan is all-new for 2019.

• Along with updated styling inside and out, the new K900 now comes standard with the same outstanding twin-turbo V6 that powers the Kia Stinger GT.

• The K900 now comes standard with all-wheel drive while the previous generation was only available in rear-wheel drive.

One of Kia’s most forgettable models is also one of its finest. The Kia K900 is a bona fide full-size luxury sedan positioned to compete with flagship models from the likes of Lincoln and Cadillac. See the 2017 Kia K900 models for sale near you

So, how does it do in its noble goal of competing with prestigious luxury brands as a humble Kia? Let’s take a look at what’s new with the 2019 Kia K900.See the 2017 Kia K900 models for sale near you

Exterior

The styling of the K900 speaks Kia’s corporate design language in a very classy way. It has the “tiger nose” front end that has become a staple of Kia styling and the body of the car is conservatively styled, but manages to make a statement. The exterior styling of the new 2019 K900 isn’t all that radically different from its predecessor, but it took a nice-looking luxury car and made it more sophisticated.

Interior

The interior updates to the K900 are more significant than the exterior updates. The interior of the 2019 K900 demands to be taken seriously as a luxury car regardless of the name on the steering wheel. The inside of the 2017 K900 is very nice, but frankly, it’s nothing compared to the more luxurious interior of the K900. The new model actually reminds us of the inside of a Genesis, which is definitely a good thing. Both have ventilated and power-reclining rear seats available and the new model has a serious command center in the rear seat center console with infotainment and climate controls.

Mechanicals

The K900 actually got a pretty significant mechanical shake-up with the redesign. It used to be available with either a V6 or a V8, both of which are naturally aspirated. For the 2019 model, the sole engine is a twin-turbocharged V6, the same power plant found in the Kia Stinger GT. Also, the previous generation of the K900 was rear-wheel drive with no all-wheel drive available, but the 2019 model comes standard with AWD.

2017 Kia K900 Engines

• 3.8-liter V6; 311 horsepower, 293 lb-ft of torque; 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway

• 5.0-liter V8; 420 hp, 376 lb-ft of torque; 15 mpg city/23 mpg hwy

2019 Kia K900 Engine

• 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6; 365 hp, 376 lb-ft of torque; 18 mpg city/25 mpg hwy

As you can see, the new K900 base engine beats the old base engine in terms of both performance and fuel economy. The new twin-turbo mill can’t quite match the muscle of the available V8 in the previous model, but we think its better fuel economy and standard AWD make the sacrifice in horsepower worth it.

Technology

The 2019 K900 conveniently only comes in one trim with one option package available, the VIP package. The VIP package adds power adjustable rear seats, a premium headliner, ventilated rear seats, wireless charging in the rear center console, additional ventilation in back, and a front-passenger chauffeur seat switch. The point of the VIP package is to make the rear seat occupants more luxurious. Standard kit on every 2019 K900 includes a head-up display, a surround view monitor, Lexicon 17-speaker premium audio, and driver assistance tech like lane following assist and adaptive cruise control.

The K900 has two available trims for the V6 model and one trim for the V8 variant. A lot of the standard tech on the new K900 including the HUD, 17-speaker audio, and many safety features are optional on the 2017 model. Another big consideration is the 2019 K900 comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while the 2018 model isn’t available with either.

Pricing

The all-new 2019 K900 has a lot more standard features and technology than the 2018 model and a better base engine and standard AWD. As you might expect, all of that comes at a price. The 2018 model has a starting MSRP of $50,900 and the 2019 K900 starts at $59,900. The base price of the new K900 is identical to the starting price of the V6 Luxury trim of the 2017 K900, which was a cut above the base Premium trim. When you consider the mechanical and technological advantages of the new K900, we think it’s a better value than the outgoing model, despite its lower starting price.

Conclusion

The first-generation Kia K900 was one of the best-kept secrets in big, bargain-priced luxury sedans and now the second-gen model is even better. With more modern styling, a more posh interior, and an outstanding twin-turbo V6 with standard AWD, the all-new 2019 K900 is a big improvement on an already good luxury car. If more people find out that this car exists, the more established, more expensive luxury brands will have something to worry about. Find a 2017 Kia K900 for sale or Find a 2019 Kia K900 for sale