In today’s auto market, it’s easy for a standout sedan like the 2023 Kia K5 to get lost in the noise of SUVs. Nevertheless, the K5 returns virtually unchanged from last year, with this four-trim lineup: LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT.
We like the K5 for its stingy fuel economy, solid value, sharp styling, and impressive warranty. We also appreciate its two strong, efficient 4-cylinder engines. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. However, you can add all-wheel drive (AWD) to GT-Line. Kia includes driver-programmed driving modes across the K5 lineup.
Enjoying a solid pedigree, the K5 fills the shoes of the popular Optima. That puts it squarely in the crosshairs of midsize rivals like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Chevy Malibu.
Although Kia provided a hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of Optima, so far, it has only released a gasoline-fueled edition of the K5.
Advanced driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-tracing assist, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and high-beam assist.
K5 LXS
Starts at $25,290 | See listings
- Cloth upholstery
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 6-speaker audio
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Heated side mirrors
- Amber daytime running lights
- Forward collision avoidance
- Blind-spot collision avoidance/rear cross-traffic avoidance
- See more
K5 GT-Line
Starts at $26,690 | See listings
- FWD or AWD
- GT styling with rear spoiler
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Sirius XM
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Cloth and SynTex seat trim
- Power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats (AWD only)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- See more
K5 EX
Starts at $29,190 | See listings
- Sunroof
- SynTex seat trim
- Rear a/c vents
- USB charging port in center console
- LED interior lighting
- Heated and vented front seats
- Rear park-distance warning
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- See more
K5 GT
Starts at $31,690 | See listings
- Turbo 2.5-liter engine with 290 horsepower
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Paddle shifters
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Larger front and rear brakes
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- GT body styling with rear spoiler
- Quad-tip exhaust
- Sport seats
- Power driver’s seat
- See more
2023 Kia K5 LXS: $25,290
A 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine hitched to an 8-speed automatic transmission delivers the go for the LXS, GT-Line, and EX. According to government estimates, the combined city and highway mileage is 32 mpg.
Anchoring the K5 lineup, the LX includes 16-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights with automatic on-off and LED daytime running lights. Also standard are heated power outboard rearview mirrors, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, a 4.2-inch color driver-information display, and a front center console. Included are a 12-volt power port, two USB ports, cloth seating, a manually adjustable driver’s seat with height adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate control, and cruise control. Other standard features are remote keyless entry, hill-start assist, and nine airbags.
The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Advanced driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-tracing assist, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and high-beam assist.
Although Kia provided a hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of Optima, so far, it has only released a gasoline-fueled edition of the K5.
Advanced driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-tracing assist, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and high-beam assist.
The K5 LXS also has two rear-seat USB ports, a rear center armrest with a cup holder, a keyless entry with push-button start, and an anti-theft engine immobilizer. LXS also adds Safe Exit Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Other extra-cost options include 18-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Adding the $1,125 destination fee to the LXS base prices totals $26,415. At 5% for 60 months with $0 down, financing works out to about $498 per month. See 2023 Kia K5 LXS models for sale near you
2023 Kia K5 LXS includes:
Keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you touch the door handle. Push-button start pairs with keyless entry.
Blind-spot monitoring – This radar-based system warns of traffic approaching your flanks. It also includes rear cross-traffic alert to warn of vehicles crossing behind you when in reverse.
Safe Exit – This system uses radar sensors to monitor and warn exiting passengers of traffic approaching from behind.
2023 Kia K5 GT-Line: $26,690
The interior of the 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line.
For whatever reason, the GT-Line loses the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, replacing them with hard-wired versions.
Kia puts a few sporty exterior touches on the K5 with several blacked-out elements, including 18-inch black alloy wheels. However, this is an appearance package that has no bearing on performance. To the LXS content, the GT-Line adds LED fog lights and taillights, outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and cloth with faux-leather trim on the seats. Also included are a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a black headliner, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10.25 touchscreen with navigation. The K5 has satellite-radio capability and wireless phone charging, as well.
For $1,800, you can add the GT-Line Premium Package. It gains upgraded LED projector headlights, a panoramic sunroof, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, left-turn collision control, Highway Driving Assist, and upgraded forward-collision avoidance. For another $350, you can add an auto-dimming mirror and a Homelink transceiver.
If you opt for the AWD upgrade, it includes heated front seats.
Adding the destination fee to the GT-Line base price equals $27,815. Financing for 60 months at 5% interest with $0 down works out to about $525 per month. See 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line models for sale near you
2023 Kia K5 GT-Line includes:
Power-adjustable driver seat – This seat provides 10-way power adjustment.
Smartphone charging – You can charge any Qi-compatible smartphone without using a cable.
Available Highway Driving Assist – This is Kia’s semi-autonomous driver-assistance system that can accelerate, steer, and brake the vehicle under certain conditions.
2023 Kia K5 EX: $29,190
The 2023 Kia K5 EX builds on the content of the LXS trim.
Forget all the GT-Line’s goodies; the EX builds on the LXS’s content. The EX does retain the power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless phone charging. EX also keeps the upgraded infotainment system with navigation and the 10.25 touchscreen. It loses the outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals.
To the LXS, the EX adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, faux-leather seating, ventilated/heated front seats, and rear park assist.
Pop for another $3,600 for the EX Premium Package. It gains you a 12-speaker Bose audio system, driver’s seat memory system, LED taillights, and outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. It also includes navigation-based adaptive cruise control, front park assist, power-folding outboard mirrors, a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a surround-view camera.
EX offers the $350 auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink.
Adding the $1,125 destination fee to the EX base price totals $30,315. With $0 down, financing for 60 months at 5% interest works out to roughly $572 per month. See 2023 Kia K5 EX models for sale near you
2023 Kia K5 EX includes:
Rear-park assist – Sensors on the rear bumpers detect when an object is close, triggering a warning.
Panoramic sunroof – This elongated sunroof stretches over the front-row and second-row seats, providing plenty of sunlight.
Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, they help keep you comfortable in hot weather. The EX front seats are also heated.
2023 Kia K5 GT: $31,690
The 2023 Kia K5 GT is the performance model, offering 290 horsepower.
While the EX is at the top of the K5 lineup for luxury, the GT tops out the K5’s performance. It adds a 290-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Its estimated combined mileage is 27 mpg.
The GT builds on the GT-Line’s content. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport suspension, monotube shocks, a quad-tip dual exhaust, and upgraded brakes with GT calipers. Also included are a panoramic sunroof, sport bucket seats with the GT logo, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
An optional GT1 Package will set you back $4,200. It is similar to the EX Premium Package with goodies like a surround-view camera, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats.
Adding the destination fee to the GT base price brings the total to $32,815. Financing for 60 months at 5% interest with $0 down works out to about $619 per month. See 2023 Kia K5 GT models for sale near you
2023 Kia K5 GT includes:
Turbocharged engine – This is a 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine that generates 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Sport-tuned suspension – Kia tuned the rear suspension for improved handling and added gas monotube shocks.
Sport bucket seats – These seats provide more side bolstering.
