Many major automakers have been phasing out production of sedans in favor of SUVs. While the other brands were under the impression that sticking with sedans would come at the expense of developing their SUV models, Kia has shown that it could walk and chew gum at the same time. Kia proved them wrong by introducing the K5 midsize sedan at the same time it was building up its lineup of SUV models. Originally introduced in 2021, the Kia K5 represents the ultimate in driving for those looking for a sporty sedan at an affordable price. This is why so many different types of drivers are heading to their local Kia K5 dealer for their next sedan.
The key to the K5 is that it fits three different types of drivers. The basic front-wheel drive model is reasonably priced and gets exceptional fuel economy, making it ideal for a commuter. Kia also offers the K5 with all-wheel drive, which will attract daily drivers living in areas with frequent inclement weather. The all-wheel drive provides better traction for this type of climate. Finally, Kia offers a sportier K5 with a larger engine and improved performance, designed for drivers who value speed and acceleration.
Trims and Pricing
The base MSRP for the 2024 Kia K5 is $25,590, which will put you behind the wheel of a front-wheel drive K5 LXS. This is probably the best choice for a commuter looking for an economical way to get to work. Kia also offers the GT-Line FWD and EX, both of which are also front-wheel drive, but provide improved comfort and convenience features. These are great for daily drivers who want a little more out of their vehicle. The K5 GT-Line AWD is the only K5 model with an all-wheel drivetrain, starting at $28,690. It loses a bit in fuel economy but makes up for it with improved traction. Finally, the K5 GT has a bigger engine, increasing overall performance. This is the sportiest of the five trim levels, but it comes at a base MSRP of $31,990. While still affordable, commuters may not be as enthusiastic about the GT’s reduced fuel economy.
Engines and Performance
Except for the GT model, each of the 2024 K5 trims comes equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged I-4 gas engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia has given the engine a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design, providing four valves per cylinder. The engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Duration, which changes how long the valves stay open depending on engine speed to improve efficient performance. The engine utilizes its turbocharger and direct fuel injection to provide up to 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Kia K5 with the base engine can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 128 miles per hour, which should be sufficient to merge onto a busy highway at rush hour.
The Kia K5 GT features a larger 2.5L turbocharged I-4 gas engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, in keeping with the GT’s sporty profile. This engine also has a DOHC configuration, but it has Continuously Variable Valve Timing instead of the Continuous Variable Valve Duration. This shuts down some of the valves at lower engine speeds to improve efficient performance. The K5 GT also uses a combination of gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection to deliver 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This increased power is reflected in the ability of the 2024 K5 GT to get to 60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 155 miles per hour. This model also comes with a sport-tuned suspension. This is the type of performance that the other Kia K5 models can only dream about.
Fuel Economy
If you are looking for the best fuel economy, you should consider a K5 model with the 1.6L engine and front-wheel drive. The 2024 Kia K5 LXS, GT-Line FWD, and EX models get a combined 31 miles per gallon in fuel economy. Adding all-wheel drive to the GT-Line reduces this to a still impressive 28 miles per gallon. The sporty GT model, with its larger engine, gets 27 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy. This is an acceptable number but doesn’t quite match the fuel efficiency of the other options.
Interior Space and Features
The Kia K5 sports a comfortable, roomy interior with a passenger cabin of 105.3 cubic feet. The front-row passengers in most models get 40.2 inches of headroom, but this goes down to 38.4 inches if you opt for a panoramic sunroof. The difference in headroom is less pronounced in the rear seat, with passengers getting between 37.4 inches and 37.8 inches depending on whether the model has the sunroof feature. There is also plenty of legroom in both rows of seats on the K5. The front-row passengers will enjoy 46.1 inches of legroom, while those seated in the back can stretch out with 35.2 inches of legroom. As a result, you can fit five adults in the Kia K5 quite comfortably.
The K5 LXS has a cloth seating fabric, while all of the other models have either SynTex, a synthetic fabric, or a combination of cloth and SynTex. There are no leather seating options on the Kia K5. All of the models except the LXS have heated front seats. The EX adds ventilation as well, which is an available option on the GT model. The GT-Line AWD comes with a standard heated steering wheel, which is also available on the EX and GT trims. The GT has trim exclusive sport bolster front seats.
Safety and Technology
Kia has used innovation to set the K5 apart from many other midsize sedans in its vehicle class. The entry-level LXS comes with a standard eight-inch touchscreen, while the other trim levels upgrade this to a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. All except the LXS also come with a built-in turn-by-turn navigation system. You can connect your smartphones to the system using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing you to make hands-free calls and texts while you stream your favorite music. Each K5 has a standard six-speaker audio system, with the EX and GT offering an optional Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers. Your passengers can keep their phones charged on the Kia K5 as each model features front and rear USB charging ports. In addition, each K5 except the LXS has a wireless phone charger as well.
Kia Drive Wise Technologies is a suite of standard and available active driver assistance features. Every 2024 K5 has nine standard Drive Wise features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection will help you reduce the chances of a front-end collision. If the system detects a pedestrian or another vehicle in your path, it will automatically apply the brakes to either avoid a collision entirely or reduce the impact.
One of the most common causes of accidents is when drivers get distracted and drift out of lane. If this occurs while you are driving your K5, the Lane Departure Warning will sound to let you know, while Lane Keeping Assist uses slight steering adjustments to get you safely back into your lane. Finally, Lane Following Assist will keep your Kia centered within your lane.
Changing lanes can be a real hassle, especially when you are on a crowded highway. You may find that when you go to change lanes, you find that a vehicle is traveling in your Kia’s blind spot. Fortunately, every K5 has Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. This will let you know if the coast is clear when you signal to change lanes on a busy road.
Every Kia K5 has a rearview camera. However, sometimes you cannot see things behind you, even when using the camera. This is where Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist helps you. If you back up and the system detects a pedestrian or another vehicle about to cross behind you, it will sound a warning and apply the brakes to help you avoid an accident. These and the other standard safety systems on the 2024 Kia K5 will help keep you and your passengers safe no matter where you go.
Check Out the 2024 Kia K5
For drivers who want a sporty midsize sedan, the number of options isn’t as great as it once was. However, the 2024 Kia K5 shows that you can still get exactly what you are looking for in a midsize sedan, as well as more than you imagined was possible at an affordable price.
