The Kia K5 has navigated a turbulent period in the sedan market and emerged stronger and all the better for it. Originally introduced back in 2000 as the Kia Optima, the K5 has steadily matured into one of the most stylish, dynamic, and engaging models in the midsize segment. This evolution is especially evident in the current fifth-generation model, which offers available all-wheel drive on select trims, continues with the proven base engine from last year, and maintains its familiar dimensions while still delivering meaningful updates that make it a compelling option for today’s drivers.
Kia refined the formula in 2025 with a mid-cycle refresh that saw the sedan gain new lights, bodywork, and an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The K5 returns relatively unchanged for 2026, and that’s just fine with us. There are already plenty of good reasons to seek out a Kia K5 for sale, but before you spend the day driving between different dealerships, let’s review some of the highlights of the new model, weigh the two engine options, and explore the advantages of each trim as part of our 2026 K5 buyer’s guide.
Engines
Pop the hood on the 2026 Kia K5 and you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that strikes a satisfying balance between performance and efficiency. While most 2026 models are equipped with a 191 hp version of the 2.5-liter engine, opting for the sporty GT trim results in the standard mill being replaced with a turbocharged variant that significantly increases the fun factor. Forced induction technology enables the turbo engine to produce as much as 290 hp and a class-leading 311 lb-ft of torque, while providing the sort of edge-of-your-seat excitement that you won’t soon forget. Case in point: while the standard engine enables the K5 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 7.6 seconds, the GT can achieve the same speed in just 5.4 seconds.
This improved performance has an impact on fuel economy, with the GT logging an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. The base engine fares a little better at 26 MPG city and 37 MPG highway with FWD or 24 MPG city and 33 MPG highway with AWD. Those numbers can only improve when you activate the sedan’s Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology. By automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at red lights or during long idles, the ISG system helps reduce fuel consumption. It’s a clever feature, and one that goes a long way towards closing the gap between the Kia’s base model and the upper trims. Drivers can access some extra fun by choosing the GT, but at the end of the day, the 290 hp engine delivered added performance without significantly driving up operating costs.
Trims
Kia offers a range of K5 trims to suit different tastes and budgets, from the standard LXS to the performance-focused GT and the luxurious EX. Here’s a closer look at what each brings to the table.
LXS
If you’re on the hunt for a tech-forward sedan that won’t break the bank, the K5’s base LXS trim is here to serve. Sure, it might carry a modest MSRP, but you’ll never feel like you’re behind the wheel of a budget car when you’re cruising around town in the K5. The entry-level trim offers a generous assortment of premium comfort and convenience features, providing a seamless driving experience with hands-free keyless entry and push-button start. A dual-zone automatic climate control system will keep everyone comfortable, and the remote engine starter is sure to come in handy when trying to warm up the cabin on a cold winter morning. However, it’s the LXS’s infotainment tech that really caught our attention.
Most vehicles would be lucky to gain a 12.3-inch touchscreen display on their upper trims, but the expansive screen comes standard on the 2026 K5. Add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, and numerous USB ports for both the front and rear rows, and it’s tough to find a better value for the price. Of course, the LXS also features all the expected advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) amenities, including forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, and more.
GT-Line
The Kia K5’s GT-Line trim offers a convincing mix of style and practicality. Inspired by the performance-focused GT trim, the GT-Line includes many of the upper model’s upgrades at a significantly lower price. The GT-Line also backs up its athletic design with an available AWD powertrain, but most drivers will likely gravitate to the trim for understandably superficial reasons. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels replaces the 16-inchers found on the LXS, but it’s the GT-Line’s upgraded front and rear bumpers that up the curb appeal.
Kia has also improved the comfort factor with the GT-Line, equipping the sedan with heated front seats, cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Sound-reducing front windshield glass helps keep road noise out of the cabin, allowing drivers to enjoy a better high-fidelity listening experience with an optional 12-speaker Bose premium audio system that comes as part of the GT-Line Premium package. The package also includes a panoramic sunroof and LED interior lighting, but you don’t necessarily need to add any extra equipment to enjoy the GT-Line. The trim rounds out its tech arsenal with a wireless phone charger, integrated GPS navigation, and a Highway Driving Assist feature, which leverages the car’s ADAS to help reduce driver fatigue by handling most of the accelerating, braking, and steering duties under the right conditions.
GT
The GT’s 290 hp engine is the obvious highlight, but Kia has also packed the midsize model with plenty of high-performance tech designed to complement the mighty motor. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission offers owners the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds by combining the convenience of an automatic transmission with the control of a manual transmission. The K5 offers smooth, precise shifts when running errands around town or navigating your daily commute. However, if you’re in the mood for a more engaging experience, simply flick the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and select the right gear for the job.
The GT’s midsize design and brawny, torque-rich engine pave the way for miles of memorable driving, but Kia has also graced the trim with wider tires, upgraded brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension that doubles down on the car’s sporty appeal. Stiffer springs and dampers sharpen handling by minimizing body roll in corners, making even the curviest route feel like a thrill to navigate. The interior features black synthetic leather upholstery with green piping, designed to highlight the GT’s speedy intentions. The trim can also be equipped with a comprehensive GT1 Package, which adds a range of upmarket features from the range-topping EX trim.
EX
The 2026 K5 EX exemplifies premium design. It’s hard to figure out how Kia has managed to equip the top trim with numerous luxury features while still keeping the price within the reach of the average driver, but we’re content to let some things remain mysterious and simply enjoy the ride. That task is made a whole lot easier by the EX’s heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, which gain eight-way power-adjustability driver and passenger seats. The 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio system comes standard on the EX, as do the 18-inch alloy wheels with Gloss Black finish and a 12.3-inch curved full digital display panel.
One of the trim’s most intriguing features would have to be Kia’s Active Sound Design technology. Today’s vehicles often lack a satisfying bark to match the bite of their powerful engines. While this is usually seen as positive, there are times when you simply crave the hearty roar of internal combustion. The Active Sound Design system introduced a modern solution to this modern problem by playing a simulated engine sound through the car’s speakers, with customizable settings ranging from Soft to Strong. The EX brings essential ADAS features to the table, designed to make your daily drive safer and more effortless. These include side parking sensors, a blind-spot view monitor, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor that uses four cameras to provide a bird’s-eye view of the area around the vehicle.
Give Kia a High K5
The Kia K5 proves that, even in an era dominated by crossovers, the modern sedan still has a compelling place on the road. There’s nothing “humble” about it, as the K5 confidently showcases its upscale design and impressive performance potential. This is especially true of the 290 hp marvel that is the GT, and the lavish EX with its cutting-edge cabin and advanced safety tech, but the truth is that every version of the 2026 Kia K5 punches well above its price to deliver a satisfying automotive experience.
While we’re wary of coming off as a little shallow, there’s also the matter of the K5’s looks. Simply put, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive sedan for the price, with Kia taking some rewarding risks to create a one-of-a-kind car that you won’t soon mistake for another model. The 2026 model year marks another strong showing for the K5, and one that has us looking forward to the next chapter in the sedan’s story.
