2023 Kia K5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Kia tweaks the K5 lineup for the 2023 model year, dropping the entry-level LX trim and limiting AWD availability.

The 2023 Kia K5 makes sensible daily sedan transportation look modern and fun. It has sharp, modern styling backed up by energetic engines and a spacious, functional cockpit. Its coupe-like profile provides plenty of cabin space, and the trunk offers up to 16 cubic feet of space, accessed via a standard hands-free power liftgate. For 2023, Kia has dropped the entry-level LX trim, and all-wheel drive is now only available on the GT-Line trim.

Trims for the Kia K5 are LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Standard features on the LXS trim include 16-alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, four USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Moving up to the GT-Line trim adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless device charging, and combination cloth-and-synthetic-leather upholstery, and upgrades the infotainment system to a 10.25-inch touchscreen. In gaining the larger screen, you do lose wireless connectivity for the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but both can still be activated via a USB cable.

The EX trim boasts a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and synthetic leather upholstery.

The range-topping GT trim features unique interior and exterior styling, an upgraded drivetrain, sport front bucket seats, and a sport-tuned suspension system.

The base engine in the Kia K5 is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which makes 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels or, for the GT-Line, to available all-wheel drive (AWD), through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT trim features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It routes 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The most efficient variant of the K5 is the 1.6-liter with front-wheel drive (FWD). It returns fuel economy of 27 mpg city, 37 highway, and 31 combined. When paired to AWD, this engine returns fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 33 highway, and 28 combined. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine returns 24 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined.

The 2023 K5 comes equipped with a host of standard high-tech driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and driver-attention monitoring.

Base MSRP for the 2023 Kia K5 is $26,090 for the LXS trim. The GT-Line starts at $26,490, and adding AWD brings its price to $28,190. The EX trim starts at $28,990, and the range-topping GT trim starts at $31,490. The K5 is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.