We greeted the 2023 Kia K5 with a slight eyebrow raise and a, “Huh, so we’re still doing that?” The car’s expected demise was stayed a year, and with the release of pricing for the 2024 model, Kia seems to be doing it again. For 2024, the K5 starts at $26,515 (all pricing includes a $1,125 destination charge). Don’t mess with good enough, we suppose.
Performance
Kia offers the K5 in four trim levels: LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT. LXS, EX and GT-Line models are powered by a 180-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT packs a 290-hp, turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and given the GT’s proclivity for wheelspin, it could use all-wheel drive, but that’s only offered on the GT-Line. A “GT-Lite,” the GT-Line wears the powerful model’s racy body kit and some of its interior styling tweaks but forgoes its bonus 110 hp and passes on a $4,900 savings to buyers.
The 2024 K5 with the 1.6-liter gets an EPA-rated 27/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined with FWD and 25/33/28 mpg with AWD. The GT variant achieves 24/32/27 mpg.
Trim Levels
Standard equipment on the LXS includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind spot monitors, active lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic detection.
The EX adds 18-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, synthetic leather seats (heated and ventilated in front), a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear air-conditioning vents, LED interior lighting, a 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and satellite radio, wireless phone charging and rear parking sensors.
The GT-Line builds from the LXS in a sportier direction with its body kit and black 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, it gets seats wrapped in a mix of cloth and synthetic leather, heated front seats, a 10-way power seat, flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel and the larger 10.3-inch touchscreen. All-wheel drive costs an additional $1,600.
With 290 hp, the GT delivers on the promise of the aggressive bodywork. It also wears black 19-inch wheels packing larger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and quad tip exhaust. The panoramic moonroof is standard, as are unique front seats (heated only) and all the best standard offerings of the lesser models.