2026 Kia K5 Model Research
The 2026 Kia K5 is a midsize sedan offered across four trim levels with two powertrain options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 191 horsepower and up to 30 MPG combined, while the GT trim steps up to a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 290 horsepower and an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Blind-spot collision avoidance assist and forward collision avoidance assist come standard across all trims, as does Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Drivers searching for a 2026 Kia K5 or a used Kia K5 near Woodbridge, NJ will find both at Sansone Kia.
Highlights
Performance
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission on LXS, GT-Line, and EX trims. The GT steps up to a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with sport-tuned suspension and monotube shocks.
Interior
Sport-oriented cabin with available heated and ventilated front seats, available panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel on GT-Line and above, and a GT-exclusive sport bucket seat with green contrast piping and a D-shaped steering wheel. Total interior volume is 121.3 cubic feet.
Exterior
193.1-inch length on a 112.2-inch wheelbase with LED headlights standard. Wheels range from 16-inch alloys on the LXS to 19-inch gloss black alloys on the GT. The GT also adds quad-tip dual exhaust and green-painted brake calipers.
Technology
Available 12.3-inch navigation display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available wireless phone charging, available Bose premium audio with subwoofer, and Active Sound Design available on GT-Line (via Premium Package), standard on EX, and available on GT (via GT1 Package).
Safety
Standard blind-spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist with cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, and driver attention warning across all trims. Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go on all trims. Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist on GT-Line and above. Surround-view monitor and blind-view monitor available on the EX.
2026 Kia K5 Trim Comparison
| Feature | LXS | GT-Line | EX | GT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 191 hp | 2.5L 191 hp | 2.5L 191 hp | 2.5L Turbo 290 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 8-speed DCT |
| AWD Available | No | Yes | No | No |
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG | 29 MPG (FWD) | 29 MPG | 27 MPG |
| Wheels | 16-inch alloy | 18-inch gloss black | 18-inch alloy | 19-inch gloss black |
| Heated Front Seats | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Highway Driving Assist | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surround-View Monitor | No | No | Yes | Available |
| Panoramic Sunroof | No | Available | Standard | Standard |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 yr / 100k mi | 10 yr / 100k mi | 10 yr / 100k mi | 10 yr / 100k mi |
Performance
The LXS, GT-Line, and EX trims use a 2.5-liter GDI four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The LXS returns 30 MPG combined on FWD. The GT-Line is the only non-GT trim to offer AWD, returning 27 MPG combined in that configuration. The EX is FWD only at 29 MPG combined.
The GT uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with gasoline direct and multi-port injection, producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
It pairs with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and sport-tuned monotube shocks front and rear. Larger 345mm front and 325mm rear brake rotors, rack-mounted sport steering, and Drive Mode Select round out the GT package. The GT returns 27 MPG combined.
Interior and Cargo
The K5 cabin spans 121.3 cubic feet of total interior volume with 15.6 cubic feet of trunk space. The LXS starts with cloth seating and a manual steering column.
The GT-Line adds an 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The EX adds a panoramic sunroof as standard and standard ventilated front seats.
The GT cabin features sport bucket seats in black leatherette with green contrast piping, a D-shaped sport steering wheel, gloss black interior accents, and paddle shifters.
Upper trims step up to the 12.3-inch curved digital display, which pairs the instrument cluster and infotainment screen in one seamless widescreen interface. Wireless phone charging is available on GT-Line and above. Rear climate vents are standard on EX and GT.
Safety and Technology
Every 2026 K5 comes standard with blind-spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, and high beam assist.
The GT-Line adds Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with curve management. The EX extends the suite with a surround-view monitor, blind-view monitor, and rear parking collision assistance.
On the technology side, the LXS includes a basic display audio unit with Bluetooth and a rear camera. GT-Line and EX trims step up to the 12.3-inch ccNC navigation display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Find the Kia K5 for Sale at Sansone Kia
Check the latest inventory of Kia K5 on Sansone Kia in Woodbridge, NJ. Whether comparing the Kia K5 GT-Line, EX, or the Kia K5 GT, our team can walk through current inventory and help identify the right fit. Browse online or schedule a test drive today.
FAQs
When did the Kia K5 come out?
The Kia K5 debuted for the 2021 model year as the successor to the Kia Optima. It replaced the Optima name globally and introduced a new platform, a sportier design, and a turbocharged GT variant. The K5 has continued into the 2026 model year with the same core lineup of LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trims.
How much is a Kia K5?
Base trim is the 2026 Kia K5 LXS. For current pricing on available configurations and active offers, please contact Sansone Kia at Woodbridge, NJ.
What's the difference between the Kia K4 and K5?
The K5 is Kia's midsize sedan and is larger than the K4 in overall length, wheelbase, interior volume, and cargo space. The K5 offers a more powerful top trim, with the GT producing 290 horsepower versus 190 horsepower on the K4 GT-Line Turbo. The K4 is available in both a sedan and a hatchback body style; the K5 is sedan only.
Is a Kia K5 a good car?
The K5 earns strong marks across the midsize sedan segment. Standard blind-spot and forward collision avoidance on every trim, along with Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, add measurable ownership value. The GT trim puts 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque in a category where most competitors top out well below that figure.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
DISCLAIMER: Dealer shall in no way be held liable for any errors or omissions to be found on this website. Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees, and taxes. Prices are subject to change without notice. Any purchaser or prospective purchaser should independently verify with a salesperson the accuracy of all information listed on this website. Actual equipment of this vehicle may differ. Contact store for more details.