Now that the Kia K5 is a few years into its first generation we’re going to find if the newest is the best buy, or if going used is the right choice.
Kia K5: the Ultimate Value Priced Sedan
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When the Optima kicked the bucket in 2020 it didn’t do so because of any major failing really. It was a passable sedan with decent content for the money. The K5, introduced in 2021, turned that dial up a few notches though. Not only is the K5 a bit more attractive but it’s also better to drive. On top of that it has more standard features and content.
Now that we’re a few years away from its debut we wanted to take a deeper look at the original K5 and see if it might be an even better value than a brand new 2023 model. To find out, we’ll compare specs, driving characteristics, interior quality, and trim levels. Then, we’ll crown a winner.
Specs
Considering that there are two years separating our test vehicles it should come as little surprise that they have nearly identical specifications. For example, both the 2021 and 2023 K5 come standard with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Each one also has an available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower on the top-level GT trim.
Both new and used K5’s come with front-wheel drive as standard but offer AWD on selected trims. Notably, buyers can’t pair the GT engine with AWD. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard in all K5s. Interestingly, the GT models use a dual-clutch version while all other K5s get a traditional torque converter version.
Fuel economy is one area where these two cars differ. The 2021 model gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. AWD drops those figures to 26 and 34 respectively. The 2.5-liter engine makes them fall even further to 24 and 32.
For 2023, the K5 sees a single MPG drop for its 1.6-liter engine across both FWD and AWD platforms. The bigger engine matches that of the 2021 model. Pricing is a bit different between the two, but perhaps not as much as one might expect.
Like any other used car, pricing will depend heavily on mileage and condition but in our research, it seems used K5’s are regularly priced at MSRP across the nation. That means one can expect to pay no less than about $27,000 for a K5 with thousands of miles already on the odometer.
In fact, a number that we found are thousands over original MSRP despite having nearly 15,000 miles on the chassis. Notably, a new K5 could also be subject to dealer markup but there’s a good chance that a deal at or below MSRP is possible for those willing to search. For 2023, the K5 is priced between $26,115 and $32,585 before additional equipment and options.
Driving and Performance
As these cars share the same drivetrain, powertrain, and chassis, they drive identically. We quite like the way the K5 handles and drives. The base engine is a bit lethargic at times but it’s a serious fuel sipper and that’s all it’s meant to be.
Pedal response and steering feel are above average too. We even think it’s got great body control when the road gets twisty. The 2.5-liter engine is also quite impressive. As we noted in our full review of the 2023 Kia K5, it’s actually too powerful for this platform. That’s true of both model years in this test too.
Kia includes bigger brakes, a stiffer suspension, and better seats on the GT and all of that is great. It’s still not enough to properly handle the available power but it’s close. As we’ve said before, Kia would do well to borrow equipment from corporate partner Genesis to make the K5 rear-wheel drive based but we suppose that would be too costly. There’s a reason that the Stinger is bidding adieu after all.
Comfort and Interior
Where the K5 shines brightest is when it comes to the interior. The Optima was a perfectly fine car but the K5 feels considerably nicer inside. The hard plastics are largely hidden and the soft-touch surfaces feel and look great. We also like the general design theme and execution. For example, the panel gaps are tight and uniform.
Heated and ventilated front seats are available as is a panoramic sunroof and a wireless charging pad. The K5 might lack really high-end equipment like a heads-up display or massaging seats but considering its low cost, it offers a lot for the cash.
There are a few bonus points for the 2023 model in this segment of our test. First, it has acoustic glass that makes the cabin quieter than in the 2021 car. Lower-level trims also get the larger 10.3-inch infotainment system, more USB power points, and a 360-degree camera system.
Trims and Features
For 2021, Kia offered five trim levels of the K5.
LX – This trim started out with the 1.6-liter engine, 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, forward collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention warning system.
LXS – The LXS adds a 60/40-split rear seat, keyless entry, push-button start, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
GT-Line – This sporty trim gets unique exterior touches, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, 18-inch wheels, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth and faux leather upholstery, and two USB ports in the second row.
EX – Consider this the luxury K5 with its heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging pad, faux leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, and rear-seat climate vents.
GT – This is the only K5 that comes with the 2.5-liter engine. It also gets bigger brakes, sport seats, a sport-tuned suspension, and the sporty exterior bits from the GT-Line. It loses the ventilated seats, the satellite radio, and the parking sensors but buyers could add them back optionally.
For 2023, Kia offers just four K5 trim levels.
LXS – Starting out the K5 comes with 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, remote start, LED DRLs, dual-zone climate control, and LED headlights.
GT-Line – This trim gets LED fog lights, LED tail lights, 18-inch wheels, faux leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless device charger. AWD buyers also get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
EX – Gloss black trim highlights the EX’s luxury feel along with ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, rear-seat climate vents, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, and faux leather upholstery.
GT – The top trim adds the same 2.5-liter engine as the 2021 model and also includes the upgraded brakes, sport seats, and sport-tuned suspension.
The Verdict
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These cars aren’t much different from one another and because of that, we have to give the win to the new 2023 Kia K5. Not only will it offer the entire span of warranty coverage that Kia offers but it’s probably easier to find at MSRP with nearly zero miles when compared to the used 2021 K5. Be sure to check out our article on auto loan rates and financing before pulling the trigger on any K5 though.
