Starting Price: $25,390 | Price Yours
KBB Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Virtually every automaker makes an affordable midsize sedan with a nice balance of traits, so it isn’t easy to build a distinctive one. But Kia manages it by making the 2024 Kia K5 more athletic and sportier than most of the competition.
It’s available with a choice of two engines. Either one could work for you, but they have different characteristics that make each the right choice for different buyers.
The Popular Engine
1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
180 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/37/31 mpg (FWD), 25/33/28 mpg
Price of entry: $25,390
Most drivers will be perfectly happy with the base engine in the K5. It’s a turbocharged 4-cylinder model making 180 horsepower — typical for this class of car — and achieving impressive fuel economy paired with front-wheel drive (FWD). Available all-wheel drive (AWD) adds icy-weather security and trades away just a little fuel economy to get it.
It’s not a sport sedan engine, but the turbocharger means peak power arrives early, so it’s fun at neighborhood speeds.
The Faster Engine
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
290 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
311 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 24/32/27 mpg
Price of entry: $31,790
Kia sets its midsize car apart from the competition with a sporty GT model. It boasts one of the most powerful engines in the midsize sedan segment. This one is also a turbocharged 4-cylinder but tuned for sportier driving. It puts down a full 290 horsepower.
The K5 GT has other sporty characteristics, like steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a suspension tuned for firmer cornering. It means a significant upgrade in performance, both from a standstill and on a winding road.
But, unlike many luxury car engines, it doesn’t require premium gas, keeping fuel costs reasonable. The EPA estimates that you’ll pay just $21 more monthly in gasoline for the K5 GT than other K5 models.
It starts at $31,790, giving you a sporty family sedan for a reasonable price — but still thousands more than the base model. If that trade sounds worthwhile, we doubt you’ll regret the added cost. This is the one to get if you love to drive. If spending more for added engine power doesn’t make sense, you’ll be happier without it.
More 2024 Kia K5
Now that you have a better idea of which engine is right for you, build and price your 2024 Kia K5 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price or the Kia K5 models for sale near you.
