The 2024 Kia K5 is a practical, budget-friendly midsize sedan with a wild side, especially in range-topping GT trim. Based on looks alone, the aggressive shape and design details of the K5 help it stand out among rivals, including the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry.
Available in four trim levels (LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT), the K5 comes standard with a 180-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels in the LXS, GT-Line, and EX, and a more potent powertrain in the top-of-the-line GT.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional for $1,600, though it’s offered only with the GT-Line trim. The least expensive means of getting into a K5 GT-Line with AWD sneaks in below $30,000, at $28,490. This pricing makes the K5 a bargain, especially considering it comes with an impressive 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Even the base K5 LXS model, which starts at $25,390, has a long roster of comfort and technology features. Some highlights include an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, voice recognition, Bluetooth, keyless entry, push-button start, a 6-speaker audio system, and a hands-free power trunk lid.
Every K5 has the Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology, a suite of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian protection, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.
So, the base K5 delivers a lot of car for your money. But what about the top-of-the-line GT model? What separates it from the rest of the lineup, and is it worth $6,400 more than the entry-level K5?
The answer is a definitive “yes,” at least for midsize sedan shoppers who have a need for speed. The K5 GT is the only trim equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that sends 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Strangely, given its performance image and horsepower, the GT does not offer AWD.
What it does offer is strong acceleration, sharp handling, and a ton of features that transform the K5 into a luxurious sedan that shoots down the road when you punch the gas pedal.
Let’s look at what you get on a fully loaded 2024 Kia K5 GT.
2024 Kia K5 GT Fully Loaded Features:
- Turbocharged 4-cylinder making 290 hp
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Quad-tip dual exhaust
- Larger disc brakes (13.6 inches front/12.8 inches rear) with GT calipers
- Sport-tuned suspension
- GT body styling, including more aggressive front and rear bumpers
- Synthetic leather and cloth seat upholstery
- Front sport seats
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped and heated flat-bottom steering wheel
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Kia Connect, and satellite radio
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless device charging
- 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment
- LED interior ambient lighting
- Rear climate-control vents
There are a lot of performance, comfort, and tech touches in that list. Still, one notable option package could be worth consideration.
The $4,200 GT1 Package includes a wide range of features, including heated and ventilated front seats, LED projector headlights, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, surround-view parking camera, and more.
The GT1 Package adds just about everything on the option sheet. These are some items we like the most on the fully loaded 2024 Kia K5 GT.
Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
The star of the Kia GT is under the hood. With 290 horsepower, ample acceleration is on tap whenever needed, particularly when merging onto a highway or during passing maneuvers. It gives the K5 the feel of a genuine sports sedan but at a considerably lower price than expected.
Panoramic Sunroof
The K5’s cabin is expertly designed and handsome, even in the base LXS trim. The GT’s interior is even airier and more refined when equipped with a panoramic sunroof. Ambient interior lighting gives the K5 GT an extra degree of classiness.
Sport Suspension, Bigger Brakes
Continuing with the performance theme of the K5 GT, the suspension gets specially tuned, and the brakes get an upgrade from the lower trims. After all, any sports sedan should be quick in a straight line, zing around corners, and come to controlled stops with equal ease.
10.25-Inch Touchscreen with Navigation
All but the base K5 models come with a user-friendly 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone capability. With the GT, you also get navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging. Thanks to its crisp graphics and straightforward menus, this system is exceedingly pleasant to operate.
More 2024 Kia K5
Build and price a 2024 Kia K5 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more. Plus, see Kia K5 models for sale near you.
