2023 Kia K5 Review

With four trims instead of five, Kia adds more to the standard packaging. For instance, the EX now has front window acoustic glass to aid with noise reduction. The GT-Line AWD model now has a heated steering wheel.

Perhaps the most important standards are the driver assistance features found on all trims. This list just keeps growing and growing. Likewise, the systems are often evolving and becoming more effective with each passing year.

For instance, the forward collision avoidance assist comes with an emergency autobrake. It includes a pedestrian watch and a lane following assist. Helping drivers avoid an accident with a neighbor vehicle, there’s a lane keeping assist and a blind spot collision avoidance assist. To reduce the chances of a parking accident, it has both a rearview camera system and a rear cross traffic alert assist.

To prevent the dangers of distracted driving, it has a driver attention warning. As a Kia, it is one of the few in its class to have a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2023 Kia K5 can claim 105 cu ft for passenger wiggle room. That’s ample space for all five passengers.

From its acoustic windshield to its advanced technologies, the cabin is well equipped. K5 LXS drivers have a 4.2-inch color display to augment the analog gauges. With the 8-inch touchscreen, the driver has access to numerous smartphone apps via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The cockpit has a fully adjustable driver’s chair. Duplicated Bluetooth and other controls are mounted on the tilt-telescopic steering wheel. There are two conveniently located USB ports as well as a 12V power point.

The air conditioning system is a dual-zone automatic device that allows for the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperature. For further comfort, windows are made with solar glass to reduce the sun’s intensity. With the remote starter, you can cool off the sedan before you start your next trip.

Second row passengers have a number of benefits. A center armrest and adjustable headrests help keep people more comfortable. There are two standard rear-facing USB ports for smart devices. Parents can choose from three positions for car seats thanks to LATCH attachments.

For traveling, the trunk measures an ample 16 cu ft. You can spit-fold the second row to gain more cargo space if needed.

Access is easier thanks to features like the Smart Key and the Smart Trunk, standards on every model. You can leave your key in your pocket or purse and stand close enough to the trunk or door to unlock it. Smart Access also lets you start the car with just a push of a button.

The K5 also has illuminated door handles, making it easy to find in the dark. Automatic high beam assist reduces driver worries at night. Automatic headlights know when they are needed and turn on if conditions are becoming too dark for safety.

The 2023 Kia K5 is offered in subdued tones like Ebony Black and Glacial White Pearl. However, you can go for something less subtle like Everlasting Silver, Sapphire Blue or Passion Red Tint Coat. LXS and EX models also offer Gravity Gray while GT and GT-Line models offer Wolf Gray.

Interiors are offered with black upholstery in many cases. However, the EX is also offered in a creative Ash Blue SynTex upholstery. The GT-Line is offering a combination of black cloth and black SynTex. It also offers an exciting Red SynTex upholstery.

GT models are especially fancy. They feature black SynTex upholstery with red stitching. Or, you can get a handsome Chestnut Brown. K5 styling details are one of the ways it sets itself apart from the Hyundai Sonata.

The GT-Line trim level is all about the driver. As such, it has a 10-way power chair and the larger navigation touch screen. Racy details include the D-shaped steering wheel. The seats wear a cloth-and-leatherette design that is exclusive to this edition. Cabins gain LED lighting and a wireless charger.

Driver assistance is increased with the addition of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Whether it’s the morning commute or a long trim, Smart Cruise Control can bear more of the burden of the day’s drive. In certain situations, the driver can opt for Highway Driving Assist, an even more automated system.

Another added safety feature is cyclist detection and junction turning detection. These two features coordinate with the forward collision assist.

For 2023, the GT-Line is the only K5 offered with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This model has a few more features to make it an even better package. For instance, this model has heated front seats.

Although the LXS is a value package, there are many who find the EX to be the ultimate package for the Arizona driver. It’s certainly one of the coolest with its ventilated front seats and its rear air conditioning vents.

There’s more of an upscale vibe with the full SynTex upholstery, satin chrome trim, wood graphics accents, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Drivers will appreciate the memory-enabled features for the power chair and outside mirrors.

For the ultimate sound, there is a 12-speaker system, upgrading from the standard 6 speakers. Even better, it is designed specifically for this space by Bose.

Updated for 2023, this racy ride has the top performing engine. This premium package also has numerous GT touches to the exterior and interior. There are GT Sport Bolster chairs for both front positions. These have deeper bolstering to hold you in place for more exciting driving experiences. They also have GT embossing that adds color and style.

Seats are covered in SynTex trim, available in several color schemes to suit your personality. All of the qualities found on the GT-Line and EX models are standard here. This includes the all-important ventilated front seats. A new panoramic sunroof is available for GT buyers.

An 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are mated to the standard four-cylinder engine. This well-tuned machine can create 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is 37 miles per gallon on the highway.

This powertrain combination is standard on the LXS, GT-Line FWD, and EX models. The GT-Line AWD trades in front-wheel drive for an all-weather all-wheel drive system, but it retains the same automatic transmission.

Stepping up to the 2023 Kia K5 GT, the driver steps up to a clever 8-speed dual clutch unit. This automatic transmission makes more out of the GT performance engine.

This 2.5-L turbo generates 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This model can run the 0 to 60 mph sprint in about 5 seconds. K5 GT models are front-wheel drive only. You can schedule a test drive just for fun.

If you compare the K5 to rivals such as the Toyota Camry, you’ll discover that you get more for your money throughout the lineup. Even better, you get the Kia 5-year/60,000-mile Limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain warranty. That’s two years longer for Limited and five years longer for Powertrain when compared to the Toyota.

Operating costs are easily kept in check with K5 efficiency. With the standard FWD powertrain, fuel economy is 37 miles per gallon on the highway. How efficient is your ride? Value your trade.

Check out our inventory and then take a test drive of your favorite K5 trim level. It’s sure to be the most fun you’ve ever had while gathering facts! Talk to our staff online or by phone if you have questions.