Kia’s Striking Sedan Avoids Excess Inflation
The Kia K5 was given a fresh new look for 2025, as well as more power and better tech, and when the updated model arrived early last year at the Chicago Auto Show, it also gained additional safety tech. These improvements came with mostly minor price increases, but the mid-range EX trim jumped by $5,000. Fortunately, Kia has no need to do the same for the 2026 model year, which has received a minor bump of $400 across the range. Similarly slight are the physical changes (and the increase to Kia’s destination charge, which has risen by $20 for 2026, now at $1,175).
Small MSRP Adjustments Keep The K5 Under $35k
For 2026, the entry-level K5 LXS (only available as a front-wheel-drive model) starts at $27,390, while the sportier-looking GT-Line variant is a thousand bucks dearer. Add AWD to this trim (the only model with the option) and you’ll pay $29,990. Next up is the K5’s most powerful option, the GT, which starts at $33,490, and at the top of the range is the EX at $34,890.
|
Kia K5 Trim |
MY2025 (excl. $1,155 dest.) |
MY2026 (excl. $1,175 dest.) |
|
LXS |
$26,990 |
$27,390 |
|
GT-Line FWD |
$27,990 |
$28,390 |
|
GT-Line AWD |
$29,590 |
$29,990 |
|
EX |
$34,490 |
$34,890 |
|
GT |
$33,090 |
$33,490 |
Not much has changed for 2026, with the GT-Line offering red upholstery and receiving new 18-inch gloss black wheels. The GT model has an even smaller change, deleting the “GT” logo on its brake calipers. Happily, its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine still delivers 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the naturally aspirated four-pot on all other trims is also unchanged, making 191 hp and 181.5 lb-ft.
What You Get For Under $35,000
Related: Kia EV5 Debuts as the Electric Sportage Alternative
All trims are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission except the GT, which gets a dual-clutch transmission with wet clutches for a snappier shift. The GT also gets proper rack-and-pinion power steering for better feedback, and it’s the only model with paddle shifters behind the wheel. Speaking of wheels, the GT is the only one available with 19-inch rims, quad-exit exhaust tips, and green brake calipers. Inside, the lower half of the range is equipped with a 4.2-inch color TFT display, while the EX and GT get access to a 12.3-inch curved digital display (albeit only as an option on the latter).
Current rivals include the Honda Civic ($24,595 for 2025), Toyota Camry ($28,700 for 2025), and Hyundai Sonata ($26,900 for 2025).
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