Trims and Powertrains

As mentioned, Kia give K5 buyers a choice of four trims: LXS, GT-Line, GT, and EX. The GT is the powerhouse, with its turbocharged 290-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The other trims have a naturally aspirated four-cylinder with a satisfying output of 191 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission controls both powertrains, with the exception being for the GT gets a dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters.

While front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard across the range, Kia offers all-wheel-drive (AWD) for the GT-Line alone. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the K5 ranges from 23 to 26 mpg in the city and 33 to 37 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

Standard Features and Options

Even though it’s the base trim, the LXS is quite well equipped, getting remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, heated power exterior mirrors, a hands-free Smart Trunk, and LED exterior lighting with automatic headlamps. It also has fabric upholstery, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, push-button start, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, sound-absorbing windshield glass, a 4.2-inch digital instrument display, four USB ports (two per row), and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The GT-Line adds heated front seats, SynTex leatherette upholstery, a ten-way power driver's seat with lumbar controls, LED fog lights, sound-absorbing front door window glass, unique exterior accents, integrated LED turn indicators for the heated power exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel and shift knob, dual exhaust outlets, wireless device charging, and 18-inch wheels. A heated steering wheel comes standard with the AWD-equipped GT-Line; a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade is optional.

The GT upgrades the GT-Line’s equipment with a panoramic sunroof, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, LED cabin lighting, a quad-tip dual exhaust, rear air-conditioning vents, a center-console USB port, and 19-inch alloy wheels. This trim’s options include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a ten-way power driver's seat, a driver's memory system, a 12.3-inch curved instrument display, a digital key, and power-folding side mirrors.

The K5's top trim, the EX, expands on the LXS’s amenities by adding a power sunroof, SynTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, ten-way power front seats with lumbar controls, a driver's memory system, a 12.3-inch curved instrument display, a leather-wrapped shift knob, power-folding side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, sound-absorbing front door window glass, unique interior accents, LED cabin lighting, a center console USB port, a digital key, rear air conditioning vents, wireless device charging, and 18-inch wheels.

Advanced Safety Technology

Kia packs the 2026 K5 with features for added safety, starting with front and rear parking sensors, airbags, stability control, traction control, hill start assist control, and a rearview monitor. The standard advanced technologies found on every trim are automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection), blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist. The GT-Line and above add navigation-based adaptive cruise control and highway driving assist. A blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, rear parking collision-avoidance assist, and side parking sensors are optional on the GT and standard for the EX.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The centerpiece of the K5’s sophisticated interior is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and access to Kia Connect services. All trims but the LXS have integrated navigation. The EX gets a 12-speaker Bose sound system (available for the GT), while the other trims have an unbranded audio setup with six speakers.