K5 Review

2026 Kia K5 Model Review | Palatine, IL

The 2026 Kia K5 is a sleek mid-size sedan with dynamic performance capabilities. It offers two engine options, a sophisticated interior, and modern tech systems that include large screen displays. For more details, continue reading this 2026 Kia K5 review crafted by the pros at McGrath Arlington Kia.

In addition to this review, our team has also put together other research guides for you to browse. Our trims comparison covers the standard features included with each K5 model, as well as available package options. Meanwhile, our interior guide explores the various amenities available inside the K5 cabin.

If you’d like to see the new Kia K5 in person, it’s available at our Palatine, IL, dealership, and you can find your preferred model in our inventory. You can then use our online form to schedule a test drive at a date and time that’s convenient for you. Have questions for our team? Give us a call at (847) 202-3900 or message us online; we’re always happy to chat.

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2026 Kia K5 parked in the road

2026 Kia K5 Interior Design

As you slide into the 2026 Kia K5, you’ll find a stylish interior focused on creature comforts. The available heated and ventilated front seats offer ten-way power adjustability so you and your co-pilot can each find your ideal seating positions. If you loan your K5 out, you can return your seat back to your original position thanks to the available driver’s seat memory settings. The standard dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that the whole cabin stays comfortable. The available flat-bottom leather-wrapped sport steering wheel adds a premium layer to your driving experience, and available paddle shifters give you more precise control over the drive.

Available interior features include:

  • Cloth or SynTex seat upholstery 
  • Heated and ventilated ten-way power front seats with two-way power lumbar
  • Memory settings for driver’s seat
  • Heated, leather-wrapped flat-bottom sport steering wheel with paddle shifters
  • Leather-wrapped gear shift knob
  • Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • LED interior lighting
  • Smart key 
  • Remote start system
  • Digital Key 2.0 (mobile device-as-a-key technology)

2026 Kia K5 Engine Specs

There are two powerful 2026 Kia K5 engines available — the standard 191-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder and an optional 290-horsepower 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. The standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine produces the highest fuel economy ratings with auto stop-start enabled — 37 highway MPG. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard across the lineup, with the notable exception of the GT-Line AWD trim, where torque-vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) becomes standard. Meanwhile, the penultimate GT trim is exclusively offered with the 2.5L turbo four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Engine specs are shown in the accompanying table.

Engine 2.5L four-cylinder 2.5L turbo four-cylinder
Horsepower 191 HP 290 HP
Torque 181 lb.-ft. 311 lb.-ft.
Max. MPG (City/Hwy) 26 / 37 23 / 33
Drivetrain FWD / AWD FWD
Transmission Eight-speed automatic Eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch
2026 Kia K5 interior dashboard
2026 Kia K5 turning a corner from above

2026 Kia K5 Safety & Technology Specs

There are various advanced driver assistance and safety systems available with the 2026 Kia K5. The available Highway Driving Assist system helps you stay a set distance from the vehicle in front of you while maintaining a specified speed. When you’re taking turns on the highway, you’ll appreciate the available navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go-curve, which automatically slows you down as you enter a curve and then returns you to your normal speed when you exit the curve. Other available features help you monitor your surroundings and your blind spots, stay in your lane, park safely, and more.

When you opt for a 2026 K5 sedan, you’ll find easily accessible and cutting-edge technology systems. A horizontal 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, and you can link to it using standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Embedded navigation capability becomes available on higher-level trims as well. For digital gauges and vehicle alerts, turn to the available 12.3-inch curved instrument cluster display set behind the steering wheel.

Available driver assistance features include: 

  • Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go-curve
  • Highway Driving Assist system
  • 360-degree surround view monitor
  • Blind spot view monitor
  • Reverse parking collision avoidance assist
  • Side park distance warning
  • Rearview monitor
  • Blind spot collision avoidance assist
  • Driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert
  • Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection
  • Front and rear park distance warning
  • High beam assist
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Lane following assist
  • Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
  • Rear occupant alert
  • Safe exit assist

Available technology features include: 

  • Six-speaker audio system or 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system
  • 12.3-in. infotainment touchscreen with navigation
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Bluetooth®
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
  • 4.2-in. instrument cluster display or 12.3-in. curved instrument cluster display
  • Front and rear USB-C ports
  • Front 12V power port
  • Kia Connect capability
  • Wireless phone charger

2026 Kia K5 Cargo Space & Seating Capacity

The 2026 Kia K5 interior offers plenty of room for up to five passengers. It has a passenger volume of 105.3 cubic feet, plus an impressive 46.1 inches of maximum front seat legroom. When you’ve got shopping to haul home from the store, you have up to 15.6 cubic feet of trunk space to work with.

Interior dimensions are shown in the accompanying table.

  • Passenger Capacity: Five
  • Passenger Volume: 105.3 cu.-ft.
  • Trunk Capacity: 15.6 cu.-ft.
  • Headroom (Front/Rear): 40.2 / 37.8 in.
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 46.1 / 35.2 in.
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 58 / 56.1 in.
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 56.6 / 56.6 in.
2026 Kia K5 parked on road by forest
2026 Kia K5 interior seating

2026 Kia K5 Color Options Available

  • Aurora Black Pearl
  • Interstellar Gray
  • Snow White Pearl
  • Wolf Gray
  • Steel Matte Gray
  • Runway Red
  • Yacht Blue

2026 Kia K5 Trim Levels

  • LXS FWD $27,390*
  • GT-Line FWD $28,390*
  • GT-Line AWD $29,990*
  • GT $33,490*
  • EX $34,890*
*Starting MSRP

2025 Kia K5 Review - Interior, Features, Specs, & Trims | McGrath Arlington Kia in Palatine, IL

Looking for a reliable family sedan that offers exceptional performance? The 2025 Kia K5 may be the right choice for you. This spacious sedan boasts a sophisticated cabin, two engine options, and state-of-the-art safety features that promote confidence on the road. To learn more about this vehicle and its specifications, read through this 2025 Kia K5 review created by the experts at McGrath Arlington Kia. For information on its standard features, check out our K5 trims guide.

Ready to get behind the wheel? First, browse our inventory to find your preferred K5 model, then schedule a test drive at our Kia dealership in Palatine, IL. View our hours and directions to plan the best route. If you have any questions, reach out to our team online or by phone at (847) 202-3900.

2025 Kia K5 Exterior Features

Demand attention on the road with the 2025 Kia K5, which boasts a sleek exterior and a distinctive star map lighting design. Standard LED multi-reflector headlights and taillights illuminate the road ahead to give you optimal visibility. Choose from 16-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels, depending on your preferred trim. Standard heated, power-adjustable side mirrors come in handy during the winter months.

Available exterior features include:

  • 16-, 18-, or 19-in. wheel options
  • LED fog lights
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Quad-tip dual exhaust
  • Neon green GT brake calipers with logo
  • Power-folding side view mirrors with integrated LED turn signals

2025 Kia K5 Capacity & Seating

Traverse comfortably in the 2025 Kia K5, which offers seating for up to five passengers. The spacious cabin of this sedan provides 40.2 inches of headroom in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear — without the sunroof. Moreover, you and your travelers can stretch out and enjoy 46.1 inches of legroom in the front and 35.2 inches in the back. When it comes to stowing gear and equipment, the K5 offers a maximum trunk volume of 15.6 cubic feet.

See interior specifications in the following chart:

  • Seating: Five
  • Passenger Volume: 105.3 cu.-ft.
  • Headroom without sunroof (Front/Rear): 40.2 / 37.8 in.
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 46.1 / 35.2 in.
  • Trunk Volume: 15.6 cu.-ft.

2025 Kia K5 Engine Specs

Enhance your daily commute with the 2025 Kia K5. This sleek sedan offers power that you can feel with its two performance-oriented engine options. The standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. If you’re looking for more oomph, the 2.5L turbo four-cylinder engine delivers 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, all-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) are available, depending on your chosen trim. Additionally, the GT model boasts a sport-tuned suspension, providing you with responsive handling and agile steering.

See engine specifications in the accompanying table:

Engine 2.5L four-cylinder 2.5L turbo four-cylinder
Horsepower 191 HP 290 HP
Torque 181 lb.-ft. 311 lb.-ft.
MPG (City/Hwy) 26 / 37 23 / 33
Drivetrain FWD / AWD FWD
Transmission Eight-speed automatic Eight-speed automatic

2025 Kia K5 Interior Design

Slide into the sophisticated cabin of the 2025 Kia K5. Enjoy the soft touch of standard cloth seat upholstery or available SynTex. Higher trims boast an available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel for ultimate luxury and comfort. Get an open-air driving experience with the panoramic sunroof, which is standard on the GT and EX models. Moreover, you and your co-pilot can relax into available heated and ventilated ten-way power front seats with a two-way power lumbar feature.

Available interior features include:

  • Cloth or SynTex seat upholstery
  • Heated, ventilated, ten-way power front seats with two-way power lumbar
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • LED interior lighting
  • Rear air vents
  • Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
  • Leather-wrapped gear shift knob
  • Wood graphic interior accents
  • Memory function for driver's seat and side view mirrors

2025 Kia K5 Safety Options

The cutting-edge safety features in the 2025 Kia K5 promote peace of mind while on the road. For instance, standard Kia Drive Wise technologies include blind spot collision avoidance assist, high beam assist, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims include more advanced features, such as Highway Driving Assist and navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go. Moreover, the available surround view monitor lets you observe the front, back, left, and right sides of your vehicle so you can avoid hazards.

Available safety features include:

  • Kia Drive Wise technologies
    • Blind spot view monitor
    • Surround view monitor
    • Side parking distance warning
    • Reverse parking collision avoidance assist
    • Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go - curve
    • Highway Driving Assist

2025 Kia K5 Color Options

  • Aurora Black Pearl
  • Interstellar Gray
  • Wolf Gray
  • Steel Matte Gray
  • Snow White Pearl
  • Runway Red
  • Yacht Blue

2025 Kia K5 Trim Levels

  • LXS FWD – $26,990*
  • GT-Line FWD – $27,990*
  • GT-Line AWD – $29,590*
  • GT – $33,090*
  • EX – $34,490*
*Starting MSRP

2026 Kia K5 for Sale in Palatine, IL

Come see the new Kia K5 for yourself at McGrath Arlington Kia in Palatine, IL. You can find it in our inventory, then use our online form to schedule a test drive. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our representatives by phone at (847) 202-3900 or message us online.

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Disclaimer

*All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle information. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice. Prices and payments do not include tax, titles, tags, finance charges, Illinois documentation charges of $367.70, emissions testing charges, or other fees required by law, vehicle sellers or lending organizations.

Based on 2025 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

While every effort has been made to ensure display of accurate data, the vehicle listings within this website may not reflect all accurate vehicle items. Accessories and color may vary. All inventory listed is subject to prior sale. The vehicle photo displayed may be an example only. Vehicle Photos may not match exact vehicles. Please confirm vehicle price with Dealership. See Dealership for details.

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