2026 Kia K5
Priced from $27,490 to $34,990 across 5 trims, the 2026 Kia K5 is a Sedan that we have evaluated using data from six independent sources: EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, RepairPal, AAA, and the manufacturer. What follows is every verifiable data point we could find.
Among 29 value Sedans, the 2026 Kia K5 earns a B for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 4.0 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Kia K5 are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated fuel cost.
- safety
- reliability
- fuel cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Sedans 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,450. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $27,490 - $34,990
- EPA Combined MPG
- 27-30 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,450 - $1,600/yr
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 2 on file
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
How Safe Is the 2026 Kia K5?
NHTSA awarded the 2026 Kia K5 a 5-star overall rating, the highest available. This places it among the 99% of Sedans that earned top marks in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 10.7%
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2026 Kia K5 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Kia K5 but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | P Poor |
| Side | M Marginal |
| Seat Belt Reminders | A Acceptable |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize cars
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2026 Kia K5 Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Kia K5, affecting ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. This is typical for Sedans, which average 1.2 recall campaign. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 341,416
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Kia K5. The average for 2026 Sedans is 4 complaints. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-01-19
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2026 Kia K5 Fuel Economy?
EPA rates the most efficient 2026 Kia K5 trim at 30 combined MPG, with a projected annual fuel cost near $1,450. That is roughly in line with the $1,403 average for value Sedans. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 27 to 30 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXS FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 26 | 37 | $1,450/yr |
| GT-Line FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 25 | 36 | $1,500/yr |
| GT-Line AWD GAS | 27 MPG | 24 | 33 | $1,600/yr |
| GT FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 23 | 33 | $1,600/yr |
| EX FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 25 | 36 | $1,500/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Kia K5 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Kia K5 ranges from $70,090 to $91,370 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,462/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $613/yr |
| Financing | $854/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.66/mi |
With 5 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2026 Kia K5 Trims Compare?
With 5 trims priced from $27,490 to $34,990, the 2026 Kia K5 offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXS FWD GAS | $27,490 | 30 MPG | $1,450/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,230 lbs | $84,520 |
| GT-Line FWD GAS | $28,490 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,291 lbs | $70,090 |
| GT-Line AWD GAS | $30,090 | 27 MPG | $1,600/yr | AWD | 191 hp | 3,463 lbs | $87,870 |
| GT FWD GAS | $33,590 | 27 MPG | $1,600/yr | FWD | 290 hp | 3,596 lbs | $91,370 |
| EX FWD GAS | $34,990 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,395 lbs | $76,590 |
The entry price has increased $1,900 since 2024.
Price changes since 2024
- EX FWD GAS $29,490 (2024) → $34,990 (2026) +$5,500
- LXS FWD GAS $25,590 (2024) → $27,490 (2026) +$1,900
- GT FWD GAS $31,990 (2024) → $33,590 (2026) +$1,600
- GT-Line FWD GAS $27,090 (2024) → $28,490 (2026) +$1,400
- GT-Line AWD GAS $28,690 (2024) → $30,090 (2026) +$1,400
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LXS FWD GAS | $25,590 31 MPG | $27,190 30 MPG | $27,490 30 MPG |
| GT-Line FWD GAS | $27,090 31 MPG | $28,190 29 MPG | $28,490 29 MPG |
| GT-Line AWD GAS | $28,690 28 MPG | $29,790 27 MPG | $30,090 27 MPG |
| EX FWD GAS | $29,490 31 MPG | $34,960 29 MPG | $34,990 29 MPG |
| GT FWD GAS | $31,990 27 MPG | $33,290 27 MPG | $33,590 27 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Kia K5?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2026 Kia K5 rates above average for value Sedans. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Kia backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Kia K5 Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 K5. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Kia K5 Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Kia K5 as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 290 hp |
| Torque | 181 - 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic, 8-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8 gal |
| Length | 193.1 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 73.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,230 - 3,596 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Kia K5?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
This page reflects the most recently published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Kia K5. When source agencies release updates, this page regenerates automatically. Our methodology page explains how data is collected, verified, and presented.
2026 Kia K5 FAQ
How does the 2026 Kia K5 compare to other sedans?
Based on published data, the 2026 Kia K5 has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of B, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and only 1 recall on file. These grades compare it against similar sedans in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Which 2026 Kia K5 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the GT-Line FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $70,090, starting at $28,490 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $91,370. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Kia K5 insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium Sedan class at $1,572 per year, or about $131 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Kia K5. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Kia K5 maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium Sedan class at $1,786 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,572/yr) and depreciation ($3,462/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $9,956 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Kia K5 depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium Sedan class depreciates about $3,462 per year, or roughly $17,310 over five years. On a base MSRP of $27,490, that represents about 63% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Kia K5?
The most efficient 2026 Kia K5 trim costs an estimated $1,450 per year in fuel, or about $121 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Kia K5?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Kia K5 include 2026 Hyundai Sonata, 2026 Nissan Altima, and 2026 Honda Accord. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Kia K5 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, the entry price increased by $1,900 for the Kia K5 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Kia K5 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Kia K5 include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $121 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $951 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Kia K5 safe for families?
The 2026 Kia K5 earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.