Kia has introduced the updated version of its K5 mid-size sedan, set to arrive at dealerships in the second quarter of this year. However, the facelifted model comes with a higher base price tag of $26,990, marking a $1,400 increase from the previous model year's starting price of $25,590.
The refreshed K5 sports a new front fascia design and updated lighting elements, complemented by a sportier rear end featuring a redesigned trunk lid, a revised bumper, and edgier taillights. While the exterior styling remains evolutionary, the interior has undergone notable updates, including the introduction of a new 12.3-inch infotainment system that supports over-the-air updates, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
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In addition to the new infotainment system, the updated K5 boasts new switchgear, a revised dashboard, and a redesigned center console with larger cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger.
The entry-level K5 LXS trim comes equipped with LED lighting units, 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, a polyurethane steering wheel, and painted interior accents. Despite its affordability, it offers a host of driver assistance features, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, and Safe Exit Assist, among others.
Moving up the trim levels, the $27,990 K5 GT-Line embraces a sportier look with black accents and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, along with heated leatherette front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, and satin chrome accents. It also comes equipped with Highway Driving Assist and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control.
The K5 EX, priced at $34,490, is the luxury variant, featuring faux wood trim, leatherette front seats with heating, ventilation, and power adjustment on both sides, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a Surround View Monitor, and a Blind View Monitor.
All trims are powered by a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT-Line trim offers an optional all-wheel-drive system.
For performance enthusiasts, the $33,090 K5 GT boasts sportier bumpers, green brake calipers, a sports exhaust system, a sport-tuned suspension, a unique steering system, 19-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and black leatherette sport seats with green piping. The highlight of the GT trim is a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 421 Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power exclusively to the front wheels.