Compared to the departing 2022 model, the 2023 Kia K5
costs an additional $300 across all trim levels and includes even more standard safety features than before. But if you’re looking for the base LX model, it’s been discontinued for the new model year. Introduced in 2021, the Kia K5 has already made a name for itself among the midsize family sedan segment. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, and provides plenty of bang for your buck with tons of best-in-class standard driver-assistant safety features. But how much has it changed over the last two model years, and most importantly—which K5 version is right for you?
We’ll compare the 2022 and 2023 Kia K5 models by looking at their pricing, general specs, fuel economy, safety features, and available upgrades for this composed midsize sedan with an impressive value.
2022 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Kia K5: what’s the difference?
The Kia K5 is a great midsize family sedan that’s much sportier and snazzier than its rivals like the Honda Accord
, Hyundai Sonata
, and Toyota Camry
. But how much has it changed for the 2023 model year? Not much: The 2023 K5 does cost a little more, and the base LX
model has been discontinued, though there have been a few equipment updates as well. Let’s take a look at the table below for a more detailed comparison of the two models.
Pricing
Pricing for the all-new 2023 Kia K5 has risen oh-so-slightly by $300 for each trim level except for the discontinued LX model. You can compare pricing for each trim level below.
General specs
As you can see in the table below, everything about the Kia K5’s powertrain is relatively the same except for the maximum payload capacity that goes down a few pegs from 1,126 lbs to 1,040 lbs. The maximum towing capacity is not available for either K5 model year.
| | |
|---|
Base engine (LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX) | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower) | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower) |
| 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (290 horsepower) | 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (290 horsepower) |
| Eight-speed automatic (standard) or eight-speed automatic with dual clutch (available on GT) | Eight-speed automatic (standard) or eight-speed automatic with dual clutch (available on GT) |
| Front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive (optional) | Front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive (optional) |
| | |
If you’re looking for a speed racer, then the performance-oriented GT
is the K5 for you that also comes equipped with upgraded brakes and sport-tuned suspension. Fuel economy
Considering that the 2022 and 2023 K5 models have the same powertrain without any other major changes overall to the midsize sedan—the fuel economy ratings are the same as well. The only difference, of course, applies to the discontinued 2022 LX model that boasts 29/38 mpg for city and highway driving.
Otherwise, the EPA-estimated mileage ratings are as follows:
Base engine (1.6-liter) w/FWD: 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined
Base engine (2.5-liter) w/AWD: 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
Upgrade engine (2.5-liter) w/FWD: 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined
It should come as no surprise that the base engine with front-wheel drive has the best fuel economy of the bunch, so if you’re looking to save at the pump—the 2022 LX and the 2022/23 LXS might be the Kia models for you. And please note that the top-tier GT trim level is not available with all-wheel drive.
Safety ratings
Both the 2022 and 2023 Kia K5 models have received five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the 2022 Kia K5 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As of November 2022, the IIHS has not yet crash-tested the 2023 K5.
With the sheer amount of standard safety features included with the Kia K5, it’s no wonder that the midsize sedan was destined to be a top safety pick. Standard driver-assistant technology aids include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver drowsiness monitoring, and a rearview camera. But the 2023 K5 model takes things up a notch with standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-seat alert, safe exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
And speaking of headlights, the only downside with the 2022 K5’s IIHS rating was receiving an “Acceptable” rating for headlights. Perhaps this is why Kia included automatic high beams as a standard feature for the all-new model year! Though it was awarded a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention.
But if you’re looking to upgrade your safety game all the more, available driver-assistance features on the 2023 K5 include reverse collision warning, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, surround-view parking camera system, and so much more.
Styling and interior changes
While the price has gone up slightly, the 2023 Kia K5 has many of the same standard features with only a few extra upgrades. Style, comfort, and technology highlights include:
Standard 8-inch touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
Dual-zone automatic climate control
60/40 split-folding rear seat with center armrest (2023 only)
Keyless entry with push-button start and remote start (2023 only)
Heated and ventilated front seats (EX trim and above)
Leather-wrapped steering wheel (GT-Line trim and above)
Simulated leather upholstery (EX trim and above)
Panoramic sunroof (EX trim and above)
LED interior lighting (EX trim and above)
If you’re looking for the crème de la crème, the EX
trim may be the K5 variant for you in either model year. Both EX model years boast a panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated front seats, climate control vents for rear passengers, simulated leather upholstery, and rear parking sensors. But the 2023 K5 EX gives you a little extra with LED interior lighting. 2022 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Kia K5: which should you buy?
Still torn between the 2022 Kia K5 and the 2023 Kia K5? If you’re on a tight budget, go for the cheaper base 2022 K5 LX trim as it’s relatively similar to the brand-new K5 model.
But if safety is your top concern, then the 2023 K5 model may be worth another look. For $300 more, you could get more standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-seat alert, safe exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
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