Kia has announced that the 2024 Kia K5 mid-size sedan will be largely unchanged as it enters its fourth year of production. The latest model retains the same features and specifications as its predecessor, with only a minor adjustment in pricing. Kia has revealed that the 2024 K5 will come with a $100 price increase compared to the 2023 model.
The price range for the Kia K5 varies from $26,515 for the base LXS trim to $32,915 for the top-of-the-line Kia K5 GT. Among the four available trims, the GT-Line FWD stands out with newly included heated front seats, resulting in a price increase of $200 to $28,015. While the $100 price difference for heated front seats may seem minimal, it reinforces Kia’s dedication to delivering value in the mid-size sedan market, which is becoming increasingly limited.
Available in four trims and offering two powertrain options, the sedan previously known as the Optima provides a range of choices. The base engine is a 1.6-liter turbo-4, delivering 180 horsepower, and it is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. For those interested in all-wheel drive capability, the GT-Line trim offers the option at an additional cost of $1,600.
In an unexpected move, the top GT model of the Kia K5 is only available with front-wheel drive, despite being equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, it is important to note that the K5 GT cannot be considered a direct replacement for the discontinued Kia Stinger.
Despite the aforementioned details, the 2024 Kia K5 continues to offer great value. Each trim level is packed with driver-assist technologies like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and a driver-attention monitor. In terms of convenience, cloth upholstery, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and keyless start are standard features across all models.
Similar to its counterpart, the Hyundai Sonata, the K5 holds a significant edge over its competitors with its 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.
Priced at $28,015 for FWD or $29,615 for AWD, the GT-Line offers additional features such as synthetic leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat, and acoustic glass on the front windshield. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and includes a heated flat-bottom steering wheel for added comfort. The GT-Line is equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen that requires a cord for smartphone connectivity, although it does feature a convenient wireless smartphone charger.
