“Hard to imagine a car offering better value for the money and it simply looks and feels great.”
2023 Kia K5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Kia K5 is the removal of the base LX trim, leaving LXS as the entry point. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with only small equipment changes on upper trims.
About the 2023 Kia K5
1st K5 generation in the U.S. (launched for 2021), third model year before the 2025 refresh.
Kia positions the K5 as a midsize sedan for people who want family-car usefulness without bland styling. The official brochure leans on bold design, standard turbo power, standard driver-assistance tech, and the fact that the lineup stretches from everyday LXS models to a genuinely quick GT. That gives the K5 a sportier personality than many mainstream midsize sedans while still delivering a roomy cabin, a large trunk, and easy daily-driver comfort.
The LXS is the straightforward everyday version, with a 180-hp turbo engine, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and key driver-assistance features. GT-Line focuses on sporty looks and extra cabin tech, while EX emphasizes comfort with heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The GT stands apart with a 290-hp turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and quad exhaust tips.
What changed, by category
Styling
The 2023 K5 receives minor trim-content and badging updates, but no new body panels or full exterior refresh.
Tech
EX, GT-Line, and GT gain sound-reducing front door glass for a quieter cabin. GT-Line AWD also gains a heated steering wheel.
2023 Kia K5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 32 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 290 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Kia K5?
The biggest change is the removal of the base LX trim, which makes LXS the new entry point. The rest of the updates are limited to small equipment changes on upper trims.
Was the 2023 Kia K5 redesigned?
No, the 2023 Kia K5 was not redesigned. It continues the generation introduced for 2021, with only light trim and equipment updates for 2023.
Did the 2023 Kia K5 get new engines or transmissions?
No, the 2023 Kia K5 keeps the same powertrains. LXS, GT-Line, and EX use a 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine, while GT uses a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine; both pair with an 8-speed automatic.
Which 2023 Kia K5 trims have sound-reducing front door glass?
The 2023 K5 EX, GT-Line, and GT have sound-reducing front door glass. This equipment was added for 2023 to help quiet the cabin.
What changed on the 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD?
The 2023 K5 GT-Line AWD gains a heated steering wheel, and all GT-Line models gain sound-reducing front door glass. Its 180-hp turbo engine and 8-speed automatic carry over.
2023 Kia K5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Kia K5.
4.3
2023 Kia K5
(130 reviews)
“Really enjoy the synthetic red interior, and the overall sportiness. Great gas mileage, very well built.”
“They would love the vehicle if they are interested in the features that I'm interested in and given that it is a newer Kia and Hyundai model they wouldn't have to worry about an easy vehicle theft like how it is with older Kia and Hyundai models.”