New 2024 Kia K5 Redesign, Spy Shot, Models – Following a two-decade run in the US market, the automaker has made a decision to shake things up – and this change comes in the form of the 2024 Kia K5. While the Kia midsize sedan bids farewell to the nameplate that brought it considerable success over the past couple of decades, the K5 retains the core values of its predecessor, the Optima – features like impressive equipment, a comfortable ride, and an abundance of safety features carry over. However, the sedan amplifies its style even further.
2024 Kia K5 Front View
Features
Kia offers two trim levels for us to examine: the GT-Line and the EX. The latter boasts a standard (yet still eye-catching) blue paint job and 18-inch wheels. However, the GT-Line takes it up a notch with sporty details like a grille mesh inspired by shark skin, distinctive 18-inch wheels, and boldly designed exhaust tips. It maintains an appealing appearance, and interestingly, the 2024 Kia K5 GT-Line also features a Wolf Gray paint option that may or may not have drawn inspiration from Porsche.
Exterior and Interior
The 2024 Kia K5 also impresses with its interior. It stands as the only trim level that comes equipped with red faux leather seats, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a stylish shifter with aluminum accents. While the EX model is more understated visually, featuring standard black leatherette, it offers higher-quality materials.
There’s plush black synthetic material on the door panels and dashboard, along with metallic trim, and glossy black accents surrounding the touchscreen and instrument cluster that feel superior to some of the flimsier plastics found in the GT-Line. Both options are commendable choices.
2024 Kia K5 Interior
The 2024 Kia K5 boasts a clean and spacious cabin layout that ensures comfort for both front and rear passengers. Although genuine leather upholstery is not available, Kia’s sublime leatherette feels remarkably close to the real thing. The 2024 Kia K5 presents two available touchscreen options: a standard 8-inch display and an optional 10.3-inch screen.
The GT-Line we evaluated comes with the smaller standard 8-inch screen, featuring the classic Kia UVO infotainment system for some reason. Compared to other modern infotainment systems, it may appear dated. Nevertheless, the touch response is good, and overall usability remains convenient.
Specification
The 2024 Kia K5 doesn’t quite fit the bill as a sports sedan – even the GT-Line falls short of our “sporty” classification. If you desire something resembling a mini-Stinger, you’ll need to patiently await the fully-fledged K5 GT, boasting 290 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
Nonetheless, the K5’s standard turbocharged 1.6-liter engine generates a respectable 180 steeds and 195 lb-ft of torque. This provides adequate power to propel the Kia with some swiftness, causing the sedan to unleash its optional Pirelli rubber with a hint of tire squeal.
Unfortunately, the new eight-speed automatic transmission doesn’t quite feel up to the task, particularly at higher speeds; it exhibits whiny behavior, lagging behind and holding revs for an excessive duration. Furthermore, while the Kia’s suspension strikes a pleasant balance between being too soft and bone-jarring, resulting in a genuinely refined ride, it lacks feedback.
2024 Kia K5 Back View
2024 Kia K5 Release Date and Price
With a starting price of $26,000, the 2024 Kia K5 is competitively priced. Even our GT-Line test vehicle with the $1,400 Premium package, priced at approximately $29,000, and our EX model with the $4,000 Premium package, crossing the $32,000 mark, neither of them feels exorbitant in terms of cost.
