2027 Kia K5 Review

In Macon, GA, midsize sedan shoppers may compare the K5 with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. Each one approaches power differently, so engine and tech options are some of the first things to compare.

The K5 lets you choose between a practical standard engine and a 290-horsepower turbocharged GT. The GT's 311 lb-ft of torque, which Kia calls class-leading, is what you feel when you accelerate to merge onto I-75.**

Interesting fact: Long highway drives call for comfort and composure, and the Kia K5 delivered on both, according to Kia. Its smooth ride and comfortable cabin helped the midsize sedan earn Best Car for Road-Tripping from U.S. News & World Report.****

Owners often say the K5 delivers power when they ask for it. They also mention how good it looks inside and out, how comfortable the seats are, and how dependable it has been for them. Style and comfort come up again and again, which makes a test drive the best way to see whether those impressions hold true for you. 

Kia offers two engines in the 2027 K5. LXS and GT-Line use the standard 2.5L four-cylinder, which makes 186 horsepower. The GT uses a turbocharged 2.5L engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharger uses exhaust energy to push more air into the engine, and more air means more power. 

The GT also gets 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and a GT sport steering wheel with paddle shifters. Paddle shifters let you change gears with your fingertips.

For a Warner Robins commuter who drives Russell Parkway during the week and takes longer trips on weekends, the LXS's highway rating is a strong selling point. If you want sharper performance, the GT is the trim to try.

This sedan's cabin puts the driver at the center. Every LXS comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay®, so you can see your maps, music, and messages on the screen when you connect a compatible phone. On a drive across Macon, that keeps your phone's apps where they're easier to use.

Some of the tech worth checking out:

• Available 24-inch combined panoramic display: a digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen joined into one wide display.

• Navigation on GT-Line: built-in route guidance.

• Wireless phone charger on GT-Line: charges a compatible phone placed on the pad, no cable required.

• Available 360° Surround View Monitor: combines camera images into an overhead view of the car, which helps when you park.

The LXS also comes with 17 Collision Avoidance & Safety Assist features. For a tech-minded driver in Macon, the K5 gives every feature a practical job: staying connected, navigating, charging, and parking.

Style may be a big part of why people choose the K5, and each trim has its own look. The LXS pairs sporty style with 16-inch alloy wheels. The GT-Line adds exclusive GT-Line body styling, 18-inch alloy wheels, and SynTex seat trim. SynTex is a synthetic material that looks and feels a lot like leather.

The GT-Line's heated front seats and power driver's seat make the cabin more comfortable, especially on cool January mornings. On the GT, the panoramic sunroof brings in more natural light.

For a Bonaire driver who cares as much about how the car looks in the driveway as how it feels on GA-96, these trims let you pick your style first and then add the comfort and performance you want.