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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 24 / 32 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 332 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $26,762–$31,175 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Kia K5 at 8.2/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.5/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.3/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.6/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $26,762–$31,175, 31 MPG, seating 5, the Kia K5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.5/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Kia K5 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Kia K5 ranks #74 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 94% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $26,762 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
Across the K5 model years we've scored, the 2023 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.3/10 | $28,417 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $28,417 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $27,590 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $26,762 | |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $25,934 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $25,106 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Automatic transmission 11/10/2022 · 22V760000 | Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of… |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Side/window / Curtain 07/03/2023 · 23V149000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash. |
| Structure / Body / Roof and pillars 28/07/2025 · 25V493000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach. |
| Fuel system, gasoline 17/11/2025 · 25V794000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2023 Kia K5's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 8.2/10 overall, ranking #74 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 94% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Kia K5 starts at $26,762 and ranges up to $31,175 across trims (MSRP when new). At 31 MPG, expect roughly $1,694/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.