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2023 Kia K5 Article Highlights:

  • The new 2023 Kia K5 earned a “Best Midsize Car for the Money” award from U.S. News. 
  • It earned the award based on its cost of ownership, fuel efficiency, and affordable top trim, the GT.
  • Kia’s midsize sedan model also exhibits optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for the GT-Line trim, a comfortable interior, and a class-leading warranty. 
The new 2023 Kia K5 shows off its midsize car proportions, blue paintwork, and running lights at sunset.
2023 Kia K5 | Kia

The K5, Kia’s replacement for the Optima, is making a splash this year. Specifically, the midsize car model earned a “Best Car for the Money” award from U.S. News, along with a couple of the automaker’s other models. So, what makes the 2023 Kia K5 worthy of awards? 

What’s new on the 2023 Kia K5?

Kia dropped the LX for its 2023 car, leaving the LXS as the base model. Also, the new K5 boasts optional AWD for the new model year. However, the grippy feature is only available on one trim: the GT-Line. In comparison, the cheapest, entry-level 2023 Toyota Camry offers AWD as an option.

Still, even with award-winning comfort and affordable car status, the K5 continues to go without a hybrid trim. Instead, the most efficient figures the K5 will get is around 31 mpg combined with the turbocharged 1.6L inline four-cylinder engine.  

Which Kia K5 is the cheapest?

The cheapest K5 in the lineup is the LXS trim for 2023, which starts at around $26,415. However, the entry-level K5 is far from a compromise; it packs features like hands-free trunk access, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, per TrueCar. 

On the other hand, U.S. News applauded the Kia model’s top trim, the GT, for its affordability compared to top trims from other midsize cars in the segment. The K5 GT starts at around $32,815, whereas a comparable Honda Accord Hybrid Touring starts at closer to $38,435. Of course, the Accord model gets as much as 46 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, much more than the Kia sedan. 

A blue 2023 Kia K5 LXS shows off its rear-end styling at sunset.
2023 Kia K5 | Kia

Is the 2023 Kia K5 cheap to own?

The new 2023 Kia K5 isn’t just an affordable car; it’s also cheap to own. In fact, U.S. News says the Kia model has “the lowest estimated long-term cost of ownership in its segment.” Specifically, it boasts low repair costs, cheap maintenance costs, and commendable fuel economy. 

Is it worth it to buy a Kia K5?

The new 2023 Kia K5 is cheap, efficient, and award-winning. Moreover, the K5 has a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for crashworthiness and crash avoidance. However, for fans who want fuel efficiency above all else, the K5’s competitors offer hybrid trims. 

Moreover, with a five-year, 65,000-mile basic warranty, the Kia car has more extensive coverage than many competitors, including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Honda and Toyota models offer a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty instead. 

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).