Avoid the 2023 Kia K5 and Check Out These 3 Options
The 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line might not be as fast as its thoroughbred sibling, the Stinger, but it’s still a solid sports sedan. However, it’s not alone in the segment, and the competition is steep. The 2022 Honda Accord, 2023 Hyundai Sonata, and 2023 Toyota Camry have the Optima successor in their sights. So, should you avoid the K5 GT-Line in favor of the competition?
Is a Kia K5 faster than a Honda Accord?
The Kia K5 is sporty inside and out, but the Honda Accord is a serious rival. For 2022, the base model Accord LX with a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Compared to the K5’s 7-second sprint in Car and Driver’s testing, the Accord LX is the clear victor. However, beyond the GT-Line and EX trims, the 2023 Kia K5 GT packs a bigger turbocharged 2.5L mill with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque; it hits 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds compared to the Accord Touring’s 5.4.
However, the Accord offers several hybrid trims, while the comparable Kia doesn’t. Instead, the Kia’s highest fuel economy figures are around 31 mpg combined. The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L manages about 47 mpg combined. Pair that with top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, and potential owners should avoid the Kia K5 GT-Line for the Accord.
Is Hyundai Sonata a good car?
The Hyundai Sonata isn’t just a good car; it’s a solid competitor for vehicles like the Kia K5 and Honda Accord. The 2023 Hyundai Sonata N-Line has the same 2.5L inline four-cylinder mill and 8-speed automatic transmission as the Kia K5 GT, yet it manages to outrun the Kia sports sedan. The Sonata N-Line hits 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, around 0.2 seconds quicker than the GT.
Moreover, the Sonata shares a comparable 16 cubic feet of cargo volume and an industry-leading 5-year, 60,000-mile warranty with the K5. However, the Sonata offers three hybrid trims, and the Hybrid Blue trim averages over 50 mpg combined. Of course, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata doesn’t have optional all-wheel drive like the K5 GT-Line.
Should you avoid a 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line for a 2023 Toyota Camry?
The 2023 Toyota Camry is a Swiss Army Knife among its competition. First, the Camry offers hybrid trims, like the Honda Accord and the 2023 Hyundai Sonata. Additionally, the 2023 Toyota Camry has optional AWD at multiple trims, whereas the 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line is the only trim with an AWD option. Moreover, with an optional 301-horsepower 3.5L V6, the Camry has a bigger, more powerful engine option than the K5, Sonata, and Accord.
Finally, the Camry boasts top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, just like the Kia K5. However, the Camry’s 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ has a caveat. Specifically, the Toyota Camry earned a “Poor” rating in updated side impact testing. Despite the disappointing IIHS retest results, the Camry is a solid choice for potential owners who want to avoid the Kia K5.
