DecodedCars2023 Kia K5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan, GT 4dr Sedan, LX 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, 8-speed dual-clutch
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 27 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,320–3,572 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2023 large car (23.7 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints110 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 30 for similar models — most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Kia K5 is a large car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,455 lb (EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway), 31% better than the 2023 large car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 K5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 K5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Buford, Georgia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2023 K5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,455 lb | 60/40 |
| GT 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,572 lb | 61/39 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,320 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K5 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +31% | $2,150 | 293 |
| K5 AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +18% | $2,400 | 316 |
| K5 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +14% | $2,500 | 332 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia K5 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2023 Kia K5 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2023 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia K5 (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2023 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2023 Toyota Crown | 41 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V794000 · 250,547 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.
Structure › Exterior Trim · Jul 28, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V493000 · 100,063 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Mar 7, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V149000 · 188,912 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC263.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 11, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 69,038 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 drive power.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Not every 2023 Kia K5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Kia K5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 41 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 14 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Kia K5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other K5 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →