If you’re looking for a 4-door family-type sedan, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are probably high on your shopping list – and they should be, they’re gold-standard, great cars that have been an easy choice for over 40 years.

That doesn’t mean they’re thrilling, though. So, what if you want something with a little more vavoom, along with the room. Step this way and let us show you the Kia K5.

Now the Camry and Accord have been around a long time, but don’t fret – along with the K5 notching up about 6 years, it replaces the popular Optima that was around since 2001. And that means that Kia not only brings some real sedan know-how, Kia (and sibling Hyundai) value, but also brings some great new style inside and out that has become the hallmark for the Kia brand.

Glam Sedan

First impressions, this thing’s a looker!

Up front is the latest iteration of the Kia “Tiger-Nose” grille which looks sleek and aero compared to the common oversize grilles we see on so many competitors. You get an aggressive looking lower grille as part of the GT-Line package, while signature lightning-bolt driving lights and LED reflector headlights give an evil stare. And we love the cool KIA logo on the nose, a very artistic take on the name.

The profile shows off a long, low, sleek vibe, with deep cut-ins on the lower doors and some added bad-assery, courtesy of blacked-out mirrors, and unique design, black-finish 18-inch alloy wheels.

The rear picks up the wide-and-low look from the front, with wrap around taillights that stretch across the trunk lid, another cool KIA badge, and a blacked-out lower bumper area for some added menace.

Speaking of menace, our tester was finished in a very cool Steel Matte Gray finish, that used to be just the province of high-end BMW’s and the like, and it looks very mean. But there’s a caveat here – it requires hand washing with matte-specific products. Standard waxes and automatic car washes can permanently damage the flat finish. We appreciate those who will suffer for their art, but for us, we’d probably opt for something that won’t make us hyperventilate anytime we have to park under a tree or see a flock of birds flying overhead. Just saying!

The Tech of the Town

Inside, the K5 looks more like an Audi than a Kia.

The first thing that catches your eye is the sweeping dual digital displays that create a wow moment, then a fat 3-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Seating on the GT-Line is called SynTex, a faux leather that looks nice, especially with contrasting panels and stitching.  

Materials look upscale, while a nicely sized center console is home to a real shift lever – yay! No pushbutton trickery here, and controls that look thoughtfully laid out. GT-Line models get LED interior lighting and an optional panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin. The optional Bose Premium audio system sounded great as well. You feel surrounded by the good stuff.

The driver’s seat is the best in the house, and the 12.0-inch digital gauge display is modern and fresh and flows seamlessly into the 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging keep the cabin tidy.

While the display is bright and handsome, we have a beef with the control panel below that combines the audio and climate control systems. A simple tap swaps you from the audio to climate, and the volume control for example becomes the driver’s side temp.

While this sounds great in theory, we were constantly tapping the wrong thing or getting a hugely different interior temp when we thought we were just turning down the volume. So, you get used to looking away from the road to make sure you haven’t hit the wrong button, and in our time with the K5 we never got comfortable with it.

We did get comfortable with the supportive front seats, and the rear seat legroom feels almost limo-like, while trunk space is equally impressive. A generous pass-through makes for added cargo space with the rear seats folded flat. This is the family/business sedan that will please just about anyone on board.

Smooth Operator

While the GT-Line name may have you thinking performance, it’s more of a smooth and easy ride than an exhilarating one. Last year, Kia swapped out the 180-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder for a 191-horse non-turbo, 2.5-liter, four. Generally, more power is more better, but the turbo 1.6 was a load of fun, and had plenty of personality.

The 2.5-liter is very smooth, thanks in part to a lovely 8-speed automatic, and with a combined 29 MPG, it is very efficient. Mid 30’s on the freeway is quite doable. Unfortunately, we didn’t find much joy and it didn’t really goad you into driving it hard. One noteworthy note, while our tester was front-wheel-drive, an AWD option is available.

Those looking for driving fun should probably pony up for the turbocharged K5 GT with 290 horsepower and 0-60 in just about 5 seconds. We’ve driven it, and it’s a rocket. And it’s much more powerful than you’ll find on any current Accord or Camry!

The GT-Line continues the smooth-and-refined vibe with a comfortable, quiet ride, accurate steering, and Hyundai/Kia’s great safety/driver assist features, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Cyclist/Junction Turning, Lane Keep and Following assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance. Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Smart Cruise Control w/Stop & Go. All well-integrated and easy to use – you feel well looked after.

How much to get into the GT-Line, Line?

Here’s where the Kia pays off big dividends.

The K5 line up starts with the LXS at $27,690, with stylish looks a spacious interior and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic and10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, it’s a great value.

Our GT-Line tester is a small step up, starting at $28,690, and you get the loads of goodies, including LED fog lights, black outside mirrors, 18-inch wheels, Navigation, Wireless Phone Charger, SynTex Seat Trim, Highway Driving Assist, heated front seats and power driver’s seat. We think it’s a no-brainer to step up to the GT-Line. (Those wanting AWD should add $1,600).

Our tester enjoyed the GT-Line Premium Package ($2,200) which adds niceties including panoramic sunroof with power sunroof sunshade, LED interior lighting, Bose Premium Audio and unique design 18” black-finished alloy wheels. Our tester also featured Steel Matte Gray Paint ($695) and Carpeted floor mats ($200). Add in $1,245 for destination, and we rang the bell at $32,830.

If it were ours, we’d also add the Convenience Package for $700, which includes Driver’s Memory Seat & Side View Mirrors System, 8-Way Power Passenger’s Seat w/ 2-Way Power Lumbar Adjustment, Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Steering Wheel and Power-Folding Side View Mirrors.

 Competition would include the handsome Honda Accord SE at $32,345, performance would be similar, but the Honda runs a 1.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder. We think the Kia looks like a class above in the interior, is offered in AWD (not available on Accord), and the Honda’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty looks skimpy next to the Kia’s 10-year, 100,000 mile one.

 The other big player in the segment is the Toyota Camry. For 2026 it’s offered exclusively in two hybrid powertrains, starting with a 225-horsepower, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder. (AWD is available). The Camry will be a little quicker, and most importantly, EPA 52 mpg city and 49 mpg highway numbers are stellar. But you pay for that efficiency in $37,575 – nearly $5,000 more than the Kia. And the Toyota mirrors the Honda’s warranty – another plus for the K5.

 Great looks, a classy next-level interior, smooth performance and excellent value, the 2026 Kia K5 is a stylish sedan you’ll want to keep for a long, long time!