The K5 isn’t a sports car, but it does offer a genuinely quick variant. The base 1.6-liter turbo is brisk for everyday driving, while the high-performance K5 GT with a 2.5-liter turbo delivers noticeably faster acceleration.
How speed varies across the lineup
Two main engine options shape how fast the K5 feels on the road. Here’s a quick breakdown by powerplant.
- 1.6L turbocharged inline-4: about 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque; 0–60 mph time roughly in the mid to high 7-second range; transmission is an 8-speed automatic; efficiency-focused tuning keeps fuel economy competitive.
- 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 (K5 GT): about 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque; 0–60 mph time roughly in the low 5-second range; transmission is an 8-speed automatic; sport-tuned setup aims for sharper acceleration and handling.
In everyday driving, the base K5 feels quick and refined, while the GT trim is noticeably faster in a straight line and offers a more responsive drive when you want spirited acceleration.
Performance numbers in detail
Representative figures help set expectations, though exact times can vary by year, market, and drivetrain configuration.
- 1.6L turbo I4 (180 hp, 195 lb-ft): 0–60 mph around 7.3–8.0 seconds; EPA fuel economy typically in the high 20s to high 30s mpg range depending on configuration.
- 2.5L turbo I4 (GT, 290 hp, 311 lb-ft): 0–60 mph around 5.0–5.5 seconds; EPA fuel economy typically in the mid 20s mpg range, varying with drivetrain and tires.
These figures illustrate the gap between a comfortable daily driver and the more performance-oriented GT variant. The K5 GT is the model most likely to satisfy those seeking faster straight-line speed within Kia’s midsize sedan lineup.
What—and how—the K5 feels when you drive it
Powertrain and shift characteristics
The base K5’s turbocharged engine delivers confident acceleration for highway merges and overtakes, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic that’s easy to live with daily. The K5 GT upgrades power and throttle response, delivering a more immediate rush when you floor it, especially in sport modes that sharpen throttle mapping and shift timing.
Handling and ride balance
Compared with the base trim, the GT benefits from a sport-tuned suspension and enhanced steering feel that translate to quicker cornering and more precise feedback. However, even in GT form, the K5 remains a practical sedan with comfortable ride quality, not a track-focused racer.
How the K5 stacks up against rivals
Within the midsize sedan segment, the K5 GT sits closer to performance-oriented peers than the base K5 does. It’s faster in a straight line than many of its non-sporting rivals and offers strong value for a turbocharged, feature-rich package. It’s not a European sport sedan in terms of handling finesse or track-oriented tuning, but for buyers prioritizing speed, value, and everyday usability, the K5 GT is a compelling option.
Summary
In short, the K5’s speed depends on the trim. The base 1.6T model is adequately quick for daily driving, while the K5 GT’s 2.5T setup delivers strong performance that stands out in the mainstream midsize category. If speed is a priority, the GT trim is the clear choice; if not, the standard K5 offers comfortable, efficient and quiet acceleration suitable for most daily needs.
Bottom line
Whether the K5 feels fast to you depends on which variant you choose. For outright speed among mainstream sedans, the K5 GT is the standout, but for everyday commuting and fuel efficiency, the base K5 remains a solid, capable option.
Is a Kia K5 faster than a Honda Civic?
Our testing showed the K5 GT reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the Civic Hybrid hatchback took 6.1 seconds. The K5 offers an all-wheel-drive option; the Civic is front-wheel drive only. The K5 includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster standard; the Civic starts with a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
Is the Kia K5 faster than the BMW?
When tested by AMCI, the Kia K5 GT outperforms the BMW 330i. Let's dive into the specifics, and see what AMCI Testing Certified Performance entails: Zero to 60 Acceleration: The K5 GT accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour 0.28 seconds faster than the BMW 330i.
Does the Kia K5 go fast?
With the proper configuration and driving conditions, the K5 should max out at about 155 miles per hour.
Which is faster, K4 or K5?
The K5 GT is significantly quicker, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds compared to 7.0 seconds for the K4 GT-Line Turbo hatchback. The K5 GT produces 290 hp and 311 lb-ft from its turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while the K4 GT-Line Turbo makes 190 hp and 195 lb-ft from a turbo 1.6-liter.