Not long ago, the Kia K5 replaced the Optima as the midsize sedan in the Kia lineup. Without missing a beat, the K5 soon became a popular and impressive choice in its class. The 2023 version of the Kia K5 wins as the 2023 Best Midsize Car for the Money, according to U.S. News & World Report. Let’s examine why U.S. News regards this car so highly.

What makes the 2023 Kia K5 the best midsize car for the money?

This impressive Kia sedan brings all the qualities we desire in a midsize car. You’ll find comfortable seating, an array of standard tech and driver-assistance features, a smooth ride, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. You won’t think of the 2023 Kia K5 as a high-end car, but it’s also not a bargain-basement junker either.

Regarding the U.S. News & World Report award, the Kia K5 sedan delivers the best overall combination of quality and value. The award also accounts for the overall score, safety and reliability data, and the collective opinion of the automotive press.

U.S. News ranks the 2023 Kia K5 as number two in the midsize cars class and the 2023 Best Midsize Car for the Money winner. The only car that scores higher overall is the 2023 Honda Accord.

Pros

• Comfortable seating
• Smooth ride
• Lots of standard features
• Straightforward infotainment system

Cons

• Less rear-row headroom than other midsize sedans
• Upgrade infotainment system is less practical than the base version

What’s new for the 2023 Kia K5?

The newest version of this midsize Kia sedan has only a couple of changes. The entry-level LX trim has been dropped for the 2023 model year, and the available AWD is now exclusive to the Kia K5 GT-Line trim.

Kia K5 powertrain and fuel economy

Two powertrains make up the options for the 2023 Kia K5. The LXS, GT-Line, and EX trims all utilize a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy numbers are 27 city/37 hwy mpg in FWD models and 25 city/33 hwy mpg in AWD versions.

The higher-powered option is exclusive to the Kia K5 GT. This trim uses of a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is also attached to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power output for the K5 GT is 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The GT exclusively uses an FWD layout to deliver 24 city/32 hwy mpg.

How much does the latest Kia K5 sedan cost?

The pricing for this Kia midsize sedan starts at $25,090 for the LXS model, which is only offered in FWD. Move to the Kia K5 GT-Line, and you’ll pay $26,490 for the FWD versions and $28,190 for an AWD model. The EX trim returns to an FWD layout and costs $29,190. If you want the higher-performing Kia K5 GT, the starting price is $31,490.

Is the 2023 Kia K5 a good midsize sedan for families?

The K5 packs a lot of amazing features into the package to give consumers an excellent combination of quality and value. This Kia sedan includes supportive seats, a spacious cabin, a large trunk, and a comfortable ride. These are all qualities sought out when consumers look for good family cars to drive.

Next, check out the 2023 Kia Telluride, or learn more about the 2023 Kia K5 in this video below: