Kia K5
The fastback mid-size sedan that replaced the Optima, crowned by a 290-hp GT with launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential.
Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Kia K5 is a sedan featuring powertrains delivering from 180 to 290 horsepower, achieving up to 31 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with FWD and AWD drivetrain systems across 1 generation, the model holds a 5-star NHTSA safety rating and zero open safety recalls on the latest production run.
Years
2020 - present
Power
180 - 290 hp
Best MPG
31 MPG
NHTSA
5★ overall
2020 Recalls
0 campaigns
01At a glance
Kia K5 by the numbers
| Topic | Kia K5 | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 180 - 290 hp | 3 powertrains verified |
| EPA fuel economy | 27 - 31 MPG | Combined cycle, best trim |
| Safety rating | 5★ overall (2026) | Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ |
| Recalls (2020) | 0 | Open NHTSA safety campaigns |
| Fuel types | Petrol | FWD, AWD drivetrains |
| Generations indexed | 1 | Each with full spec sheet |
| Dimensions (latest) | 4905 x 1859 x 1445 mm | L x W x H, 2850 mm wheelbase |
02Crash protection
Kia K5 NHTSA safety ratings
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2026 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2025 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2025 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2024 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2024 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2023 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2023 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2022 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2021 | 5★ | 4★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Safercar_data.csv, official 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Recall counts from NHTSA Recall API. Official NHTSA ratings
05Pick your year
Kia K5 generations
06Answers
Kia K5: what buyers ask
How many recalls does the Kia K5 have?
The 2020 Kia K5 has 0 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.
What MPG does the Kia K5 get?
Across verified powertrains, the K5 achieves 27 to 31 MPG combined (EPA cycle).
How much horsepower does the Kia K5 have?
Power ranges from 180 hp to 290 hp across 3 verified powertrains, spanning Petrol fuel types.
Is the Kia K5 safe?
The 2026 K5 earned a perfect 5-star overall NHTSA rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4). It has earned 5 stars in 10 tested model years.
How many generations does the Kia K5 have?
We index 1 verified generation with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 2020 to the present.
07Compare
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08Buyer's Guides
K5 Research & Technical Explainers
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
Front, rear, all or four-wheel drive, what's the difference, and which drivetrain is right for your driving? Mechanics, pros, cons and examples.
September 19, 2026
CVT vs. DCT vs. DSG vs. Automatic: Every Car Transmission Compared
Torque converter, dual-clutch, CVT or manual, how each gearbox works, how it feels to drive, and which one belongs in your next car.
September 5, 2026
What Is a VIN Number? How to Decode All 17 Digits (NHTSA & ISO Chart)
Every car built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN. Learn where to find it, what each position means, and how to decode it free in seconds.
October 10, 2026
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Kia K5Certification data across model years
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls and owner complaintsLatest model-year record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Kia official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Check a specific K5
Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.
Open VIN checkMore Kia models