The 2027 Kia K5 Drops a Trim, Keeps Its 290-HP GT, and Still Starts Under $28k
Kia just announced pricing for the 2027 Kia K5, and the midsize sedan still starts at $27,690 with front-wheel drive. That is only $200 more than last year on the carryover trims. However, the lineup got a little leaner. Kia dropped the EX trim, so buyers now choose between the LXS, GT-Line, and GT.
Sedans are harder to find on dealer lots these days, but we still think they make sense for plenty of families. In fact, we made that case when we wrote that the midsize sedan is not dead. So here is what the new K5 offers, what each trim costs, and which one we would pick.
What’s New for the 2027 Kia K5
For 2027, the K5 is largely a carryover. The biggest change is the exit of the EX trim. To help fill that gap, Kia added a new Convenience Package for the GT-Line.
That $700 package adds ventilated front seats, a two-position driver memory seat, and power-folding outside mirrors. It also brings a 10-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar support. On FWD models, you also get a heated steering wheel, which is already standard on the all-wheel-drive (AWD) GT-Line.
There is one catch, though. You must also add the $2,200 GT-Line Premium Package. It includes a panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Bose audio, and 18-inch gloss black wheels.
Meanwhile, every trim still comes with 17 standard collision avoidance and driver assistance features. That is a strong safety baseline for a car that starts under $28k.
Kia K5 Pricing for 2027, Trim by Trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | MSRP | Est. Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXS | 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 186 hp | FWD | $27,690 | 30 |
| GT-Line | 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 186 hp | FWD | $28,690 | 29 |
| GT-Line | 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 186 hp | AWD | $30,290 | 27 |
| GT | 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, 290 hp | FWD | $33,790 | 27 |
After the $1,245 destination charge, a base 2027 Kia K5 LXS lands at $28,935 before taxes and fees. Meanwhile, the GT comes in at $35,035.
For context, the LXS, GT-Line FWD, and GT-Line AWD each rose just $200 from the 2026 model year. Last year’s EX stickered at $34,990, so its departure also lowers the price of entry for the K5’s comfort features.
The GT-Line Convenience Package Is the Family Sweet Spot
If we were shopping for our own family, this is where we would start. A GT-Line FWD with the Premium and Convenience packages comes to $31,590 before destination. That is about $3,400 less than last year’s EX.
Of course, the two setups are not identical. Still, you get ventilated seats, a memory seat, a sunroof, and premium audio. Here in Texas, ventilated seats are close to a must-have from May through September.
Want AWD instead? The GT-Line AWD starts at $30,290. Adding both packages brings it to $33,190, and the heated steering wheel is already standard.
GT vs. GT-Line: Power, MPG, and AWD
The LXS and GT-Line share a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 178.6 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and runs on regular fuel. Kia estimates 30 MPG combined for the LXS and 29 MPG combined for the GT-Line FWD.
Choose AWD on the GT-Line, and the estimate drops to 27 MPG combined. That is a fair trade for families who deal with heavy rain, ice, or the occasional snowy road trip.
Then there is the GT. It keeps its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels through an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The GT also gets a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels.
Even so, it matches the GT-Line AWD at an estimated 27 MPG combined, and it still takes regular unleaded. At $33,790, that is a lot of power for the money. Plus, an optional $4,400 GT1 Package adds a curved 12.3-inch digital cluster, Bose audio, a surround view monitor, and a blind view monitor.
Is the 2027 Kia K5 a Good Family Sedan?
For families with young kids, space is the big question. The K5 offers 35.2 inches of rear legroom and 56.1 inches of rear shoulder room. That is useful room for car seats, although a rear-facing seat in any midsize sedan can push the front passenger forward. Meanwhile, the trunk holds 15.6 cubic feet.
Shoppers should also compare it with the redesigned 2027 Hyundai Elantra, a corporate cousin to the smaller Kia K4, which grew to better serve families. The Honda Accord is another natural rival, but it does not offer AWD as the K5 does.
On the other hand, if you would rather sit up higher, our 2027 Kia Sportage pricing guide shows how Kia’s compact SUV compares at a similar price. For even better fuel economy, the 2027 Kia Niro hybrid is worth a look, too.
The Car That Started It All for Us
The K5 holds a special place in our garage. In fact, it was the very first vehicle we ever reviewed on the GT: Garage Talk® YouTube channel. That 2021 K5 GT-Line AWD review is also where our belief in the midsize sedan took root.
A few years later, we were in Chicago when Kia unveiled the refreshed K5 at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show. Because the 2027 model is largely a carryover, much of what we saw that day still applies. So if you want to see how far the K5 has come, both videos are worth a watch.
The Bottom Line for Families
The 2027 Kia K5 does not reinvent anything, and that is not a bad thing. It keeps its sharp styling, strong safety tech, and punchy GT. Losing the EX trims the lineup. However, the new Convenience Package gives GT-Line buyers most of those comfort features for less money.
For families who still prefer a sedan, the K5 remains one of the best values in its class. So which would you pick: the efficient GT-Line or the 290-horsepower GT?