The Kia K5 Just Got a Little Bit More Expensive for 2026

With affordable used cars disappearing and new car prices creeping ever higher, cost-conscious consumers are looking for cheaper options. The Kia K5 is one of those affordable cars, but buyers will have to pay a bit more for the 2026 model. Kia is increasing the sedan’s price by $420 on every trim.

The 2026 K5 will now start at $28,565 (all prices include the $1,175 destination charge). The range tops out with the EX, which now costs $36,065 to start, following a $5,000 price increase for 2025. However, Kia coupled the added cost last year with a ton more standard kit, adding Bose stereo, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors, and more.

2026 Kia K5 Changes

The 2026 K5 largely carries over unchanged from 2025. There are five trims available, four of which are front-wheel drive. Kia offers the GT-Line with all-wheel drive for $31,165. However, there is a small tweak to the K5 lineup—the GT no longer features the GT logo on the brake calipers.

Under the hood, the K5 GT continues to feature Kia’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The rest of the lineup gets the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, making 191 hp and 181 lb-ft and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT benefits from an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Kia K5 Sales Rebound

The slight price increase shouldn’t deter buyers looking for value. K5 sales have been strong so far this year, rebounding from 2024 and the launch of the 2025 refresh. The K5 is already on pace to surpass last year’s sales, and it could beat 2023’s as well. The automaker is on track to sell just under 70,000 K5s this year, which is still well under the 92,000 sold in 2021.