Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2026 K5.
The 2026 Kia K5 is configured with an 8-speed automatic (AM-S8) and EPA fuel-economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, framing it as a measured, efficiency-minded entry in the Kia lineup. Owner-reported reliability for this model year is the strongest in the nameplate's 2021–2026 history, with just 10 total complaints logged — engine issues representing the most-cited area — alongside a single recall on file. That figure stands in sharp contrast to the K5's debut 2021 model year, which logged 154 complaints and marked the high point of a steadily declining trend across the six-year span covered by the data. For a researcher weighing this generation, the 2026 effectively resets the baseline for the nameplate, suggesting the early-production concerns that weighed on earlier model years have largely faded.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S8) |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 23 / 33 / 27 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 105 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 16 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the K5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | EX Sedan 2.5L I-4 | 7.60 sec | 15.70 sec | 191 hp | FWD |
| 2025 | GT-Line Sedan 2.5L I-4 | 8.30 sec | 16.30 sec | — | AWD |
| 2021 | GT Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 5.20 sec | 13.70 sec | 290 hp | FWD |
| 2021 | GT Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 5.40 sec | 14.00 sec | 290 hp | FWD |
| 2021 | GT-Line Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-4 | 7.00 sec | 15.50 sec | 180 hp | FWD |
| 2021 | GT-Line Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-4 | 7.40 sec | 15.70 sec | 180 hp | AWD |
| 2021 | EX Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-4 | 7.80 sec | 16.00 sec | 180 hp | FWD |
| 2021 | EX Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-4 | 7.90 sec | 16.10 sec | 180 hp | FWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2026 Kia K5 shows the lowest federal complaint count (10) and recall count (1) across the six‑year span, continuing a sharp decline from the 2024 low of 27 complaints and 2 recalls after a peak in 2021. Service‑bulletin activity also fell dramatically, from 134 TSBs in 2021 to just 17 in 2026, indicating fewer reported defects over time. While the 2023 model introduced a single investigation, the 2026 year recorded none, reinforcing the overall improvement trend. The top complaint categories for 2026 are limited to two Engine issues, two “Unknown or Other” reports, and isolated lane‑departure/forward‑collision alerts, with zero crash or fire complaints reported. **Takeaway:** 2026 is the most reliable year in this generation, making it a strong candidate for a used‑car purchase.
All 10 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid… Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026…
Showing 5 of 17 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA_ELE413_NOTES_R2 | 2026-06-17 | Electrical System | RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 2)… |
| TSB_ELE419 | 2026-06-02 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BATTERY WIRING HARNESS COVERING INSPECTION /… |
| TSB_ELE422 | 2026-05-27 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM… |
| OTA_ELE413_NOTES_R1 | 2026-04-24 | Electrical System | RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 1)… |
| SC363_TSB | 2026-04-17 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OIL LEVEL PLUG (OLP) INSPECTION… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 23 city / 33 highway / 27 combined mpg.