2024 Kia K5 0-60 Time, Specs, & Features

By: Max F. Arellano / March 01, 2024

The 2024 Kia K5 0-60 time depends on the model, generally ranging from the low 5-second to the high 7-second range.

While it might not be a contender for pink slips or match the speed of its older sibling, the Stinger, the K5 certainly stands out in its class, accelerating way ahead of the pack.

2024 Kia K5 0-60 Time, Specs, & Top Speed

Of the 3 that have been tested, the EX is the slowest of the bunch with a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds, next is the GT-Line which records a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds, and lastly is the GT which drops the Kia K5 0-60 time down to just 5.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

You may be wondering what accounts for the difference in acceleration metrics in the 3 trims, to understand that we'll take a look at the specs:

GT-Line

  • Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
  • Power Output: 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

The GT-Line offers a balance between performance and efficiency, with the turbocharged engine providing a spirited driving experience.

GT

  • Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
  • Power Output: 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT)
  • Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

The GT model is the performance flagship of the K5 lineup, offering significantly more power and a sportier driving experience compared to other trims.

EX

  • Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
  • Power Output: 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

The EX trim focuses more on luxury and comfort features, offering the same engine as the GT-Line but with a suite of premium amenities.

Summary

The GT-Line and EX trims share the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, focusing on a balance between performance and efficiency.

In spite of this, reports have the GT-Line outpacing the EX, which could be attributed to its AWD and improved aerodynamics.

The GT model stands out with its powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, offering enhanced performance and a more dynamic driving experience.

These variations cater to a range of preferences from efficiency and comfort to outright performance.

Comparison of Kia K5 with Competitors in the Midsize Sedan Segment

The midsize sedan segment is fiercely competitive, featuring stalwarts like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.

Looking at each of them will give much needed context to some of the numbers that have been presented.

Honda Accord

The base model Honda Accord EX boasts a 0-60 time comparable to the K5 GT-Line, clocking in at 7.3 seconds.

The Accord Touring Hybrid performs slightly better at 6.6 seconds. However, with the discontinuation of the turbocharged 2.0L Accord Sport, none of the Accord models can match the 0-60 time of the K5 GT.

Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry offers a higher-performing trim, the TRD, which achieves a 0-60 time of about 5.8 seconds thanks to its 3.5L V6 engine.

However, the entry-level SE lags behind, taking 7.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, half a second slower than the K5 GT-Line.

Nissan Altima

In the Nissan Altima lineup, the VC-Turbo trim stands out with its 2.0L turbocharged engine, hitting 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Conversely, the base model Altima equipped with a 2.5L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine takes a leisurely 7.6 seconds to reach the same speed.

Performance and Value Proposition of the Kia K5

The Kia K5 is strategically positioned against its rivals in terms of performance and value. Its base model delivers comparable speeds to counterparts while the GT variant significantly outperforms competitors.

Remarkably, the K5 also tends to be the most budget-friendly option in the segment, offering exceptional value for consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does a Kia K5 go 0-60?

The Kia K5 0-60 time varies depending on the trim and engine option. The base models with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine typically achieve 0-60 mph in the 7-8 second range. 

The more performance-oriented K5 GT, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 5.3 seconds.

Is the Kia K5 fast?

The Kia K5 offers respectable performance for its class, especially in the GT trim. 

While the base models provide adequate power for daily driving and commuting, the K5 GT with its 290 horsepower engine delivers a more spirited and engaging driving experience, making it notably fast among midsize sedans.

Which Kia K5 has 290 horsepower?

The Kia K5 GT is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 290 horsepower. 

This makes it the most powerful option in the K5 lineup, providing enhanced performance and acceleration.

Is the Kia K5 GT turbocharged?

Yes, the Kia K5 GT is turbocharged. It features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is responsible for its high output of 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine contributes to the GT's quick acceleration and overall performance capabilities.

Is the Kia K5 a reliable car?

The Kia K5 is generally considered a reliable car. Kia as a brand has made significant improvements in quality and reliability over the years, and the K5 benefits from this progress.

It also comes with Kia's extensive warranty, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, further reinforcing its reliability credentials. However, as with any vehicle, actual reliability can vary based on maintenance, usage, and individual units.

How much horsepower does a turbocharged K5 have?

The turbocharged K5 models come with two different engines, each offering different levels of horsepower:

       
  • The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine available in lower trims, including the LXS, GT-Line, and EX, produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
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  • The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine exclusive to the GT trim produces 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful option in the lineup.

About the Author

Author Name

Max F. Arellano

While researching cars awhile back, I encountered a frustrating trend: the available 0-60 resources felt outdated, resembling little more than glorified Excel spreadsheets. Moreover, they seemed outright unwelcoming to mobile users, adding an extra layer of inconvenience to the process.

Drawing on my expertise in software engineering, I embarked on the journey to establish ZeroSixty, aiming to craft an authentic next-generation resource.