Kia launches updated K5 with panoramic display, expanded driver-assist features

Kia has launched an updated version of its K5 midsize sedan, standardizing digital convenience features across all trims and expanding safety and convenience options on key trims to boost the model's overall competitiveness.

Kia said Wednesday it released "The 2027 K5." Rather than making major exterior changes, the update focuses on making popular features standard equipment. The lineup targets existing midsize sedan customers, emphasizing product value and price competitiveness in a market where sedan demand has been declining.

The most notable change is the addition of a 100W USB-C port and cable as standard across all trims, an upgrade designed to improve charging convenience as use of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices has grown.

Trim-level specifications have also been adjusted. The top-tier Signature trim now comes standard with rear height-adjustable headrests and a center armrest, though the 2.0 LPG standard model and the disability-accessible model are excluded. The Noblesse trim gains a smart power trunk as standard equipment.

The popular Best Selection trim receives enhanced interior display features, with a 12.3-inch Supervision cluster and panoramic curved display now standard. Buyers can also opt for a monitoring package that bundles remote smart parking assist, a surround-view monitor and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.

The Prestige trim gains additional driving convenience and safety features as standard, including highway driving assist, navigation-based smart cruise control and forward collision avoidance assist — the latter covering oncoming vehicles at intersections and in head-on scenarios. The 2.0 LPG rental car model is excluded from some of these specifications.

Prices are based on a 5 percent individual consumption tax rate. The 2.0 gasoline model starts at 27.63 million won ($17,800) for the Smart Selection trim, with the Prestige at 28.92 million won, Best Selection at 30.14 million won, Noblesse at 32.44 million won and Signature at 35.58 million won.

The 1.6 gasoline turbo is priced at 29.73 million won for the Prestige, 30.95 million won for the Best Selection, 33.68 million won for the Noblesse and 36.37 million won for the Signature. The 2.0 hybrid, reflecting eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits, is priced at 33.34 million won for the Prestige, 34.43 million won for the Best Selection, 36.7 million won for the Noblesse and 39.64 million won for the Signature.

The LPG lineup, based on the 2.0 LPG model, is priced at 29.61 million won for the Prestige, 33.23 million won for the Noblesse and 35.48 million won for the Signature. Rental car models are priced at 25.17 million won for the Trendy and 27.84 million won for the Prestige. The disability-accessible model, based on left-hand and left-foot disability specifications, is priced at 27.99 million won for the Prestige, 31.43 million won for the Noblesse and 33.56 million won for the Signature. Rental car and disability-accessible model prices are tax-exempt.

Kia is also offering a financing program to ease the initial purchase burden. Through a balloon payment installment plan, buyers can defer up to 64 percent of the vehicle price for up to 36 months at a 3.6 percent interest rate. For the K5 2.0 gasoline Smart Selection trim purchased with a 30 percent down payment, the monthly installment comes to around 150,000 won over 36 months.

Customers who pay 20 million won or more using the Kia Members credit card's "Save-Auto" service will also receive vacation support benefits worth approximately 300,000 won.

"The 2027 K5 is distinguished by the standardization of key features that customers prefer most, strengthening the model's overall product competitiveness," a Kia official said. "We will continue to work on multiple fronts to make it an even more competitive choice for customers who prefer sedans."