Kia K5 trim comparison
2024 Kia K5 EX vs GT
The K5 EX starts at $29,490 while the GT is $31,990. That $2,500 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 1.6L I4 Turbo to 2.5L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the EX if the 1.6L I4 Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the GT only when the 2.5L I4 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the EX to the GT is about $44/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $2,640 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the EX and GT share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,500 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $417 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | EX | GT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,490 | $31,990 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.6L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 24 |
| Highway MPG | 37 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 27 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8 gal | 15.8 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,400/yr | $1,600/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,228 lbs | 3,534 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 112.2" |
| Length | 193.1" | 193.1" |
| Width | 73.2" | 73.2" |
| Height | 56.9" | 56.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Kia K5 EX vs GT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Kia K5 lineup, the Kia brand hub, the Midsize Sedans, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 K5 GT cost than the EX?
The GT starts at $31,990 compared to $29,490 for the EX. That is a $2,500 difference, or approximately $44/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Kia K5 EX and GT have the same engine?
No. The EX uses a 1.6L I4 Turbo (180 hp, 195 lb-ft), while the GT has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (290 hp, 311 lb-ft). That is 110 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2024 K5 EX and GT have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with FWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 K5 EX or GT safer?
Both share the same Kia K5 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Kia K5 come with?
All 2024 Kia K5 trims, including both the EX and GT, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Kia K5 GT worth $2,500 more than the EX?
The $2,500 buys the 2.5L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the EX does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Kia K5 trim gets better fuel economy, the EX or the GT?
The EX is the more efficient of the two at 31 combined MPG, versus 27 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $2,500 Gets You
The K5 GT is a clear upgrade over the EX. The $2,500 price increase gets you the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+110 hp) -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
EX vs. GT: Day-to-Day
The GT comes with the 2.5L I4 Turbo instead of the EX's 1.6L I4 Turbo. That means 110 more horsepower and 116 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 4 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The K5 EX gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $201 per year or $1,005 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$2,500 more for the K5 GT gets you 6 real differences. At $44/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Kia K5 EX
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the EX best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia K5 GT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the GT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.