Kia K5 trim comparison
2026 Kia K5 GT vs EX
The K5 GT starts at $33,590 while the EX is $34,990. That $1,400 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L I4 Turbo to 2.5L I4. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the GT if the 2.5L I4 Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the EX only when the 2.5L I4 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The EX adds about $24/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $1,440 more overall with interest. 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 GT and EX share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $1,400 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $350 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. 5 specification differences, 2 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | GT | EX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $33,590 | $34,990 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 37 | 37 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8 gal | 15.8 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,450/yr | $1,450/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,596 lbs | 3,395 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.
2026 Kia K5 GT vs EX 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 2026 K5 EX cost than the GT?
The EX starts at $34,990 compared to $33,590 for the GT. That is a $1,400 difference, or approximately $24/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Kia K5 GT and EX have the same engine?
No. The GT uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo (290 hp, 311 lb-ft), while the EX has the 2.5L I4 (191 hp, 181 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 8-speed automated manual.
Do the 2026 K5 GT and EX 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 2026 K5 GT or EX 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 2026 Kia K5 come with?
All 2026 Kia K5 trims, including both the GT and EX, 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 2026 Kia K5 EX worth $1,400 more than the GT?
The $1,400 buys the 2.5L I4. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the GT does the same job for less.
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.
Breaking Down the $1,400 Gap
The EX earns its premium. For $1,400 more, you get the 2.5L I4 engine (+-99 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the K5 lineup.
How the GT and EX Feel Different
Moving from the GT to the EX means a different engine entirely. That means -99 more horsepower and -130 more lb-ft of torque.
The Short Version
$1,400 more for the K5 EX gets you 4 real differences. At $24/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 GT
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the GT best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia K5 EX
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the EX 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 2026 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.