2025 Kia K5 vs 2026 Lexus IS

Kia has updated the stylish 2025 K5 with new exterior lighting, revised front and rear styling, and redesigned wheels. The only turbocharged version is now the GT sports sedan; other K5 models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with less real-world driving punch than the previously-standard turbo four. New technology, redesigned dashboard controls, and more standard features are also on the menu, and Kia’s family car remains a good value.

Verdict: Unfortunately, the 2025 Kia K5 still doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain like its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, does. It’s also less enjoyable to drive, thanks to this year’s engine swap. However, the new tech impresses, the K5 remains stylish and comfortable, and it costs less than some rivals.

Lexus refreshed the IS for the 2026 model year, infusing it with the latest digital instrumentation, infotainment, and driver-assistance technologies. It also updated the exterior and interior, re-tuned the steering and suspension, and refined the driving experience. However, the lineup loses the IS 300 with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the IS 500 with the thundering 5.0-liter V8, leaving a V6-powered IS 350 with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) as the sole model.

Verdict: The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is enjoyable to drive, exudes quality, and boasts a long-standing reputation for reliability. For those who want a small sports sedan with such characteristics, this is the car.