Kia K900 vs Kia K5

By and large, the car-buying public carries around preconceived notions about automakers. Name a car or type of car and you’ll likely start to form assumptions about the vehicle itself and even its owners.

Kia has had a reputation for being bargain-oriented, but lately, it's a brand on the rise. Last year Kia released the Stinger, a head-turning, athletic performance sedan. Kia already had a strong portfolio of (yes, affordable) vehicles, but the Stinger was a statement vehicle, a demonstration of the brand's capabilities.

Considering Kia's progress, the continued lack of awareness with regard to its quality is disappointing. If you need any more convincing, look no further than its luxury flagship, the K900 sedan.

Introduced in 2012, the K900 is now in its second generation. It is a fantastic car and a handsome reward for any sedan shopper looking to drive a high-comfort, high-quality ride. But buyers in this space have some interesting choices. For one, the K900 rides on the same platform as its corporate cousin, the Genesis G90. It's also offered alongside the Cadenza, which is also a spacious luxury car—but has front-wheel drive. There appears to be some overlap here, which makes the K900 and its positioning so intriguing.

So, Kia’s out there making a name for itself, and the K900 showcases what the brand is fully capable of delivering. But the mere presence of the Genesis G90 underscores a question: Where does the K900 fit in the world of full-size luxury sedans?

If you can overlook the real-world fuel economy and unimpressive crash-test ratings, then a 2024 Kia K5 is a steal of an automobile. (Don’t worry, it has an engine immobilizer system to prevent theft.) It comes in LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels, and the only change for 2024 is standard heated seats for the GT-Line trim. Turbocharging is standard, and you can get all-wheel drive if you live where the sun often doesn’t shine.

Verdict: It’s a shame Kia doesn’t offer the K5 with a hybrid powertrain, and its performance in new, tougher-to-pass crash tests is worrisome. But there is no doubt the 2024 Kia K5 is a stylish, comfortable, enjoyable, and technologically advanced midsize car. And the price is undeniably nice.