Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the K5 beats their 26.3 mpg average by 3.7 mpg, about $180 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2021, the 1.6L 4-cyl (2021–2024), does 31.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2025–2026), 30: $61 a year apart.
Every Kia K5 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 28 / 37.5 | 2021–2024 | $1,219 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 26 / 37 | 2025–2026 | $1,280 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Dodge Charger gets 20 mpg, the Porsche Panamera 20.3 mpg and the Genesis G90 20.5 mpg, next to 30 mpg for the 2026 K5. The K5 is the cheapest of them to run: $640 a year less than the Dodge Charger.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$180 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,017 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Kia K5 gives up 11 mpg in town: 37 on the highway against 26 in the city, $439 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 37 mpg | $1,038 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +11 mpg (42%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the K5 changed over the years
The K5 peaked in 2022 at 32 mpg (29 city, 38 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2026 at 30 — 2 mpg apart, or $80 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 30.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 / 37 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 37 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 27 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2023 | 27 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2022 | 29 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2021 | 29 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Kia K5 — 2 engines across 2021–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,017. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Kia K5 get?
30 mpg combined, 26 city and 37 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2021 the K5 has averaged 31 mpg.
Is the 2026 K5 more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 30 against 30 mpg combined.
Which K5 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2022, at 32 mpg combined (29 city, 38 highway).
Does the K5 get better gas mileage than the Dodge Charger?
Yes: 30 mpg for the 2026 K5 against 20 for the 2026 Dodge Charger, about $640 a year less to run.
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