The 2015 Kia K900 5.0L V8 gets 18 MPG combined, which isn’t award-winning and probably won’t be in Kia ads. But the K900 buyer, especially with the 5.0L V8, likely values comfort and features over fuel efficiency. This car makes a statement. It’s a luxury sedan offering a supremely comfortable ride and impressive features for less than its German rivals. For this buyer, the V8’s strong power and smooth operation outweigh the cost of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Kia K900 5.0L V8 gets 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects how much gas the engine uses, particularly in stop-and-go traffic where its large size works to move the large sedan. The highway number is better, thanks to the efficient 8-speed automatic transmission that lets the engine cruise at lower RPMs. However, accelerating to pass will decrease fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Kia K900 5.0L V8 is $3,200. This assumes 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation uses national average fuel prices, which change. This gives buyers a baseline to consider when estimating ownership costs.

Real-world expectations

How the 2015 Kia K900 5.0L V8 performs in the real world depends on driving and conditions. Driving fast and frequent short trips will lower fuel efficiency below EPA estimates. Driving gently, with mostly highway miles, could slightly increase MPG. However, expecting to consistently exceed 23 MPG in mixed driving isn’t realistic. Premium fuel is recommended, but it won’t necessarily improve fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2015 Kia K900 V8’s fuel economy is lower than some competitors. For example, a 2015 Lexus LS 460 is rated at 16 MPG city/24 MPG highway. The six-cylinder K900 gets about 20% better MPG. Buyers should consider which engine meets their needs and fuel cost expectations. For all Kia fuel economy data, resources like FuelEconomyHub offer comparisons. You can also find K900 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is important to saving fuel in the K900 V8. Avoid aggressive starts and maintain a steady speed. The engine’s abundant torque means you don’t need to push the pedal to the floor to accelerate, so take it easy and let the transmission do its job.

Anticipate traffic to minimize braking. Coast to decelerate whenever possible, reducing the need for hard braking, conserving momentum and minimizing fuel consumption to re-accelerate. Planning ahead and maintaining a safe following distance will help.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can significantly reduce fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Excess cargo adds weight, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items you don’t need regularly, especially heavy objects in the trunk.