27 MPG combined is an acceptable figure for the 2024 Kia K5 with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. It’s not class-leading, but it isn’t bad either. It’s a reasonable trade-off for buyers who prioritize the K5’s stylish design, spacious interior, and generous features. This is a mid-size sedan intended for daily commutes, family duties, and the occasional road trip, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Kia K5 2.5L at 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure is to be expected. Stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration affect any vehicle’s fuel consumption. The 32 MPG highway rating is respectable, making the K5 a decent long-distance cruiser. Drivers who spend a lot of time on the open road will see their average fuel economy climb closer to, or even slightly above, that highway estimate. The automatic transmission (labeled AM-S8 by Kia) optimizes the engine’s performance for both urban and highway driving, selecting the best gear and keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Kia K5 2.5L is $1,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and the fuel prices in your area. Drivers who primarily drive in the city and accelerate quickly will find their annual fuel bill closer to $2,000 dollars.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a valuable baseline, real-world MPG often differs. Drivers can expect to see figures slightly below or slightly above the official numbers. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will decrease fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can improve efficiency. Understanding your driving style’s impact is important. You can explore K5 MPG across all years to see how real-world user submissions compare.

How it compares

The mid-size sedan segment is filled with fuel-conscious contenders. The Toyota Camry LE, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, making it a slightly more efficient option than the K5. The Honda Accord LX offers an EPA-estimated 29 MPG. In contrast, the Mazda6 offers a more premium driving experience in its top trims like the Grand Touring Reserve, but it lags slightly behind with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined. The Hyundai Sonata is mechanically similar to the K5 and shares the same 2.5L engine in many trims, and it posts nearly identical fuel economy figures. For those more interested in crossover SUVs, you can find all Kia fuel economy data across the model lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key in the K5 2.5L. Avoid aggressive starts and sudden braking, as this stresses the engine and wastes fuel that could be saved with a more linear speed ramp-up. The 8-speed automatic transmission smoothly and efficiently moves through the gears, so letting it do its job without demanding maximum power at every opportunity will noticeably improve your gas mileage.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is another simple, yet effective, method. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the pressure specified on the door jamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Overinflating, however, negatively affects braking.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from your trunk that you don’t need. Extra weight adds strain to the engine, especially during acceleration. Keep the interior tidy, but prioritize removing heavy objects, as they will substantially affect your overall MPG.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested areas and peak traffic times whenever possible. Stop-and-go traffic consumes fuel, so opt for routes with fewer stops and more consistent speeds. Using navigation apps to anticipate traffic jams can also prevent wasting fuel in bumper-to-bumper conditions.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can optimize fuel consumption. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the engine may work harder to maintain a set speed uphill, negating any potential fuel savings. Cruise control is only effective in largely flat driving scenarios.