Kia K5 AWD
27 MPG The 2026 Kia K5 AWD is EPA-rated at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 556 gallons, $1778 a year in fuel, or $0.119 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2021–2026 run it averages 27.8 MPG, falling by 2 MPG over 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.093 | $926 | $1389 | $1852 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.119 | $1185 | $1778 | $2370 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.130 | $1296 | $1944 | $2593 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.148 | $1481 | $2222 | $2963 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.185 | $1852 | $2778 | $3704 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 MPG | 24 | 33 | $2300 | 329 | 1 |
| 2025 | 27 MPG | 24 | 33 | $2300 | 329 | 1 |
| 2024 | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2200 | 316 | 1 |
| 2023 | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2200 | 316 | 1 |
| 2022 | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2200 | 316 | 1 |
| 2021 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2150 | 312 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 149 large cars models tracked here, the Kia K5 AWD ranks 15 on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 740i Sedan (28), BMW X1 xDrive28i (28), Kia K5 (28), Volkswagen Arteon (28), Kia Optima FE (29).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 329 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia K5 AWD get?
The 2026 Kia K5 AWD is rated at 27 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 33 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 27.8 MPG, ranging from 27 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia K5 AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 27 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 556 gallons — roughly $1778 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.119 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2300.
Has the Kia K5 AWD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 29 MPG in 2021 to 27 in 2026. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Kia K5 AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 15 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG. That is 5.5 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.