After replacing the Optima in the 2021 model year, the Kia K5 now enters its third year on sale as a mostly carryover vehicle with minor badging, packaging, and feature content enhancements.

Kia will offer the 2023 K5 in four trim levels, including LXS, EX, GT-Line, and the most powerful GT. The base LX trim has been discontinued, meaning the K5 is significantly more expensive than last year's model.

The new base LXS trim starts at $25,090 (excluding a $1,095 destination charge) for 2023, a slight increase over last year's $24,690 price. This version of the K5 comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike last year, the LXS is no longer available with all-wheel drive.

As a reminder, the now defunct LX trim started at $23,690, so the base 2023 K5 is now $1,400 more expensive than last year's entry-level model.

You must step up to the GT-Line if you want a 2023 K5 with AWD.

This trim starts at $26,490 with FWD or $28,190 with AWD. If you opt for AWD, you also get a heated steering wheel as standard. Kia has added an available Panoramic Roof Package for $1,000, which requires the selection of an $800 GT-Line Premium Package with Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and automatic emergency braking. In addition to the glass roof, the Panoramic Roof Package also adds LED interior lighting, black side mirrors, and black B-pillars/windshield surrounds.

Fuel economy for the FWD 1.6-liter models is 27/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined and drops to 25/33/28 in the GT-Line AWD.

Stepping up to the EX trim brings the price to $28,990. Kia says all trims GT-Line and above now get acoustic glass for a quieter cabin experience.

Buyers who want more power can opt for the GT, which starts at $31,490. Under the hood, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder is replaced by a larger 2.5-liter unit delivering 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. All that grunt goes out to the front wheels only through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In addition to the extra power, the GT receives 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and a set of dual exhaust pipes. An optional GT1 Package ($4,200) adds a memory driver's seat, heated steering wheel, Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, a surround-view monitor, 12-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, and more. Fuel economy for the GT is rated at 24/32/27 mpg.

The 2023 K5 is already available at dealerships, and the configurator is already live on Kia's website.

These changes are not drastic from last year's model, and we are sad to see the base LX model cut from the range, driving up the price.

As before, the K5 GT will continue to be the standout option for enthusiasts, offering a ton of power and features at an affordable price. It may not be quite as sharp as the Hyundai Elantra N, but it's more practical, produces more power, and boasts more standard features.