If you're considering buying a Kia K5, you're probably wondering how many years you can expect it to last. Our team has gathered all of the information you need about the Kia K5's reliability, dependability, and longevity.
How Many Miles Can a Kia K5 Last?
The left front view of the Kia K5 stopped in front of a green glass building. by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Pexels License
The short answer is that your Kia K5 should reach approximately 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper care, lasting between 10 and 16.7 years. However, the K5 only hit the market in 2021. Since the average vehicle owner only adds between 12,000 and 15,000 miles to the odometer per year, most K5s don't yet have mileages at or above the 150,000-mile mark. So, how do we know what kind of longevity to expect from this relatively new entrant to the midsize sedan market?
Reliability and dependability are two key factors that indicate long-term performance, and the Kia brand consistently performs well in these categories. RepairPal ranks Kia third out of 32 brands for reliability, while Consumer Reports places Kia seventh overall and ninth for reliability. More specifically, the K5 has maintained solid reliability and dependability scores since its 2021 debut. Owners who reviewed the 2025 Kia K5's reliability for Kelley Blue Book rated it 4.2 out of 5 stars. The same owners also rated the K5 4 stars for quality and 4.1 stars for overall value.
Factors That Affect K5 Longevity
Your K5's longevity depends on several factors, including driving habits, service consistency, vehicle condition, and environmental conditions.
Driving Habits
How you drive your K5 directly impacts how many years and miles you'll get out of it. Here are some tips to help your K5 keep performing at its best:
- Drive smoothly and at a steady speed: To avoid unnecessary stress on your powertrain, gradually accelerate and brake, maintain your speed, and keep your rpm within the recommended range.
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Take the highway: City driving, especially in stop-and-go or heavy traffic, is much harsher on your car than highway cruising. A K5 with 80,000 highway miles might actually be in better shape than one with 50,000 city miles.
- Combine trips when possible: Instead of making a separate outing for each of your quick errands around town, consider doing them all at once, especially in the winter when the weather is cooler. Trips of less than 10 miles can cause significant damage to your engine and wear out parts prematurely, as the vehicle doesn't have sufficient time to reach its optimal operating temperature.
Vehicle Condition
Most K5 owner complaints center on infotainment issues, such as freezing screens, blank displays, unresponsive controls, and dropped wireless CarPlay connections. These glitches, while certainly inconvenient, are minor enough that they typically won't affect longevity. Some drivers do report more serious concerns with the engine and transmission, including power loss, rough shifting, acceleration lag, engine noises, stalling, and misfires. The good news is that Kia's incredible powertrain warranty covers many of these issues for up to the first decade of ownership.
Scheduled Maintenance
The best way to keep your K5 in peak condition and extend its lifespan is to adhere to a rigorous service schedule. This keeps your K5 running smoothly and gives technicians a chance to catch and address issues early. Here are the general guidelines for when you should have regular maintenance performed on a K5:
- Every 6,000-7,500 miles: Oil change, oil filter replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection, and battery, cooling, and exhaust system checks
- Every 12,000-15,000 miles: Same as above, plus climate control air filter replacement and fuel tank and cap inspection
- Every 24,000-30,000 miles: Same as above, plus brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant checks (and replacement if needed)
- Every 42,000-60,000 miles: Same as above, plus timing belt and spark plug replacement
Environmental Factors
Finally, exposure to certain environmental factors can negatively impact your K5's lifespan. These include UV exposure, pollutants such as road salt, extreme temperatures, humidity, and potholes or other poor road conditions. The 2025 K5 can handle Texas conditions pretty well, but you should consider more frequent maintenance visits during particularly hot summers to compensate for the added stress to your vehicle.
Kia K5 Warranty Coverage and Protection
Kia backs the K5 with industry-leading, serious protection to ensure your peace of mind. For the first five years or 60,000 miles, you'll get complimentary roadside assistance and a basic limited warranty that covers almost everything between your bumpers, except wear and tear on items such as brake pads and tires. If you purchase a new K5, Kia will also provide a comprehensive 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty coverage for the engine, transmission, and related parts.
Should You Buy a Used Kia K5 With High Mileage?
Buying a used K5 with high mileage can be a good idea, but only if it meets certain other criteria. Typically, models in the 50,000- to 75,000-mile range are a good value if they've been properly cared for. This makes it vital to review maintenance records and service history. Look for the completion of regular oil changes, major service milestones, and recall work to gauge the vehicle's true condition.
For extra protection, consider K5s that qualify for Kia's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, which accepts cars under 6 years old with fewer than 80,000 miles. Kia CPO vehicles undergo a rigorous 165-point inspection, accompanied by an additional year or 12,000 miles of Platinum Coverage, in addition to the standard 10-year or 100,000-mile Certified Pre-Owned Limited Powertrain Warranty. To find pre-owned K5s that still have plenty of life left and are available locally, browse our current selection of K5s.
Maximize Your K5's Life Span at Huffines Kia Corinth
Whether you're eyeing a brand-new K5 with all the latest features or hunting for a gently used, well-maintained one, knowing the Kia K5's expected life span will help shape your purchasing decision. Stop by Huffines Kia Corinth to see our new and CPO K5s. Our friendly sales staff understands what Texas drivers are looking for in a mid-size sedan, and our service team is here to help ensure your K5 goes the distance. Contact us to set up a test-drive and find out why the K5 could be your ideal next vehicle.
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Kia K5