The Quick Answer
- The K5 costs less: $27,690 versus $29,700 to start, a $2,010 gap. The K5 GT-Line AWD ($30,290) is $935 less than the cheapest AWD Camry ($31,225).
- The Camry gets much better mileage: up to 51 mpg combined versus 30 for the K5 LXS. At 12,000 miles a year in Denver, that's about $684 a year in gas.
- The K5 is quicker at the top: the K5 GT makes 290 hp and 311 lb-ft. The most powerful Camry makes 232 hp.
- The K5 has more standard tech: a 12.3-in. touchscreen and front and rear parking sensors on every trim, versus an 8-in. screen on the Camry LE, SE and Nightshade.
- Warranty: Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is longer than Toyota's 5-year/60,000. Toyota covers the hybrid battery for 10 years/150,000 miles.
K5 vs. Camry: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia K5 | 2027 Toyota Camry | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $27,690 (LXS) | $29,700 (LE) |
| AWD from | $30,290 (GT-Line AWD) | $31,225 (LE AWD); AWD on every grade |
| Powertrain | 2.5L, 186 hp (LXS, GT-Line); 2.5L turbo, 290 hp / 311 lb-ft (GT) | 2.5L hybrid, 225 hp FWD / 232 hp AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic; 8-speed dual-clutch (GT) | eCVT |
| EPA combined mpg | 30 (LXS); 29 (GT-Line); 27 (GT-Line AWD, GT) | 51 (LE FWD); 50 (LE AWD); 46 (SE, XLE); 43 (XSE AWD) |
| Touchscreen | 12.3 in. on every trim | 8 in. (LE, SE, Nightshade); 12.3 in. (XLE, XSE) |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Standard | In packages on XLE and XSE |
| Airbags | Includes rear side and driver's knee | 8, including driver and front-passenger knee |
| Rear legroom | 35.2 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Trunk | 15.6 cu ft | 15.1 cu ft |
| Length | 193.1 in. | 193.5 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K; hybrid battery 10-yr/150K |
| Destination | $1,245 | $1,295 (2026 pricing) |
| Assembly | Hwasung, South Korea | Georgetown, Kentucky |
Kia and Toyota MSRP and specifications as of October 2026, excluding destination. EPA estimates; Camry figures are EPA ratings for the 2026 Camry, which Toyota estimates carry over to 2027. Actual mileage varies.
Fuel Economy: The Camry's Big Win
Every Camry is a hybrid, and it shows at the pump. At 12,000 miles a year and Denver's October 2026 gas price:
| Kia K5 | Toyota Camry | Camry saves | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | LXS, 30 mpg: $1,660/yr | LE, 51 mpg: $976/yr | $684/yr |
| AWD | GT-Line AWD, 27 mpg: $1,844/yr | LE AWD, 50 mpg: $996/yr | $848/yr |
Denver regular gas averaged $4.15 a gallon the week of October 12, 2026 (U.S. EIA). Your costs depend on how and where you drive.
At that pace, the Camry LE makes up its $2,010 price premium in about three years, and the Camry LE AWD covers its $935 premium in a little over a year. If you drive a lot, the Camry's mileage is hard to beat. If you drive less, or want the K5's extra equipment or GT performance, the K5's lower price goes further.
Price and Standard Equipment
- Base trims: the K5 LXS ($27,690) has a 12.3-in. touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance and dual-zone climate. The Camry LE ($29,700) has an 8-in. touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate and a wireless charger, with heated seats optional.
- AWD trims: the K5 GT-Line AWD ($30,290) adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat, navigation and Highway Driving Assist. The Camry LE AWD costs $31,225.
- Top trims: the K5 GT ($33,790) brings the 290-hp turbo and a panoramic sunroof. The Camry XSE ($36,100 FWD) brings a 12.3-in. touchscreen and cluster and heated seats.
Performance and Driving
- K5 GT: a 2.5L turbo with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft, an 8-speed dual-clutch and a sport-tuned suspension. Kia quotes 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds (AMCI Testing of a 2025 K5 GT).
- Camry: 225 hp with FWD or 232 hp with AWD from its hybrid system. That's more than the K5 LXS and GT-Line (186 hp), but well short of the K5 GT.
- At altitude: the K5 GT's turbo holds its power on I-70 grades. The Camry's electric motors help it pull from a stop.
Colorado Winter Driving
- AWD: the Camry offers AWD on every grade, from the LE to the XSE. On the K5, AWD comes only on the GT-Line, but it's the lower-priced AWD sedan of the two.
- FWD models: on either car, winter tires make the biggest difference in snow.
- More options: see every AWD Kia, including SUVs with more ground clearance.
Where the Camry Wins
An honest comparison names the rival's advantages:
- Much better fuel economy: up to 51 mpg combined versus 30.
- AWD available on every grade, not just one trim.
- More standard power: 225 hp versus 186 hp on the K5 LXS and GT-Line.
- More rear legroom: 38.0 in. versus 35.2 in.
- A 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty and one year of ToyotaCare maintenance.
- Assembly in Kentucky, so a new Camry financed for personal use can qualify for the car loan interest deduction. The K5 is built in South Korea and doesn't qualify.
- A front-passenger knee airbag in addition to the driver's knee airbag.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the K5 if…
You want the lower price, the least expensive AWD sedan of the two, GT-level performance, a 12.3-in. screen on every trim and Kia's 10-year powertrain warranty.
Choose the Camry if…
You drive a lot and want the best fuel economy, need AWD on a higher trim or want more rear-seat room.
Test-Drive the K5 at Emich Kia
We stock the K5, including GT-Line AWD and GT models. Drive one back to back with your current car and see how it fits your commute.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
K5 vs. Camry: FAQ
Is the Kia K5 cheaper than the Toyota Camry?
Yes. The 2027 K5 LXS starts at $27,690 versus $29,700 for the 2027 Camry LE, a $2,010 difference. With AWD, the K5 GT-Line AWD is $30,290 versus $31,225 for the Camry LE AWD.
Which gets better gas mileage, the K5 or Camry?
The Camry, by a wide margin. Every Camry is a hybrid rated up to 51 mpg combined (LE FWD). The K5 is rated up to 30 mpg combined (LXS).
Does the Kia K5 have AWD like the Camry?
Yes, on the GT-Line AWD ($30,290). The Camry offers AWD on every grade, starting with the LE AWD at $31,225.
Which is faster, the K5 GT or Camry?
The K5 GT. It makes 290 hp and 311 lb-ft from a 2.5L turbo, and Kia quotes 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The most powerful Camry makes 232 hp.
Which has a better warranty?
Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is longer than Toyota's 3-year/36,000-mile and 5-year/60,000-mile coverage. Toyota covers the Camry's hybrid battery for 10 years/150,000 miles.
Is there a K5 Hybrid to compare with the Camry?
No. The 2027 K5 is gas only in the U.S., while every 2027 Camry is a hybrid.
Which has more room, the K5 or Camry?
The Camry has more rear legroom (38.0 vs. 35.2 inches). The K5 has a slightly larger trunk (15.6 vs. 15.1 cubic feet). They're nearly the same length.
See the K5 at Emich Kia
Shop new K5 sedans in stock in Denver, or book a test drive.
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