Does the Kia K5 hold its value?

The Kia K5 generally holds its value reasonably well for a mainstream midsize sedan, often tracking in line with its segment and benefiting from Kia’s strong warranty.

In a market where demand for traditional sedans has cooled relative to SUVs, the K5’s resale value is influenced by mileage, condition, trim level, and whether the car is bought new or as a certified pre-owned. The article below examines how the K5 fares in 2025–2026 and what buyers and sellers can expect when trading in or selling a used K5.

Current resale value and market context

Resale data from major trackers place the K5 in the mid-pack for mainstream midsize sedans. While it isn’t the top performer like some luxury-brand models, it benefits from Kia’s proven warranty (one of the strongest in the industry) and improving reliability scores, which can help attract value-conscious buyers in the used market. Market-wide pressures toward SUVs continue to influence sedan values, but the K5’s feature set and price point keep it competitive.

How resale data is interpreted for the K5

Analysts consider factors such as depreciation curves over 3–5 years, typical mileage accumulation, and the availability of certified pre-owned options. The K5’s depreciation generally follows the trend of other non-luxury midsize sedans, with variations based on year, trim, and overall market conditions.

Key factors shaping resale value

Several elements determine how much value a K5 retains over time. The most influential ones include:

• Mileage and wear relative to the car’s age


• Vehicle history, including any accidents or service records


• Trim level and option packages (higher trims may hold value better but can be pricier to replace)


• Exterior color and overall demand for the model in a given market


• Maintenance consistency and documentation, including comprehensive service records


• Remaining warranty or certified pre-owned status


• Accident repair quality and the availability of OEM parts

Understanding these factors helps buyers estimate resale values and sellers set realistic asking prices when listing a K5 in the used market.

How the K5 stacks up against rivals

In the midsize sedan segment, buyers commonly compare the K5 with models from Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, and others. While the K5 may not lead every resale metric, its overall value proposition—combining feature-rich trims with a long warranty—keeps it competitive as a used option.

• Honda Accord: A longstanding favorite for reliability and resale; typically retains value well, but at a higher entry price than the K5.


• Toyota Camry: Known for durability and strong depreciation resistance; often among the best in its class for resale value.


• Hyundai Sonata: Shares a platform with the K5 and offers strong warranty coverage; used-pricing and value retention can be similar to or slightly more favorable than the K5 depending on year and trim.


• Nissan Altima: Competitive pricing in the used market; depreciation tends to be in line with the segment, with variability based on year and condition.


• Mazda6 (discontinued): Still present in the used market, but not in production; resale dynamics depend on individual vehicle condition and market demand for styling and dynamics.

Overall, resale values across mainstream midsize sedans move with market demand for passenger cars versus SUVs. The K5’s warranty and up-to-date design language help it hold value reasonably well within this competitive set.

Tips to maximize resale value

To protect and maximize the resale value of a Kia K5, consider the following practical steps:

1. Maintain a complete service history and keep all receipts for maintenance and repairs.


2. Avoid accidents and address cosmetic or mechanical issues promptly to keep the vehicle in showroom condition.


3. Manage mileage growth; lower mileage often translates to higher resale value for the age of the car.


4. Preserve original parts and keep the factory wheels, if possible, to maintain curb appeal.


5. Choose resale-friendly options and avoid rare or polarizing colors that may limit buyer appeal.


6. Keep the interior and exterior well-maintained with regular cleaning and timely repairs.


7. Consider selling as a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle when feasible to enhance buyer confidence and resale value.

These practices don’t guarantee top dollar, but they commonly yield a more favorable resale outcome for K5 owners.

Summary

The Kia K5 holds its value reasonably well for a mainstream midsize sedan, holding a competitive position in a market that increasingly favors SUVs. Its appeal rests on a strong warranty, solid feature sets, and improving reliability, which help it retain value relative to many non-luxury peers. For buyers prioritizing resale value, a well-maintained K5 with complete documentation—and, when possible, a Certified Pre-Owned path—can offer a prudent balance of purchase price, daily practicality, and future resale potential. As always, individual outcomes depend on year, trim, mileage, and how well the car has been cared for.

Do Kia K5s hold their value?

No, the Kia K5 does not hold its value particularly well, as it experiences significant depreciation, especially in the first few years. For example, a 2022 model depreciated by about 34% in its first three years, and a 2021 model depreciated by the same amount. The most significant depreciation typically happens early in the car's life. 
Key points on depreciation

• Initial depreciation: The K5 depreciates the most in the first few years of ownership. 
• After 3 years: A 2022 model showed a 34% depreciation, and a 2021 model also saw a 34% depreciation, according to Kelley Blue Book. 
• After 5 years: An example shows a 2024 model depreciates by about $14,753 in five years, leaving a residual value of roughly $11,992. 
• Long-term depreciation: Over 10 years, the depreciation can be substantial, with one estimate showing a decrease from an initial resale value of about $28,868 to $12,874. 

Factors that influence resale value

• Age and mileage: Newer models and lower-mileage vehicles generally retain their value better. 
• Condition: The overall condition of the vehicle plays a role in its resale value. 

What is the #1 most depreciating car?

Cars That Hold Their Value Worst

• Jagur I-Pace: 72.2% Depreciation.
• BMW 7 Series: 67.1% Depreciation.
• Tesla Model S: 65.2% Depreciation.
• Infiniti QX80: 65.0% Depreciation.
• Maserati Ghibli: 64.7% Depreciation.
• BMW 5 Series: 64.7% Depreciation.
• Nissan Leaf: 64.1% Depreciation.
• Maserati Levante: 63.7% Depreciation.

Do Kia's have good resale value?

Yes, Kia models generally hold their value well, with many models retaining between 50% and 65% of their original value after three years, which is competitive for mainstream brands. However, resale value can vary significantly by model, with popular SUVs like the Telluride and Sorento performing particularly well. Factors like maintenance, condition, mileage, and specific trim levels also strongly influence how much a Kia will be worth when resold.
 
Factors affecting Kia's resale value

• Model popularity: Some models, especially popular SUVs, hold their value better than others. 
  • Examples: Kia Telluride, Kia Sorento, and Kia Sportage are frequently cited as models with strong resale value. 
• Condition and maintenance: A vehicle's condition, documented maintenance history, and accident-free record are crucial for a higher resale price. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally results in a higher resale value. 
• Trim and features: Higher trims with advanced safety features and infotainment systems can increase a vehicle's value. 
• Market conditions: Overall market demand and economic factors also play a role in determining a car's resale value. 

What to expect

• After three years: Many Kia models retain approximately 50% to 65% of their original value. 
• Annual depreciation: Kia vehicles may depreciate by an average of 15% to 20% annually. 
• Long-term value: If you plan to keep the car for many years, resale value may be less of a concern compared to a shorter ownership period. 

What is the downside of the Kia K5?

Cons of the Kia K5 include reliability concerns like transmission and electrical issues, higher-than-average long-term maintenance costs, and a lack of some desirable options like all-wheel drive on certain trims or a hybrid model. Other disadvantages are the car's less spacious rear seat compared to rivals, a smaller trunk, and a noisy base engine, according to Cars.com and YouTube videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnNaM_8bfIE,.
 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the discomforts and disadvantages of the Kia K5: 56sMotor FutureYouTube · Jan 2, 2025
Reliability and maintenance

• Potential for issues: Some owners have reported problems with the transmission, electrical systems, and engine noise. 
• Higher maintenance costs: The K5's estimated 10-year maintenance and repair costs are slightly higher than the average for popular sedans, and it has a higher chance of requiring a major repair. 
• Recalls: There have been specific recalls for issues like a fuel tank defect in certain models and detaching rear window trim. 

Performance and options

• No all-wheel drive (AWD) on some trims: The K5 offers AWD on some models, but many sporty trims are exclusively front-wheel drive, which can lead to tire spin and premature tire wear. 
• No hybrid option: There is no hybrid powertrain available for the K5, which puts it at a disadvantage against competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry that offer hybrid versions. 
• No manual transmission: Unlike its predecessor, the Optima, the K5 is not available with a manual transmission. 

Comfort and practicality

• Less rear legroom: The K5's rear seat is less spacious than some competitors, which can be uncomfortable for taller passengers. 
• Smaller trunk: The trunk capacity is smaller than some rivals, which may be inconvenient for road trips or transporting large items. 
• Noisy base engine: The base engine can be noisy, particularly at idle and during hard acceleration. 

Technology and features

• Infotainment system: While generally adequate, the standard infotainment screen can be slightly less responsive on lower trims, and some higher-end models lack a wireless option. 
• Counter-intuitive controls: The combination of climate and media controls on a single toggle can be difficult to use while driving.