2026 Kia K5 EX: Lakewood Buyers Guide

The most expensive K5 isn't the fastest one

It catches shoppers off guard: EX costs more than GT, even though GT has the turbo engine and the sport chassis. Kia built EX as the comfort-and-tech flagship rather than the performance one, and the equipment list explains the gap — a panoramic sunroof and Bose 12-speaker audio come standard rather than optional, the curved 12.3-inch display replaces the smaller unit on lower trims, and features like the Integrated Memory System, Surround View Monitor, and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist don't appear anywhere else in the K5 lineup without paying for the GT1 package. If your priority is arriving relaxed rather than arriving quickly, EX is the trim built for that.

What "loaded" actually means here

Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel matter more on the Jersey Shore than the spec sheet suggests — humid August traffic on Route 70 and a cold January commute are both covered. The Bose system with an external amp and Active Sound Design is a real step up from the base audio, and the wood-look hydrographic dash trim is the kind of detail that reads as a genuinely upscale interior rather than a sedan playing dress-up. It's worth cross-shopping against the GT specifically on this point: EX buyers aren't giving up performance to get comfort, since both trims share the same 191-hp base engine's absence in GT — the tradeoff is turbo power versus this equipment list, not a downgrade in daily drivability.

Who lands here

Buyers upgrading from a loaded midsize sedan who don't want to give up any comfort feature, and shoppers who specifically want the nicest interior in the K5 range regardless of horsepower, land on EX. The store's reviews show buyers who took their time getting there. One buyer: "I was greeted by Vito who was very professional... He was a man of his word and got me a great deal. I felt like I was dealing with a friend and that goes a long way. Not once did he push me to do something and was very transparent." Another, buying for family: "I just helped my daughter buy a 2025 Kia K5 there and couldn't ask for a better experience. Really appreciated the transparency and attention to a great buying experience... Highly recommend, well worth the trip!!!"

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2026 K5 EX cost?

MSRP is $34,990 plus the $1,245 destination charge, before New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax — the highest of the four 2026 K5 trims. See the pricing guide for the full ladder.

Is the K5 EX a luxury car?

Not in the traditional luxury-brand sense, but EX's equipment list — panoramic roof, Bose audio, ventilated seats, Surround View Monitor — reaches well into features you'd otherwise pay a premium badge for, at a mainstream sedan's price.

Does the EX have the GT's turbo engine?

No. EX uses the same 191-hp 2.5-liter and eight-speed automatic as the LXS and GT-Line. Buyers who want the 290-hp turbo and dual-clutch transmission should look at the GT trim.

Can I get the EX with all-wheel drive?

No. EX is front-wheel drive only for 2026. The only K5 trim offered with AWD is the GT-Line.

Where can I test drive an EX near Lakewood?

Check live EX inventory at DiFeo Kia on Ocean Ave, or book a test drive to try the ventilated seats and Bose system firsthand.

The bottom line

EX is the K5 for buyers who read "top trim" as "most comfortable," not "most powerful" — a panoramic roof, premium audio, and cabin tech that punches above a mainstream sedan's price, at the top of the range by dollars, not by horsepower.