2023 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Honda Accord Comparison – Kelley Blue Book

The 2023 Honda Accord is a brand-new version of one of the world’s best-known midsize sedans. The 2023 Kia K5 is less well-known but may be a better choice for some buyers. They offer similar feature lists, prices, and passenger space, so it makes sense for shoppers to compare them. But their differences make them right for different shoppers. Let’s explore how.

2023 Kia K5

Almost every automaker produces a midsize sedan. The 2023 Kia K5 distinguishes itself with style and a strong value proposition. Sporty styling, a high-tech interior, and optional high-performance editions make it a good choice for those who want to enjoy their commute. Optional all-wheel drive (AWD) gives it a competitive advantage. K5 prices start at $25,290.

Kia K5 Highlights

Available all-wheel drive: Honda declined to build an AWD version of the 2023 Accord. Kia offers it on the K5 GT-Line. Depending on the weather where you live, that fact may make this decision for you.

Optional high-output engine: Kia increasingly caters to those who love to drive. With the K5, that means power. The 290-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-line K5 GT is one of the only options in this class that pushes close to 300 horsepower and outclasses anything in the Accord’s arsenal.

Superb warranty: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty gives you two additional years’ worth of protection. Its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty lasts twice as long as Honda’s.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the K5 models for sale near you.

2023 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is the quintessential midsize family car. It’s all-new for 2023, with simple-but-tasteful styling and almost full-size dimensions that mean lots of rear-seat space. Lower-priced models get the kind of 4-cylinder engine typical in this class, but upper trims get a standard hybrid powertrain. Prices start at $27,295.

Honda Accord Highlights

Its reputation comes with it: Honda has been known for bulletproof reliability and strong resale values for generations. The 2023 model is a new design, so we can’t swear yet that it will repeat as the winner of our Best Resale Value Award among midsize cars. But the last Accord won it, and the new one is probably not worse.

Hybrid options: The four best-equipped trim levels of the 2023 Accord — the Sport, EX-L, Sport L, and Touring — all come standard with a hybrid powertrain. Depending on trim level, it’s good for either 44 or 48 mpg combined, saving you money at the pump compared to the K5.

Traffic Jam Assist: One of our favorite new technologies, Traffic Jam Assist takes over some of the work of driving in heavy traffic. It can slow the car to a stop, accelerate to 45 mph, and make slight steering corrections to hold the car’s position in traffic as long as the driver is ready to take over when prompted. If your commute regularly involves tiring bumper-to-bumper traffic, it’s a marvelous relief.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Accord models for sale near you.

Similarities

The base models of these two cars are similar — similar prices, similar dimensions, and similar power. It’s once you start climbing to higher trims that they start to take on different personalities.

Conclusion

Most automakers can build you a comfortable midsize sedan that will last for many years and cause you little trouble. But their personalities can be surprisingly different. The 2023 Honda Accord is comfortable, competent, and steady, with hybrid power that saves you gas money at higher trims. The 2023 Kia K5 can be more fun, with sportier looks and a much more powerful engine option. Buyers can also make a strong value argument for the Kia thanks to its exceptional warranty protection.

Which set of traits works for you is a personal decision. You’re unlikely to go wrong with either of these.

Specifications