2025 Kia K5 vs. 2025 Lexus IS 300 Review

Picture of the 2025 Kia K5

2025 Kia
K5

MSRP*: $27,190 to $34,690
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Picture of the 2025 Lexus IS 300

2025 Lexus
IS 300

MSRP*: $40,435 to $46,520
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MPG - City 23 - 26 MPG 19 - 21 MPG
MPG - Hwy 33 - 37 MPG 26 - 31 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 191-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 290-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 241-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 260-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive
Horsepower 191 - 290 hp 241 - 260 hp
Exterior Length 193.1 in 185.4 in
Exterior Width 73.2 in 72.4 in
Leg Room Front 46.1 in
Rear 35.2 in
Front 44.8 in
Rear 32.2 in
Head Room Front 38.4 - 40.2 in
Rear 37.4 - 37.8 in
Front 38.2 in
Rear 36.9 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Due to its greater rear head- and legroom, backseat passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Kia K5 than the Lexus IS 300. The Kia K5 will be a favorite with taller drivers due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Lexus IS 300.

Convenience
The Kia K5 will require fewer stops at the gas station than the Lexus IS 300, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Based on MSRP, the Kia K5 is clearly a better financial choice over the Lexus IS 300.

Dimensions
The Kia K5 is a little wider than the Lexus IS 300, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Kia K5, which is slightly longer than the Lexus IS 300.

Handling
The Kia K5 has about the same turning radius as the Lexus IS 300, allowing equal maneuverability in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Kia K5 is significantly less powerful than the Lexus IS 300. The good news is that, reportedly, cars with lower horsepower engines often have lower insurance premiums.

Powertrain
The Kia K5 has much less torque than the Lexus IS 300, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Kia K5 and the Lexus IS 300.