Kia confirms second K5 facelift for 2027 with hybrid and PHEV options

Kia has confirmed a second facelift for the Kia K5 sedan, a move that will keep the model in production at least through 2030. The project, internally coded DL3 PE2, is already underway, with the refreshed version slated to reach the market in the first half of 2027. Annual output is targeted at more than 80,000 units.

The decision reflects the slowdown in the global shift to electric vehicles and the rising interest in hybrids. Against that backdrop, Kia is taking the pragmatic route by extending the life of existing models instead of committing to costly platform changes.

The updated Kia K5 will retain a broad mix of powertrains. The lineup is expected to include gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, allowing it to adapt to different markets and emissions requirements. In effect, the model fits neatly into the trend for budget-friendly hybrids as a middle ground between traditional cars and full EVs.

The current-generation Kia K5 debuted in 2019 and received its first facelift in 2023. Despite the dominance of crossovers, the sedan maintains steady demand, selling more than 3,000 units per month in Korea. That momentum supports Kia’s decision to keep the model in the lineup and strengthens the brand’s position in the 2026 new-car segment.