Kia K5 Spied With Hybrid Power in US Testing, Ready to Take on Camry and Accord

Kia is preparing a significant update for its K5 sedan, and new spy photos suggest it will finally bring a hybrid option to the US market. CarBuzz photographers recently caught a test vehicle in Arizona and Nevada, where the automaker was checking its performance in extreme heat.

This time, the team managed to get a camera underneath the car and spotted bright orange cable insulation, a clear sign of high-voltage wiring, meaning the prototype is either a hybrid or an electric vehicle. Given that Kia already sells plenty of EVs and the amount of cable was limited, the report concludes this is a K5 hybrid, a version not currently offered in the US.

0-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 192 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic. It's too early to confirm if the US version will use the same setup, but the report says no change is expected. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which shares the same platform, uses this system and boosts fuel economy from 32 mpg combined in the gas-only model to 51 mpg in the hybrid.

The K5's exterior updates include new front fenders, silver lower trim, and the removal of the Tiger Nose grille. Inside, a version of Hyundai Group's Pleos infotainment system is expected, offering smoother and faster performance with more tech features.

The orange wiring is a safety requirement, high-voltage cables must have extra insulation and bright sheathing to alert first responders. As one of the last traditional sedans in its class, the K5's lack of a hybrid was notable, especially since the Honda Accord offers one and the Toyota Camry is now fully hybrid.

The updated K5 is expected to launch in 2027 as a 2028 model.