DecodedCarsDodge Charger vs Kia K5
2026 Dodge Charger vs 2026 Kia K5 — two large cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Kia K5 is more fuel-efficient: 30 vs 20 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,450 a year less in fuel for the Dodge Charger (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Kia K5 has had fewer recall campaigns (9 vs 44).
The two cars
The 2026 Dodge Charger is a large car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 207 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,826 lb (2dr Coupe).
The 2026 Kia K5 is a large car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 37 highway), 16% better than the 2026 large car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
Buying used? The 2023 Charger and the 2024 K5 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Charger and the 2021 K5.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Dodge Charger if…
- You want an EV with more range (295 miles)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Kia K5 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (30 vs 20 MPG)
- You put reliability history first (9 vs 44 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Dodge Charger
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 23% below the 2026 large car average of 25.9 MPG.
2026 Kia K5
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2026 large car (25.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Dodge Charger specs →Full 2026 Kia K5 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →