Kia K5
The Kia K5, which first appeared in 2021, is a stylish new contender among affordable midsize sedans. With an appealing mix of features, comfort, and value, the K5 is a great option for anyone in need of an excellent family car with a budget-friendly price.
The Kia K5, which first appeared in 2021, is a stylish new contender among affordable midsize sedans. With an appealing mix of features, comfort, and value, the K5 is a great option for anyone in need of an excellent family car with a budget-friendly price.
The Kia K5 comes standard with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower. While it’s no hot rod, it does offer a nice balance of performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency. Those looking for more get-up-and-go should consider the GT version. Its larger 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 290 hp, placing it among the most potent in this class.
Inside the cabin, the K5 impresses with its upscale looks, abundant space, and plentiful features. Even the base model includes dual-zone automatic climate control as well as an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trims can be outfitted with additional luxuries such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control.
On the downside, some K5 owners complain that its sloping rear roofline impedes access to the back seats. They also note that equipping the sedan with the largest available wheels (19 inches) can compromise its otherwise smooth ride.
Kia K5 Model Lineup
The K5 is a midsize sedan that seats five. It slots between the compact Forte and the performance-oriented Stinger in Kia’s lineup of four-door cars. The K5 shares a platform and many mechanical components with the Hyundai Sonata, made by Kia’s sister company. Prior to 2021, the K5 was known as the Kia Optima.
Kia offers the K5 in a variety of trims, ranging from the base LX to the feature-packed EX to the sporty GT. All are equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine powering the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional on some trims. However, no hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions are currently available.
Popular Trims
Kia K5 Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2021
4.3
216 verified owner reviews
Top 2021 Reviews
Dorothy H. from IL
Verified Owner · Feb, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
Comfortable great safety features lousy stereo.
Rokesha E. from TN
Verified Owner · Feb, 2021
2021 Kia K5 AWD
Very cool vehicle has the whole futuristic thing on lock. Packed with a lot of tech features. If looking for performance this is not it has some passing capabilities but that's about it, more of a commuter car than anything. Has the cabin room to support nice size adults. Overall well put together, but I do feel Kia cheaped out on a few things such as the interior with hard touch plastic, and plain floor mats and then back up sensors should've been standard with all the other safety equipment it has. The sound system was not great at all, price point I paid for a full GT line should have had the Bose sound as well along with the memory seat. Their vehicle configuration could use some work.
Jared B. from FL
Verified Owner · Feb, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
It doesn't allow for dash Cams and Apple CarPlay simultaneously.
Jazmin O. from CA
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
The K5 is sleek, and reliable. It will have people turning their heads.
Alexia S. from CO
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
K5 attracts car thief's. Get an after market car alarm system! The car alarm didn't go off when getting broke into. Car doesn't have heated seats nor heated steering wheel, very basic for the price paid.
Timothy M. from FL
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
The Kia K5 is an excellent mid-tier sedan. It has all of the technology features you want and it doesn't look bad either. The interior is roomy and the trunk is rather large as well. For a family, this was the best decision I could have made.
Rhonda S. from ME
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
You will love it.
Thom H. from FL
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
The Kia K5 is an amazing sedan, both sporty and functional. It has enough performance to get your heart racing, and the technology and reliability of a Kia.
Anthony M. from CA
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
You will pay a lot more for all the bells and whistles you chose, and some of them have been a bit disappointing. Good warranty, spacious inside and very good styling. Also love the 10 inch screen.
Francis L. from AZ
Verified Owner · Jan, 2021
2021 Kia K5 FWD
Excellent safety features, quick, responsive, fun to drive, outstanding value!