2021 Kia K5

For years the Kia K5’s predecessor, the Optima, played second fiddle to its more-popular sister sedan, the Hyundai Sonata. The K5 looks to break out of that understudy role with styling and interior design that grab the spotlight among family sedans.

Value is another familiar proposition for Kia, and the K5 doesn’t disappoint. It’s $24,455 base price (for the LX model) undercuts a 2021 Honda Accord by $1,270, and a 2021 Toyota Camry by about $1,500. The K5’s trim levels include the base LX ($24,455), LXS (at $25,455), a sportier GT-Line ($26,355), a luxurious EX ($28,955) that can be upgraded with a $3,400 Premium Package and the performance-oriented GT ($31,455).

The fifth and range-topping GT trim, from $31,455, will make waves with a turbocharged, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a sophisticated dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission, a rarity in the mainstream segment. Those burly horsepower and torque figures top any four-cylinder engine in its midsize class and should help the K5 GT scoot to 60 mph in less than six seconds. 

The K5 takes its head-turning cues from the pricier Kia Stinger. The K5’s gym-toned bodywork, long clamshell hood, “Tiger face” front end and Z-shaped running lights add up to a midsize sedan that’s anything but vanilla. Aggressive air “intakes” in the front bumper aren’t functional but the look echoes pricier sport sedans.

The interior is an overachiever as well. As with Kia’s Telluride SUV, the cabin feels like something from a pricier car. Tasteful design meets evident craftsmanship. 

Switches and controls look and feel substantial. Materials are well-chosen, including the leather-wrapped steering wheel and red upholstery of the GT-Line model. Front seats are comfortable and supportive. It’s sear seats aren’t the roomiest in the class, offering only 35.2 inches of legroom, but are okay for a pair of taller adults. And the 16-cubic-foot trunk is enormous. 

The mid-range K5 GT-Line strikes a smart balance of price and features. Standard gear includes 18-inch wheels, LED fog lamps and taillamps, five USB ports, dual-zone climate control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Unfortunately the wireless version of the ubiquitous platforms only is offered on the smaller 8-inch screen. Including a $1,600 Premium Package—with a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging and forward collision-avoidance system—it’s a whole lot of sedan for an out-the-door price of $28,400. 

The K5 EX adds an especially intuitive 10.3-inch touchscreen (up from 8.0 inches on other trims), a standard panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Bose audio system and heated-and-ventilated front seats. 

Kia’s standard DriveWise suite of advanced driver-assistance safety technology brings an array of advanced driver assistance tech, including collision avoidance assists for the front, blind-spot, and rear cross-traffic areas; lane-keeping and lane-following systems, safe-exit assist, a driver-attention warning and automatic high beams. 

The optional smart cruise control worked especially well in heavy traffic, smoothly regulating speed and steering to keep the K5 centered in its lane.

Except for the potent GT model, every K5 is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo four with 180 horsepower and 195-pound feet of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The non-GT models aim for the great middle of family cars, with reasonable acceleration (zero to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds) and a soft, commuter-friendly ride. The overall K5 driving experience is pleasant at all times, but not remotely sporty. The Honda Accord or Mazda6 are better choices for drivers who want fun, frisky performance. 

The K5 presses its own competitive case not with high performance, but with bold design, an upscale interior and generous features at a compelling price. For the majority of family-car buyers, that’s enough to make the K5 worth a second look.