Children don't sketch SUVs in study hall and car designers don't spend years in school working their way up to studio boss to figure out how to draw a grille and headlights on a potato. The designers we know dream of penning performance cars, and while the 2021 Kia K5 isn't exactly that, it definitely looks like one.
"Longer and lower with a wider track" sounds like a Chevy ad from the '50s, but those descriptors belong to Kia's mid-size sedan, too. Compared with the Optima it replaces, the K5 measures two inches longer and nearly an inch lower and has an extra 0.8 inch between the tires. The proportions and design yield a striking car that belies its front-drive layout, the $24,455 starting price. We drove a GT-Line model with an asking price of $27,955, but a mechanically identical EX went to the test track and that's where the numbers came from. Aesthetes who find the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry too common might not turn their noses up at the K5.
While the styling pleases eyes, the K5 is satisfying in many other ways. The base engine is a 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four shared with the Sonata, and it's paired to an eight-speed automatic—no rubber-band CVT here. Shifts are smooth and quick, and the right gears are called up without any fuss. Low-end torque feels more abundant than its peak of 195 pound-feet at 1500 rpm indicates, and the turbo makes itself felt right away. Stomp it and the K5 gets to 60 in 7.0 seconds.
Venture beyond 5000 rpm and the engine moans, something you won't hear in an Accord. Driven more sedately, the K5 hums 67 decibels of sound into the cabin at 70 mph. All GT-Line and EX models have the same suspension tuning as the base K5, but they use 18-inch wheels with wider Pirelli all-season tires than the entry trim's 16s. Sharp impacts expose a lack of isolation. While not a deal breaker, it's worth noting that an Accord sops up the same hits with less coarseness. It's likely the shorter sidewalls of the 18-inch wheels and the one-size-fits-all tuning are to blame. The steering is both unerringly stable at highway speeds and deft and responsive when you're sawing through a canyon road or interesting on-ramp.
A radically angled windshield lends a sports-car mood to the driving experience, and the seating position is excellent. Rear-seat space is generous and comfortable. A 10.3-inch touchscreen is available on some trim levels, but the GT-Line comes with an 8.0-inch screen. Both sprout out of the dash and are flanked by physical buttons that make switching between functions easy. The instrument panel has a BMW-ness to it, and material quality throughout the cabin is good. Apple and Android phone mirroring is wireless on all models with the standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen, but strangely, you'll need a cable if you upgrade to the 10.3-incher.
The K5 inches closer to the Accord's ability to deliver everyday joy. A bit of suspension tuning to increase isolation and refinement would give it the manners to match its designer looks.
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Kia K5 1.6T
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
EX $32,355, GT-Line $27,955(base price: $24,455)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
98 in3, 1598 cm3
Power
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.0-in vented disc/11.2-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season, 235/45R-18 94V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 193.1 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger volume: 102 ft3
Trunk volume: 16 ft3
Curb weight: 3233 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.0 sec
100 mph: 18.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.4 sec
1/4 mile: 15.5 sec @ 92 mph
Top speed (mfr's claim): 128 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 31/27/37 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Tony Quiroga
Editor-in-Chief
Tony Quiroga is an 18-year-veteran Car and Driver editor, writer, and car reviewer and the 19th editor-in-chief for the magazine since its founding in 1955. He has subscribed to Car and Driver since age six. "Growing up, I read every issue of Car and Driver cover to cover, sometimes three or more times. It's the place I wanted to work since I could read," Quiroga says. He moved from Automobile Magazine to an associate editor position at Car and Driver in 2004. Over the years, he has held nearly every editorial position in print and digital, edited several special issues, and also helped produce C/D's early YouTube efforts. He is also the longest-tenured test driver for Lightning Lap, having lapped Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course more than 2000 times over 12 years.
FAQs
Summary: Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Are 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line good cars? ›
While the K5 isn't particularly entertaining to drive, its standard powertrain and hushed cabin provide a refined experience. The 290-hp GT model comes with performance equipment that provides blazing acceleration, but the added potency is prone to overpowering the front tires.
Is the 2021 Kia K5 GT-line fast? ›
With the proper configuration and driving conditions, the K5 should max out at about 155 miles per hour. Unless you are planning on traveling on the Autobahn or a local racetrack, you won't want to reach this speed, but it is still nice to know that this Kia sedan packs a powerful punch under the hood.
Will there be a 2025 Kia K5 GT-line? ›
The price of the 2025 Kia K5 starts at $28,145 and goes up to $35,645 depending on the trim and options. For those who don't care about the extra firepower that comes with the GT's 290-hp engine, the GT-Line has a satisfying mix of racy styling elements at a very attractive price.
What is the transmission problem on the Kia K5? ›
(Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power. Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary.
Is the Kia K5 GT dependable? ›
The 2024 Kia K5 has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the difference between K5 GT Line 2021 and 2022? ›
While both the base LX and LXS trims feature the old 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, the GT-Line and upper-level trims now feature a 10.3-inch version. Welcome features such as connectivity to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain in all models of the 2022 K5 from the 2021 model year.
Is a Kia K5 GT line fast? ›
Along with its exclusive eight-speed automatic (with the same wet dual-clutch as the Hyundai Sonata N Line), the sportiest K5 is fitted with bigger brakes, a unique suspension tune, and wider tires on larger 19-inch rims. The GT we drove sprinted to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and stopped from 70 mph in 163 feet.
How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia K5? ›
Used 2021 Kia K5 Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) |
|---|
| LXS Sedan 4D | $25,585 | $22,138 |
| GT-Line Sedan 4D | $26,485 | $23,579 |
| EX Sedan 4D | $29,085 | $24,152 |
| GT Sedan 4D | $31,585 | $25,737 |
1 more rowThe Kia K5 GT has a projected 155 mile per hour top speed. That's basically double the top speed limit seen on US highways, so you should never come across a moment when you're needing more pace on the highway. And considering it also has passengers in the back seat, that's also a feat.
While the GT trim is only available in front-wheel drive, the GT-Line comes with the option of all-wheel drive. The GT-Line, with a starting MSRP of $26,090 for front-wheel drive, also offers a GT-Line with all-wheel drive which has a starting MSRP of $27,690.
What is the difference between Kia K5 GT and GT line? ›
The Kia K5 GT stands as a pinnacle of automotive technology, offering unparalleled performance and value. While the allure of the track-worthy K5 GT is undeniable, the Kia K5 GT-Line presents an enticing option with the flexibility of all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, catering to the demands of Venice journeys.
Which Kia K5 has 290 horsepower? ›
Treat yourself to enhanced power in the top-tier Kia K5 GT trim. You can leverage our current Kia K5 lease deals to get inside this muscular new FWD model, where you'll gain a fierce 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 290 horsepower and an impressive 311 pound-feet of torque.
Is the Kia K5 considered a sports car? ›
The K5's aggressive styling might suggest it's sportier than usual, but that's simply not the case. We'd call the steering and handling par for the course. But perhaps what's more important is the K5 is easy to drive.
Does the Kia K5 have any recalls? ›
Kia has issued a recall for about 189,000 K5 sedans from model years 2021-2023 because their side curtain airbags may not deploy correctly in an accident.
What is the recall on the Kia 2021? ›
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
How do I check if my Kia has a recall? ›
Typically, you will hear directly from your dealer about any vehicle recalls. However, you can also find out for yourself. If your Kia vehicle is impacted you can find out easily by plugging in your vehicle identification number into the Kia Owner Portal or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) .
What recalls are in the Kia lawsuit? ›
Kia agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve a lawsuit claiming some of its vehicles have engine defects that can lead to failure and other risks. According to the class action lawsuit, the vehicles involved suffer from a defect linked to the engine's connecting rod bearing.
