Starting at $23,790 is the K5. That’s a common starting price for a medium automobile. The starting price for the top-tier K5 GT trim is $31,190, which is cheaper than the top-trim cost for many other vehicles in this category.
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Is the Kia K5 an investment?
The Kia Optima enjoyed a prosperous run. However, the 2021 Kia K5 has formally taken its place. This brand-new midsize car not only provides a more enjoyable driving experience, but it also has additional inside space. The new K5’s thrilling appearance is sleek and athletic. Let’s see if the new K5 lives up to the anticipation.
The 2021 Kia K5 is completely redesigned, down to the mechanical components and available powertrains. It replaces the previous-generation Kia Optima.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Kia K5The Pros
1. Excellent Value
The new Kia K5 follows the same formula for success as the Optima. Buyers get a lot of value for their money. Prices for the new K5 begin at less than $24,500, which is competitively priced. The warranty on the majority of the K5’s competitors is considerably shorter. Buyers also receive a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty in addition to a 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. For a few years at least, drivers will be able to drive without anxiety.
Excellent List of Standard Equipment
The 2021 Kia K5 is an excellent value, which is further demonstrated by an impressive range of standard features. In no way does the entry-level K5 LX resemble the normal basic model in appearance or feel. Car buyers will notice the sedan’s standard LED multi-reflector headlamps and its beautiful alloy wheels before ever getting inside. An 8.0-inch touchscreen, excellent smartphone connectivity, and Bluetooth are some of the features that come as standard. Every new K5 is, of course, packed with the most recent advancements in safety.
3. Powerful and Affordable Base Powertrain
The standard powertrain for the K5 is expected to sell well. Without sacrificing any fuel efficiency, it provides an exhilarating performance. A new 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the vehicle. According to Kia, it will produce a class-best 195 pound-feet of torque and 180 horsepower. The upgraded, eight-speed automatic transmission drives the wheels. Speedy acceleration enables confidence highway merging. Fuel efficiency, meanwhile, peaks at a satisfying 38 mpg.
4. Has superior handling vs the Kia Optima
The previous Optima was lambasted by many automotive critics for having boring driving dynamics. Expect a far more enjoyable driving experience with the new K5. Road handling has significantly improved. The sedan performs gracefully for drivers thanks to a lower and broader stance. The K5 feels poised whether swerving through corners or changing lanes fast. Despite its sporty build, this sedan manages to provide a comfortable ride. It arrives prepared to travel on open roads.
5. Interesting GT Model
The majority of drivers will be content with the 2021 Kia K5 in its conventional form, but others will choose the more thrilling GT model. It has a more powerful 2.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. It has 290 horsepower, which increases the fun factor. The sedan’s potential to thrill drivers is further increased by a unique Quick Shift automatic transmission. According to Kia, the GT variant can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Kia provides the vehicle with a sports-calibrated suspension to provide precise handling.
6. Bold Exterior Design
Kia has developed a reputation for making beautiful automobiles over the years. The Kia K5 from 2021 is no different. Its striking external design will draw attention from passersby. The K5 impresses the audience with its sleek body and powerful front fascia. Sapphire Blue and Passion Red Tint Coat are just a couple of the stunning paint colors that are available. The GT-Line version, which comes with 18-inch sport wheels and more aggressive bumpers, is the choice of drivers looking for an even sportier appearance.
7. Extremely Wise Cruise Control
A lot of modern cars come with adaptive cruise control. But the Kia K5’s intelligent cruise control system can lessen driver weariness even more. The system has “curve control technology” in upgraded versions. It can recognize curves in the road with the aid of the navigation system the car has. This implies that as curves are approaching, the technology will automatically slow down the car. The drivers will value this opulent feature when on long vehicle trips.
8. Numerous Safety Components
The NHTSA has not yet given the 2021 Kia K5 an official safety rating, but it does provide a lot of cutting-edge safety technology. A collision is less likely to happen with standard forward collision braking that includes built-in bike and pedestrian detection. Additionally standard are active lane control and driver attention monitoring. Junction Turning, an option on higher trim levels, giving drivers extra security when performing a left turn. While reversing, available Parking Collision Avoidance Assist can step in to stop a collision.
9. A Comfy, Tech-Rich Interior
In the new K5, families will have more room to spread out while traveling. It has some of the best rear legroom in the segment. Both rows of seats offer exceptional comfort. Drivers will have access to contemporary technology as well. Wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available on even the most affordable model. The optional 10.25 display is particularly excellent thanks to split-screen capabilities even though the 8.0-inch touch display performs admirably. There is also a Bose premium sound system with active noise cancellation.
All-Wheel Drive
Kia previously exclusively produced vehicles with front-wheel drive. However, the new K5 can be equipped with an AWD system. For drivers that require additional traction in the winter, this is a major problem. The AWD system will automatically try to increase grip as snow starts to fall.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Kia K5The Cons
No manual transmission
The new K5 is marketed by Kia as a convertible sports sedan. Although this automobile is undoubtedly exciting, some drivers might choose to switch from the automatic to a conventional stick shift. Sadly, the K5 lineup does not include a manual-equipped variant. Drivers who enjoy manually shifting through gears want to think about the Honda Accord. The 2021 Kia Forte GT, which is a delightful vehicle in and of itself, is an additional option.
2. No option for a hybrid powertrain
The 2021 Kia K5 gets good gas mileage. Some drivers might still want a hybrid powertrain, though, for its efficiency. The hybrid variants offered by many of the K5’s primary rivals get at least a combined 40 mpg. The K5 doesn’t currently have a hybrid model, but it might do so in the future.
3. Some rear passengers may have trouble with the roofline’s slope.
The K5’s elegant design will appeal to a lot of people. However, some of your rear passengers might have a problem with it. Some people may find it more difficult to get in and out of the sedan due to its sloping roofline. When entering the cabin, they might have to duck. For individuals who are tall, this is especially true.
4. Questionable Reliability
Kia has a recent history of producing reliable automobiles. The previous generation Kia Optima was actually among the most dependable midsize sedans in America. The K5 is a brand-new model, nevertheless. It’s challenging to stop the long-term dependability of this car.
5. Some People Don’t Like Bold Style
The vast majority of prospective automobile buyers will adore the K5’s striking look. But some might think the sedan’s appearance is a little too extreme. a more opulent choice in the Volkswagen Passat 2021.
The best-selling family sedan for a very long time has been the Honda Accord. The spacious interior and rapid acceleration of the most recent version appeal to many drivers. Only the 2021 Kia K5 is available with all-wheel drive, though. The K5’s exceptional powertrain warranty, which offers an additional 40,000 miles of coverage, is another perk for buyers.
The Mazda 6 is praised for its dynamic handling and superb interior quality by auto critics. The new Kia K5, on the other hand, offers a higher fuel economy rating than the Mazda 6. Drivers should anticipate a harsher ride over deteriorated pavement from the sporty Mazda 6. The K5 is the best option overall in terms of value. Customers get a few additional features for their money as a result.
The Toyota Camry sells more units than any other midsize vehicle on the market. The performance of the Camry and the Kia K5 as a whole is comparable. However, Kia equips the K5 with a few unique safety features. A curve-adapting cruise control system, Safe Exit Assist, and a blind-spot camera system are a few of the available driving aids for the K5.
The popular Kia Optima is well-replaced by the brand-new 2021 Kia K5. It offers more passenger accommodation for families and has a more assertive appearance. Although the 290-horsepower GT model is the better option for drivers seeking more excitement, the base powerplant is more than adequate. The new Kia K5 handles astonishingly well in all configurations.
Drivers looking for a great deal should give the base K5 LX significant consideration. It boasts a contemporary touchscreen and forward collision braking, which are two features that the majority of people seek. Although the sedan’s long-term dependability is unknown, buyers can buy with confidence thanks to Kia’s exceptional warranty coverage.
What should I expect to pay for a 2021 Kia K5?
The 2021 Kia K5’s Edmunds Estimated Invoice Price for the LX base model with destination charge and popular options is $23,996. The amount a Kia dealership paid Kia for a 2021 K5 vehicle is known as the Edmunds Estimated Invoice Price for the 2021 Kia K5.
How much is a Kia K5 with all the options?
The $31,090 MSRP of the 2022 Kia K5 GT does have a lot going for it in terms of aesthetics. First, the looks, as we have mentioned. aggressive although not as overtly so as some sports sedans. It’s odd that the full-fat GT, unlike the K5 GT-Line, is actually front-wheel drive, but hey, there are still plenty of fantastic FWD sports sedans and hatchbacks. I’m addressing you, Honda Civic Type R.
When you review a spec sheet, the situation remains upbeat. A massive 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque are produced by the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission from Hyundai/Kia is coupled with everything. Additionally, the inside is improved over the original K5, with features like GT-specific seats and finer materials.
The Kia K5 is swift.
The 2022 Kia K5 GT is incredibly quick. With a top speed of 155 mph, it is quicker than the majority of German luxury vehicles now on the market and costs at least $10,000 more. While various independent tests have shown that the K5 GT can reach 60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds, the official time for acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is only 5.7 seconds.
Not only that. In independent testing approved by AMCI Testing, the Kia K5 establishes faster acceleration and better overall handling performance than the BMW 330i Sedan, demonstrating its status as a real sports sedan. Given its best-in-class 311 lb.-ft. of torque and responsive 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission, the K5 GT outperformed the BMW 330i Sedan by 0.28 seconds at 060 acceleration.
Additionally, it outperforms the BMW 330i Sedan at quarter-mile top speed, achieving a terminal speed of 103.3 mph and completing the race in just 14.2 seconds. The K5 GT’s all-new chassis, Pirelli P-ZEROTM All-Season Tires, and sports-tuned suspension allow the vehicle achieve a superior overall handling performance and a maximum dry cornering G-force capability. The K5 GT also boasts higher handling performance in both wet and dry circumstances.
What issues is the Kia K5 experiencing?
A particular model year 2021 Sorento and 20212022 K5 equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines are being recalled by Kia Motor America (Kia). The pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail is susceptible to fuel leaks. Fuel leaks have the effect of raising the likelihood of a fire.
Is the Kia K5 fuel-efficient?
The Kia K5’s gas mileage with the basic turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine is an excellent 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway. In fact, the entire 2022 Kia K5 trim selection is characterized by strong performance and good mileage!
Are KIAS still valuable?
We’ll venture the bold assumption that you’ll want to sell your car for as much money as you can. You want to recover as much of the cost of the investment as you can because it was expensive. All cars lose value over time, but some do it more quickly than others.
IntelliChoice calculated the average retained values for a brand’s full model portfolio over a five-year period to find out. These estimates allow us to identify which manufacturers’ vehicles have better depreciation resistance. Let’s talk about the automobile brands that lose value more quickly now that we’ve determined which ones do so the best.
Mini: 50.4 Percent Retained Value
A fairly, well, small percentage of drivers are drawn to Mini automobiles because of its size, which lives up to its name. Models with charming aesthetics and nimble handling, like the retro Cooper, sporty Countryman crossover, or funky Clubman wagon, attract drivers with an eye for fashion and a sense of adventure but, more crucially, who can manage their diminutive dimensions. However, doubts about future worth may put buyers’ first enchantment to rest. The Countryman and Clubman receive a Poor five-year cost of ownership rating from IntelliChoice. Furthermore, we weren’t too impressed by the brand’s recent attempts at electrification. As joyful as Mini’s cars are to look at and drive, the brand’s market position is indicated by its value retention rate of 50.4%.
Mazda: 49.3 Percent Retained Value
Mazda doesn’t compare to other Japanese brands in terms of name recognition, lineup diversity, or value despite producing some of the best-looking and best-driving mainstream cars on the market. Even though the Mazda3 and Miata have sizable fan groups, those and other models may place a greater emphasis on driving characteristics than general utility. The Mazda6 lagged behind rival sedans until it was recently discontinued, while the CX-30 and CX-9 are less adaptable than rival crossovers. Although we usually love driving a Mazda, its value retention rate of 49.3 percent isn’t as high as that of its primary rivals. Possibly the brand’s next, higher-end vehicles will hold their value longer.
Kia: 47.7 Percent Retained Value
Kia has put a lot of effort into keeping up with its rivals in terms of quality, dynamics, and design. Want proof? The Sorento is back and even better than before, the Telluride won our competition for SUV of the Year, and the Optima’s makeover into the K5 gave this sedan new life. However, despite their appeal in other areas, Kia’s automobiles behind with an average value retention rate of 47.7% during a five-year period. Despite its extensive standard warranty and genuinely enticing options, that is the case. Even while we enjoy driving the Telluride and the sporty Stinger, Kia still needs to improve as evidenced by their respective Mediocre and Poor IntelliChoice scores.
Hyundai: 47.1 Percent Retained Value
Hyundai strives to match the reputation for quality and durability of Toyota and Honda, much like its corporate rival Kia. The long-term value proposition of Hyundai doesn’t appear to have been significantly impacted by a lengthy warranty or a group of very regarded experts. Models like the Sonata, Palisade, and Tucson serve as indicators of how far the brand’s products have come. However, Hyundai’s 47.1 retained value % suggests that it needs to do more to earn the trust of customers who value their money.
Volkswagen: 46.9 Percent Retained Value
Volkswagen’s image for quality suffered as a result of the Dieselgate incident, even though the company didn’t have a very strong one to begin with. Volkswagen lacks American and Asian rivals in mass-market appeal, even with more recent models like the Tiguan or Atlas, which only manage Average or Mediocre IntelliChoice value scores depending on trim. A shorter warranty is detrimental to its cause. Volkswagen is planning a number of electric vehicles, which might assist the company’s current 46.9% value retention percentage.
Nissan: 45.6 Percent Retained Value
Nissan has struggled to gain momentum and maintain its competitive position after a high-level organizational restructuring. It is currently working on refreshing its stale lineup. We were impressed by some of those efforts, like the Rogue and Sentra. Others, such as the legendary Z sports vehicle or the Pathfinder, stop at simply spiffing up antiquated platforms and engines. Despite the merits of Nissan’s engineering advancements, only a small percentage of its vehicles receive Good IntelliChoice value scores; the majority are ranked at Average, Mediocre, or Poor in terms of ownership costs. Nissan has a dismal 45.6 percent average value retention over a five-year period.
Buick: 42.3 Percent Retained Value
What does Buick mean today? Buick doesn’t seem to be confident in itself. Due to the brand’s current inventory consisting solely of SUVs, its tradition of opulent vintage sedans has come to an end. All of those models aren’t particularly terrible, but they don’t do much to change the outdated perception of Buick. Additionally, Buick’s uncertain positioning does not help. Does it aim for real luxury to compete with the best in the field, or does it aim for a premium experience at entry-level pricing? We believe Buick requires revival and a more focused course. If and when it occurs, it might improve the lineup’s average value retention, which is 42.3 percent.
Mitsubishi: 41.3 Percent Retained Value
Many of the Mitsubishi vehicles we’ve evaluated are affordable, but not just financially. We’ve encountered subpar engineering and craftsmanship in Mitsubishi cars, which leads to dull driving experiences. The Mirage and Eclipse Cross are among the least expensive options in their respective sectors, which is obvious from their flimsy construction and crude driving characteristics. The previous Outlander’s available electric driving range deserves praise, but the revised three-row SUV falls short of expectations. Mitsubishi’s value retention rate of 41.3% is significantly lower than that of other brands. Every other Mitsubishi has a Mediocre or Poor IntelliChoice ownership rating, leaving just the outdated Outlander Hybrid.
Chrysler: 40.2 Percent Retained Value
Any carmaker would find it challenging to maintain a two-model lineup, especially if those options are designed to compete in some of the least-wanted segments of the market. But Chrysler is going in that direction. Despite having advantages of its own, the 300 sedan and Pacifica minivan just do not appeal to the tastes of contemporary drivers. Only a layer of gradual improvements can hide the 300’s deterioration. Considering that it is a minivan, the Pacifica (and its fleet-only Voyager counterpart) is actually rather decent. Although Chrysler’s future is uncertain, introducing models that are contemporary in design could increase the lineup’s average value retention rate of 40.2%.
Fiat: 39.5 Percent Retained Value
Fiat’s tiny, quirky cars briefly appeared ready to inject some Italian panache into the compact car market. But that period has passed, and it is now clear that Fiats are less attractive than they once were. The 500X subcompact crossover is the only vehicle currently offered by the brand. Its cute design and standard AWD can’t make up for its sloppy driving manners and shoddy construction. Fiat’s abysmal 39.5 percent retention rate is the weakest among major brands because the 500X symbolizes the complete lineup.