a Kia K5 GT. The starting price for the top-tier K5 GT variant is $31,190. The GT has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
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The Kia K5 is turbo, right?
A 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automated transmission powers the majority of K5 variants. Front-wheel drive is the engine’s default setup; all-wheel drive is an option, although not available on the GT variant. The 180-horsepower, front-drive K5 we tested had good acceleration in town, and our testing showed a 7.0-second sprint to 60 mph. At highway speeds, though, it was less spectacular because passing took more time. Nevertheless, thanks to a reliable transmission and a well-insulated cabin, the engine noise was usually kept to a low roar. The 2.5-liter turbo-four in the full-Monty GT model is more potent and produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The sportiest K5 is equipped with bigger brakes, a special suspension tuning, and wider tires on larger 19-inch wheels in addition to its specialized eight-speed automatic (with the same wet dual-clutch as the Hyundai Sonata N Line). The GT we were driving reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and came to a complete stop from 70 mph in 163 feet. The Sonata N Line stopped even quicker and reached 60 mph in in 5.0 seconds (152 feet). Although the Kia only comes with all-season tires, the high-performance Hyundai we tested had optional summer tires as well, which added to its performance edge.
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.
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.
What K5 has the best speed?
The quicker variant of the K5 is the Kia K5 GT. The GT comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter beast of a four-cylinder that, quite honestly, is nearly too powerful for the front-wheel-drive chassis that supports it, in contrast to the other variants, which have a 180-horsepower 1.6-liter inline-four. The GT lacks AWD options, unlike the GT-Line, and only comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You need to know more than simply how well the transmission shifts and manages the power, so don’t worry.
How Much Power Does the Kia K5 GT Have?
The 2.5-liter inline-four engine in the Kia K5 Gt produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, which is about as much power as a FWD sedan can comfortably handle. The Sonata N-Line, its cousin, is powered by the same engine and produces the same amount of power, while the Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo, the next-best rival (aside from more expensive luxury vehicles, of course), has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 236 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque.
How Fast is the Kia K5 GT?
Interestingly, the Sonata N-Line, the GT’s cousin, completes the identical sprint in 5.0 seconds, which is two seconds faster than the GT. However, this sprint was recorded with an experienced driver at the wheel and may not be as likely in the real world. The race from 0 to 60 mph in the Altima SR VC-T takes 5.8 seconds, which is still impressive but well behind what the Hyundai and Kia pair have to offer.
Does the Kia K5 GT Get Good Fuel Economy?
The Kia K5 GT achieves decent fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg overall, but it falls a bit short of what the cheaper K5 models have to offer. The Sonata N-Line has the same fuel efficiency figures as the Sonata, with the exception of its highway rating of 33 mpg. With regard to the Altima VC-T, its improved economy25 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the interstate, and 29 mpg overallmakes up for its lack of power.
What’s It Like to Drive The Kia K5 GT?
The Kia K5 GT, a sporty four-door sedan, is undeniably capable of meeting your needs for speed on the weekends and family transportation during the workweek. It does, however, have certain fundamental problems that Hyundai isn’t fixing for whatever reason. The absence of AWD is the biggest problem. As I previously mentioned, the weight shift from the front to the back under hard acceleration means that 290 horsepower very well strains the limits of what a FWD sedan can handle. As a result, if you lower the throttle in modes like sport mode that eliminate traction control, you’ll be able to perform some fairly intense burnouts. That’s entertaining, but when we try to accelerate quickly from roughly 40 mph on wet roads, we also encounter some severe wheel spin. Fortunately, nothing horrible occurred, although the GT may lose traction quickly on wet roads and without traction control. Although the engine is very responsive and there is no delay between pressing the pedal and taking off, you will notice that the traction control takes a few seconds to engage, even when it is turned on.
However, the transmission is a significant victory and shouldn’t be discounted. The eight-speed DCT in the K5 GT is quick and silky smooth, with rev-matched downshifts that are just about perfect, but we still prefer three pedals. For once, we even enjoyed using the paddle shifters, which is something we typically just dismiss as a gimmick installed for certain people to use while driving while bored. Under heavy use, the brakes inspire a wonderful sense of confidence, but Kia should have strengthened the suspension more. The car doesn’t drive poorly, but it might be much more controlled when making heavier, faster turns. Sincerely, it reminds me of the times when I neglected to modify the suspension and instead spent all my money on engine modifications. Overall, it’s a fun car to drive, albeit it can also be a little gimmicky and take some getting used to.