Review: 2022 KIA K5 GT Mid-Size Sedan

The KIA K5 is a highly successful mid-sized sedan that began its life back in 2000 under many different nameplates, depending on what country you lived in. Here in the U.S., it was badged under the Optima nameplate. But with the release of the 5th generation in 2019, KIA made the decision to streamline all the name plates that had been used around the world and use the K5 name plate which was being used in the South Korea.

The all-new K5 sedan with its fastback-like profile is a great complement to the highly successful KIA Stinger hatchback that also has a sleek fastback design as well. I really like the look of this versatile and sporty sedan with its unique styling that features Z-shaped running lights, a textured grille, and a chrome strip that runs along the window line. The KIA engineers were clever in their design of the K5 with rear seats which can fold down like a hatchback, so individuals who prefer the styling and comfort of a sport sedan over a hatchback or SUV, can still have the versatility and extra trunk space of those other vehicles.

I actually took full advantage of this versatility recently when we made a run to the beach in the K5. We were able to fold down half of the rear seat unit so that we could pack a 10x10 pop up, two folding beach chairs, and two handheld bags that contained a beach rug, beach towels, and three blow ups. We also packed a 27-quart Tiaga cooler and another hand bag with snacks. We were only gone for the day; but if we had gone to the coast for a long weekend, there was still plenty of room for a couple suitcases.

Buyers can purchase the gas-powered K5 with either a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine or a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine. You will also be able to decide which drive train you prefer by choosing between the front wheel drive and the all wheel drive system. We had the 1.6 turbo AWD, and I was very pleased with its highway power and MPGs. I was able to easily keep pace with the Texas interstate drivers while not having to cut into my snack money for gas.

New for 2022, the K5 will display KIA's new bold badging along with a new GT-Line AWD Premium package with a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and LED projection headlights. Other new convenience features will include a surround view monitor, additional wireless chargers, and standard navigation. The K5 will also offer additional driver assistance features designed to unleash the spirit of the everyday driver including highway driving assist and navigation based smart cruise control-curve.

So if you are a sports sedan purist and are looking for a mid-size that acts and feels like a full-size, you might want to swing by and test drive the new K5.

As the Kia brand makes a momentous shift toward electrification with our next generation of vehicles, passenger safety remains a top priority. These eight TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ accolades from IIHS are the direct results of our commitment to delivering the highest standards for crash readiness, structural integrity and available safety systems for our customers.

Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia America, Kia North America

In the News

Source: KIA | The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized eight Kia vehicles—tied for second most in the industry—on its 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) and TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) awards lists. The Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival built after March 2021 (with specific headlights), Sportage, and Soul (with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights) all received TSP awards. The Kia K5 and Stinger sedans qualified as TSP+ winners. ... All 2022 TSP winners earned Good ratings in six crashworthiness tests—driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests—as well as an Advanced or Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations. In addition, the vehicle must have at least one available headlight system that earns a Good or Acceptable rating. For a TSP+ designation, the Good or Acceptable headlight system must be standard equipment.

Specifications

Engine: 290 horsepower 2.5L Turbo I-4
Torque: 195 pound-feet
Transmission: 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
Wheels: 19" Alloy
Sound: Bose Premium Audio
Color: Sapphire Blue
Fuel: 24/32/27 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $25,090

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
KIA

About KIA

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S. including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.