2021 Kia K5 Test Drive Review: Getting So Much Right (2024)

by Jared Rosenholtz

The Kia Optima arrived on the market way back in 2000 as a Korean alternative to midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. After four generations spanning two decades, Kia has retired the Optima nameplate in favor of the globally-used K5 moniker for 2021. Kia says the shift to K5 reflects how different this new model is compared to the outgoing Optima. The 2021 Kia K5 arrives at a time when sedans sales are trailing off in favor of crossovers. Still, Kia is confident that its latest model has what it takes to steal sales from the established nameplates, including its platform stablemate, the Hyundai Sonata.

A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serves as the base engine in all trims, save for the sporty GT model, which gets a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developing 290 horsepower. Power in the non-GT models can be routed to the front wheels or optional all-wheel-drive through an eight-speed automatic, while the GT model sends its grunt to the front wheels exclusively. New engines aren't the only items on the menu for 2021, as the K5 boasts bold new styling, a clever interior, and outstanding technology. We were sent two examples of the K5 (a GT-Line and EX) to review and came away thinking that there could be a new class leader in the midsize sedan segment.

• Passion Red +$445
• Glacial White Pearl +$445
• Wolf Gray +$445
• Sapphire Blue
• Ebony Black
• Crystal Beige, Available: 10/01/2020
• Everlasting Silver
• Gravity Gray

• 

  Engines

  1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

• 

  Transmission

  8-Speed Automatic

• 

  Drivetrains

  AWD, FWD

The K5 won't set the world aflame with its handling prowess, but it rides comfortably over bumps and exhibits luxury levels of road noise at highway speeds. There's plenty of body roll from both the GT-Line and EX (which have identical suspension setups), so driving enthusiasts will want to wait for the sportier GT model. Drivers can adjust the engine, transmission, steering, and AWD (if equipped) using the included Normal, Smart, Sport, and Custom modes. The GT will also get a Sport + Mode.

There is a noticeable difference between Normal and Sport, and Smart Mode accurately switches between the two based on your driving patterns. Steering is light in all modes, but the effort weighs up noticeably in Sport Mode. Piloting the K5 around bends feels like a pleasant experience thanks to accurate steering, but we wouldn't go so far as to call it sporty. We didn't have the chance to sample the AWD K5, but there isn't enough power on tap to do more than chirp the front tires with the base engine, so AWD will likely be a cold weather play. We suspect the K5 GT will take a competent driver and inject more fun to the mix.

• 

  Trunk Volume

  16 ft³

• Basic:

  5 Years\60,000 Miles

• Drivetrain:

  10 Years\100,000 Miles

• Corrosion:

  5 Years\100,000 Miles

• Roadside Assistance:

  5 Years\60,000 Miles

Objectively, the Kia K5 does not feel like a radical departure from the Optima that it replaces. It's a midsize sedan with 180 horsepower, so it's not going to feel like a supercar suddenly. But in every little detail, Kia has scored an A+ rating, making it feel like a segment leader. Whether it's the cleverly-placed wireless charger, the intuitive infotainment, or just how well-laid out the cabin is, Kia has got everything right.

Nameplates like Accord, Altima, and Camry have longer track records to rely on, but the Kia K5 enters as a healthy alternative with an attractive price point and even more attractive bodywork. Kia manages to undercut the competition on price without the K5 feeling in any way "lesser" than its competitors. In fact, the established marques should start copying off the K5's notes. For that reason, the K5 is now our favorite vehicle in the mainstream midsize sedan segment.

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