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.
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.
Is the 2021 Kia K5 a reliable car? ›
The 2021 Kia K5 has a predicted reliability score of 79 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.
How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Kia K5 GT-line get? ›
2021 Kia K5 GT-Line: Turbocharged 1.6L 4-Cylinder — EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/37 mpg highway.
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.
What is the recall on the Kia K5 engine? ›
Summary: Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
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.
What is the difference between Kia K5 GT and GT-Line? ›
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 the Kia K5 and the Kia K5 GT line? ›
The 2024 Kia K5 GT outperforms the other K5 trims in many ways. Its larger, more powerful 2.5-liter engine produces an extra 110 horsepower and substantially more torque than the 1.6-liter motor on the other trims.
Does Kia K5 hold its value? ›
When new, a typically-equipped KIA K5 sells for $30,201 on average. After 5 years of depreciation, the average residual value will be $24,735.
2021 K5 Recalls
Power Train Automatic Transmission Recall (2022-10-10): Certain 2021-2023 K5s and 2021-2022 Sorentos could lose all power due to a problem with the transmission oil pump.
Are Kia K5 expensive to fix? ›
The average annual repair cost for a Kia is $474, which means it has above average ownership costs.
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.
How many miles can a Kia K5 go on a full tank? ›
The 2024 KIA K5 boasts a 15.8-gallon tank, and with its combined 31 mpg, the 2024 KIA K5 can travel 489 miles between fillups.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2021 Kia K5? ›
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2021 Kia K5 |
|---|
| Annual Fuel Cost* | $1,600 |
| Cost to Drive 25 Miles | $2.64 |
| Cost to Fill the Tank | $50 |
| Tank Size | 14.8 gallons |
7 more rowsLatest Kia Recalls
- 2020-2024 Kia Telluride Recall. ...
- 2022-2024 Kia EV6 Recall. ...
- 2019-2020 Kia K900 and 2018-2023 Stinger Recall. ...
- 2020 Kia Telluride Recall. ...
- 2023-2024 Kia Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival Recall. ...
- 2011 Kia Sorento Recall. ...
- 2009-2014 Kia Borrego Recall. ...
- Kia Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit 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) .
Why does my Kia K5 say consider taking a break? ›
If the DAW system is activated, the DAW information will appear on the LCD Display when you select the ASSIST mode. When the driver's attention level is below one bar, the message “Consider taking a break” appears on the LCD display and a warning sounds to suggest the driver take a break.
Is Kia stopping production of the K5? ›
Kia K5 is here to stay
It will be joined by the EV4, though information on the Tesla Model 3-sized electric sedan remains scant. However, interest in Kia sedans (electric and internal combustion) is so strong that the recently updated K5 may stick around for longer than expected, per a second report from Motor Trend.
 – Woorise Blog)
