Used 2021 Kia K5 for Sale nearColumbia, SC

Compare 2021 Kia K5 Trims in Columbia, SC

The 2021 Kia K5 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to sportier models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $16,500
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Most Popular: GT-Line FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

LXS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LXS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped sedan without breaking the bank. It offers great value with essential features.

• Avg. market price: $19,663 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 77 listings
• View LXS FWD listings

GT-Line FWD — "Who It's For"

The GT-Line FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish sedan with advanced tech features. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $21,245 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 249 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View GT-Line FWD listings

EX FWD — "Who It's For"

The EX FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a balance of luxury and affordability. It includes premium features without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $16,500 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 41 listings
• View EX FWD listings

GT-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The GT-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-weather capability without sacrificing style. It offers a sporty drive with added traction.

• Avg. market price: $19,663 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View GT-Line AWD listings

GT FWD — "Who It's For"

The GT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a performance-oriented sedan with premium features. It delivers a sporty experience with luxury touches.

• Avg. market price: $19,663 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 34 listings
• View GT FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — GT-Line FWD

With 249 active listings, the GT-Line FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse GT-Line FWD listings

Best Budget Option — EX FWD

At $16,500 avg market price — below the lineup median of $19,663 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse EX FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LXS FWD

The LXS FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 27/37 MPG.

Browse LXS FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Kia K5 cost?

Prices have softened 7.98% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,504 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Kia K5 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Kia K5 earns a 4.73/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its stylish design, smooth driving experience, and value for money. The expert review also highlights that it feels fresh rather than conventional, with a fun-to-drive character and broad appeal for shoppers who want a midsize sedan with personality.

The main trade-offs are that it drives less sporty than it looks and all-wheel drive is not available. In practical terms, that means you should expect style and comfort to lead the experience more than sharp handling.

The K5 is aimed at buyers who want a fresh, distinctive midsize sedan instead of a traditional family-car look. With 31.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some attractive opportunities.

Is the 2021 Kia K5 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.73/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback points to a car that many owners see as dependable and trouble-free, with praise for its smooth driving experience and value for money. The expert review also describes the K5 as a car that can be driven gingerly as a family sedan should, which supports the sense that it is built for everyday use rather than constant drama.

Kia’s five-year/60,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance adds another ownership advantage for used buyers. For long-term ownership, the main risk is less about outright durability and more about making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well and doesn’t have unresolved feature or usability issues.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Kia K5?

At 72.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a close inspection of body panels, paint match, and signs of prior repair. It also makes sense to focus on how the car’s features work in real use, since owners mention minor infotainment and usability issues. If you’re comparing multiple listings, condition and equipment level matter a lot because the K5’s appeal is tied closely to its style and feature content.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX comes with LED headlights, auto high beams, dual-zone climate control, lane-keep assist, an acoustic laminated windshield, and manual seats, but it does not include folding rear seats or push-button start. The LXS adds those essentials and also brings proximity entry, remote start, and Smart Trunk.
• Powertrain: The standard engine is a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. The GT trim adds a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
• Safety package: Forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor are standard. Blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist is standard on LXS and above, while cyclist detection and Junction Turning are included on the GT-Line Premium package.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The EX adds a 10-inch infotainment system with SiriusXM and UVO link, while the GT’s infotainment upgrade adds voice-command features and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Fuel efficiency: FWD models with the base engine are rated at 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. The AWD version drops to 26/34/29.

Which 2021 Kia K5 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Kia K5 is offered in 6 trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, GT-Line Premium, GT.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it leaves out folding rear seats and push-button start, so it makes the most sense only if you want the lowest price and can live with the basics.
• LXS: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the essentials the LX misses, plus proximity entry, remote start, and Smart Trunk.
• GT-Line: This is the style-focused pick, adding 18-inch wheels, fog lights, mirror turn signals, rear USB ports, a power driver’s seat, and LED taillights.
• EX: This is the comfort-oriented choice, with heated seats, ventilated seats, rear air vents, a Bose stereo, and the 10-inch infotainment system.
• GT-Line Premium: This package is for shoppers who want more tech and convenience, including a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and triple LED projector headlights.
• GT: This is the performance-oriented trim, with the 2.5-liter turbo engine, paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, and extra performance hardware.

Blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist is standard on LXS and above, while cyclist detection and Junction Turning are reserved for the GT-Line Premium package.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Kia K5?

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,504 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.98% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,507, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Kia K5's resale value?

The current average of $18,518 sits slightly below last year's $20,124.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at a strong price and keep the car in good condition, you can reduce the impact of that softer market. The K5’s broad appeal and stylish design should help it remain competitive with future shoppers.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.73/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Kia K5 safe?

The K5 is too new to be rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes rear side airbags on every trim, a driver’s knee airbag, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist is standard on LXS and above, and rear emergency braking plus parking sensors are included on EX and above. Cyclist detection and Junction Turning are available on the GT-Line Premium package.

Should I buy a 2021 Kia K5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.98% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s the all-new redesign year, with a fresh name, sharper styling, and a surprisingly good driving experience.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $20,262, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $18,518 average.
• It adds redesigned emblems and more standard features on upper trims.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, inventory, and first-year redesign appeal, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If you’re willing to pay more for a slightly newer model with added standard equipment, the 2022 is the better secondary path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.