Used 2021 Kia K5 for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2021 Kia K5 Trims in Raleigh, NC

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

• Starting at $15,247
• 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 essential features without paying for extras. It's the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $15,247 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 11 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View LXS FWD listings

GT-Line FWD — "Who It's For"

The GT-Line FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish and feature-rich sedan without stepping up to the sportier trims. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $22,890 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 36 listings
• View GT-Line FWD listings

EX FWD — "Who It's For"

The EX FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and practicality without going fully loaded. It offers premium features at a reasonable price.

• Avg. market price: $18,900 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View EX FWD listings

GT FWD — "Who It's For"

The GT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a performance-oriented sedan with more power and features. It's ideal for those seeking a sportier driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $18,237 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 7 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View GT FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — GT-Line FWD

With 36 active listings, the GT-Line FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse GT-Line FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LXS FWD

At $15,247 avg market price — below the lineup median of $18,568 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LXS FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LXS FWD

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

Browse LXS FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Kia K5 cost?

Prices have softened 8.00% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,471 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 4.7/5 user rating and a 7.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its smooth driving experience, stylish design, and strong value for money. The review summary also points to a positive overall ownership experience, with the K5 feeling fresh rather than merely familiar.

On the expert side, the K5’s appeal is strongest if you want a sedan that looks sharp and feels well put together. The main trade-offs are that it drives less sporty than it looks and all-wheel drive is not available.

That makes it a good fit if you want a stylish midsize sedan with broad appeal rather than a hard-edged sport sedan. It also lands in a market where 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which helps the value case.

Is the 2021 Kia K5 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe the K5 as smooth, stylish, and strong on value, and the review summary also points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience. The expert notes reinforce that impression by describing the car as a high-quality sedan with plenty of space and a strong warranty-backed value proposition.

Kia’s five-year/60,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance adds another layer of confidence for used buyers. Even so, you should still watch for signs of wear, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with feature-use issues.

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

At 67.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you’re shopping for a car with more equipment or a higher trim level. Focus on overall condition, feature operation, and signs of uneven wear rather than just mileage alone.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX is the simplest version and lacks folding rear seats and push-button start, while the LXS adds those essentials plus proximity entry, remote start, and Smart Trunk. The GT-Line adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, mirror turn signals, rear USB ports, a power driver’s seat, and auto up/down front passenger window controls, and the Premium package adds a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and triple LED projector headlights.
• 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 brings a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while AWD is offered on the lesser-powered GT-Line and LXS.
• 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 rear emergency braking and parking sensors are on EX and above. Cyclist detection and Junction Turning are included on the GT-Line Premium package.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system is easy to set up. The EX adds a 10-inch infotainment system with SiriusXM and UVO link, while the GT adds voice-command features and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Fuel efficiency: The base FWD engine is 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, and 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 least sense for most used buyers.
• LXS: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the essentials you’ll actually notice every day, including folding rear seats, push-button start, proximity entry, remote start, and Smart Trunk.
• GT-Line: This is the sweet spot if you want the K5’s style-forward look and a richer feature set, including 18-inch wheels, fog lights, rear USB ports, and a power driver’s seat.
• EX: Choose this if you want more comfort and convenience, including heated seats, ventilated seats, rear air vents, a Bose stereo, and the 10-inch infotainment system.
• GT-Line Premium: This is the trim to target if you want the GT-Line’s appearance with more advanced tech and safety, including adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and triple LED projector headlights.
• GT: Pick this only if you want the most powerful version, since it adds 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 rear emergency braking and parking sensors are reserved for EX and above.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,471 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.00% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,775, 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 $17,775 sits slightly below last year's $19,320.

That decline suggests the K5 has become more affordable for used buyers, which can help demand in the near term. For a future seller, it also means you may not see the same pricing strength that the model had a year ago.

Still, the K5’s stylish design, strong value reputation, and broad appeal should help it remain attractive to shoppers. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Kia K5 safe?

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

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

Forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor are standard. Rear side airbags and a driver’s knee airbag are also standard across the lineup, which is a notable strength. 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.

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:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.00% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out as an all-new sedan that replaces the Optima with more style and speed.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,513, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,775 average.
• It adds redesigned emblems and a new Premium package with upgraded headlights, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and Highway Driving Assist.

The bottom line: If you want the better price and a strong mix of style, value, and inventory, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If you’re willing to spend more for added equipment and a slightly more polished setup, the 2022 is worth a look.

How does the 2021 Kia K5 compare to the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Kia K5:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Fun to drive, Stylish design.
• Cons: Drives less sporty than it looks, All-wheel drive not available.

2021 Hyundai Sonata:

• Pros: Stylish design, Multiple powertrain options, Impressive technology.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Underwhelming base engine.

Our experts score the 2021 Kia K5 7.7/10 and the 2021 Hyundai Sonata 8.5/10. The K5 leans harder into style and a fun-to-drive personality, while the Sonata gets the edge for overall expert score and technology. Both offer multiple powertrain options and neither offers all-wheel drive in the comparison shown here, so your choice comes down to whether you value the K5’s design and driving feel or the Sonata’s broader tech appeal.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.