Used 2021 Kia K5 for SaleNationwide

Compare 2021 Kia K5 Trims

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

• Starting at $15,127
• 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

LX FWD — "Who It's For"

The LX FWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's a great entry-level option.

• Avg. market price: $15,782 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 55 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View LX FWD listings

LXS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LXS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a few more features without a significant price jump. It offers solid value.

• Avg. market price: $15,127 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 905 listings
• View LXS FWD listings

GT-Line FWD — "Who It's For"

The GT-Line FWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty styling and tech features without going for the top trim. It's the most popular choice.

• Avg. market price: $19,011 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 2,935 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 blend of luxury and technology without the highest price tag. It adds desirable features.

• Avg. market price: $18,572 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 505 listings
• View EX FWD listings

GT-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The GT-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without a hefty price increase. It's a solid choice for varied conditions.

• Avg. market price: $18,060 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 63 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 vehicle with more power and features. It's fully loaded for enthusiasts.

• Avg. market price: $21,182 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 343 listings
• View GT FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — GT-Line FWD

With 2,935 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 $15,127 avg market price — below the lineup median of $18,316 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LXS FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LX FWD

The LX FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup at 27/37 MPG.

Browse LX FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Kia K5 cost?

Prices have softened 8.37% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,469 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 value for money. The review summary also points to a strong sense of quality and a car that feels fresh rather than merely familiar.

The trade-offs are that some owners mention minor infotainment and feature-usability issues, and the car can feel less sporty than its styling suggests. In practical terms, that means you’re getting a sedan that fits buyers who want style and everyday comfort more than sharp-edged performance.

The K5 is especially appealing if you want a mainstream sedan that feels upscale and distinctive without chasing luxury-brand pricing. Good and great deals account for 34.6% of listings, which gives you room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Kia K5 reliable?

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

The user review summary points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience, with drivers highlighting the car’s smoothness, value, and generally positive day-to-day behavior. It also suggests the K5 is the kind of car many owners feel good about living with over time.

The expert notes reinforce that impression by describing the car as a high-quality sedan with plenty of space and strong value. Kia’s five-year/60,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance also adds peace of mind for used buyers.

For a used purchase, the main long-term risk is making sure any prior-use issues or feature quirks haven’t been neglected, especially if you plan to keep the car for years.

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

At 68.9% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a lower-priced listing. Focus on bodywork quality, signs of prior repair, and whether the car’s features operate as expected.

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 lacks folding rear seats and 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 on the GT-Line Premium package.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The EX brings the 10-inch infotainment system with SiriusXM and UVO link, and the system is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Fuel efficiency: The base front-wheel-drive engine is rated at 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive 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, GT-Line Premium, EX, 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’re chasing the lowest price.
• 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 choice, adding 18-inch wheels, fog lights, mirror turn signals, rear USB ports, a power driver’s seat, and auto up/down front passenger window control.
• GT-Line Premium: This is the better-equipped GT-Line if you want more comfort and driver assistance, thanks to the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and triple LED projector headlights.
• EX: This trim is the comfort upgrade, adding heated seats, ventilated seats, rear air vents, a Bose stereo, and the 10-inch infotainment system with SiriusXM and UVO link.
• GT: This is the performance-oriented trim, with 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, so that’s the key safety-package step up to keep in mind.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,469 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.37% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,871, 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 $17,874 sits slightly below last year's $19,506.

That decline suggests the K5 has become more affordable in the used market, which can help you buy at a better entry point today. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and trim than on broad market momentum alone.

Because the model still has strong shopper interest and a distinctive design, well-kept examples should remain easier to market than neglected ones. Listings with desirable equipment and clean history should be the ones that hold attention best.

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?

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, while Cyclist detection and Junction Turning are included on the GT-Line Premium package.

A key caveat is that some of the more advanced driver-assistance features are not standard on every trim, so you’ll want to verify equipment carefully if safety tech matters to you most.

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:

• 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.37% 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 $19,657, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,874 average.
• It adds redesigned emblems and more standard features on upper trims.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter starting point. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer model year with added equipment, the 2022 is the cleaner upgrade path.

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 edges ahead on overall expert score and technology. Both offer multiple powertrain options and neither has all-wheel drive, so your choice comes down to whether you value the K5’s design and character or the Sonata’s stronger overall package.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.