2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Kia K5

2020 BMW 3 Series
2020 BMW 3 Series
$40,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 BMW 3 Series
$40,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 BMW 3 Series is 8.17 out of 10, while the 2021 Kia K5 scores 7.67 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the BMW 3 Series is the superior choice for consumers looking for a luxurious and high-performance sedan.

Overview

MSRP

$40,750

MSRP

$23,590

Average price

$28,291

Average price

$22,877

Listings

835

Listings

1283
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Comfortable
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Fun to drive
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Drives less sporty than it looks
  • All-wheel drive not available

2020 BMW 3 Series Reviews Summary

Does BMW still use “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as its advertising tagline? Yes, it does. And with the arrival of the 2020 BMW M340i, which slots between the existing 330i and the forthcoming M3, the company proves there is substance behind the slogan.

2021 Kia K5 Reviews Summary

Sedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

1.6L 180 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

180 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

37
2020 BMW 3 Series
2020 BMW 3 Series
$40,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 BMW 3 Series
$40,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 BMW 3 Series is 8.17 out of 10, while the 2021 Kia K5 scores 7.67 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the BMW 3 Series is the superior choice for consumers looking for a luxurious and high-performance sedan.

Overview
MSRP
$40,750
$23,590
Average price
$28,291
$22,877
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.7
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Comfortable
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Fun to drive
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Drives less sporty than it looks
  • All-wheel drive not available
Summary
Does BMW still use “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as its advertising tagline? Yes, it does. And with the arrival of the 2020 BMW M340i, which slots between the existing 330i and the forthcoming M3, the company proves there is substance behind the slogan.
Sedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
1.6L 180 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
26
27
MPG Highway
36
37
Look and feel
2020 BMW 3 Series
8/10
2021 Kia K5
8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 BMW 3 Series scores 8 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2021 Kia K5 matches that rating. The BMW 3 Series exudes a luxury aquatic appearance with sleek lines and premium materials, while the Kia K5 offers a sporty and aggressive design reminiscent of higher-end European sedans.
Performance
2020 BMW 3 Series
10/10
2021 Kia K5
6/10
CarGurus rates the 2020 BMW 3 Series 10 out of 10 for performance, significantly higher than the 2021 Kia K5's score of 6 out of 10. The BMW 3 Series delivers a thrilling driving experience, especially in the M340i trim, with powerful engine options and precise handling. The Kia K5, on the other hand, falls short in performance, lacking the dynamic capabilities of its competitors in the same segment.
Form and function
2020 BMW 3 Series
7/10
2021 Kia K5
9/10
In terms of cargo capacity, the 2020 BMW 3 Series offers 17 cubic feet of trunk space, slightly more spacious than the Kia K5's 16 cubic feet. The BMW also provides comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, while the Kia K5 offers ample headroom and legroom for taller individuals.
Technology
2020 BMW 3 Series
9/10
2021 Kia K5
7/10
The 2020 BMW 3 Series scores 9 out of 10 for technology, showcasing advanced features such as a user-friendly infotainment system with multiple interaction options, including touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The 2021 Kia K5, with a rating of 7 out of 10, offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making connectivity seamless and convenient.
Safety
2020 BMW 3 Series
9/10
2021 Kia K5
8/10
The 2020 BMW 3 Series earns a solid rating of 9 out of 10 for safety, with top-notch advanced driving assistance systems and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights. The 2021 Kia K5, although not yet rated by NHTSA or IIHS, boasts a robust list of standard safety features, including forward emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 BMW 3 Series
6/10
2021 Kia K5
8/10
For cost-effectiveness, the 2021 Kia K5 shines with a starting price of $23,490 for the LX trim, offering a high-quality sedan with excellent value. On the other hand, the 2020 BMW 3 Series, starting at $40,750, may have a higher price tag but provides a legendary driving experience and luxury features for enthusiasts.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.