2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Kia K5
Overview | |
MSRP$23,590 | MSRP$23,790 |
Listings894 | Listings1207 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Kia K5 Reviews SummarySedans 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. | |
2022 Kia K5 Reviews SummaryLast model year, as part of a redesign of its midsize sedan, Kia changed the car’s name from Optima to K5. Rakishly attractive and an undeniably good value, the new Kia K5 is an appealing choice in a shrinking vehicle segment where it faces fewer rivals with each year that passes. For the 2022 model year, the K5 wears Kia’s redesigned emblems, upper trim levels add standard features, and a new Premium option package for the GT-Line AWD installs upgraded headlights, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, Highway Driving Assist technology, and adaptive cruise control that can automatically adjust vehicle speed for curves. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.6L 180 hp I4 | Engine1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.6L 180 hp I4 | Engine Name1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Torque195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.0 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3115 lbs | Curb Weight3115 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height56.9 in |
Length193.1 in | Length193.1 in |
Width73.2 in | Width73.2 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload1239 lbs | Maximum Payload1239 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,590 | $23,790 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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. | Last model year, as part of a redesign of its midsize sedan, Kia changed the car’s name from Optima to K5. Rakishly attractive and an undeniably good value, the new Kia K5 is an appealing choice in a shrinking vehicle segment where it faces fewer rivals with each year that passes. For the 2022 model year, the K5 wears Kia’s redesigned emblems, upper trim levels add standard features, and a new Premium option package for the GT-Line AWD installs upgraded headlights, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, Highway Driving Assist technology, and adaptive cruise control that can automatically adjust vehicle speed for curves. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.6L 180 hp I4 | 1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.6L 180 hp I4 | 1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.0 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3115 lbs | 3115 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 193.1 in | 193.1 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 73.2 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1239 lbs | 1239 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Look and feel
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Kia K5 as 8 out of 10 and the 2022 Kia K5 as 9 out of 10 for look and feel. In terms of appearance, the 2021 Kia K5 is a symbolic break from Kia’s past, showcasing a fresh design with sporty elements. The 2022 Kia K5 continues this trend with an even more refined and stylish look, earning a higher rating for its aesthetics. Both models offer eye-catching exteriors with attention to detail, setting them apart from other sedans in the market.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Kia K5 6 out of 10 and the 2022 Kia K5 7 out of 10 for performance. The 2021 Kia K5 offers a range of engine options with good fuel economy, while the 2022 Kia K5 introduces more powerful engine choices for enhanced performance. The 2022 model also includes additional features to improve the driving experience. Overall, the 2022 Kia K5 edges out in performance compared to its predecessor.
Form and function
In terms of cargo capacity, the 2021 Kia K5 offers a trunk space of 16 cubic feet before the rear seats fold down. On the other hand, the 2022 Kia K5 also provides a 16 cubic-foot trunk with the option to expand by lowering the 60/40-split folding back seat. Both models offer ample space for luggage and everyday items, making them practical choices for daily use.
Technology
The 2021 Kia K5 is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with a range of safety features. The 2022 Kia K5 offers two different infotainment systems, with the higher trims featuring a larger touchscreen display. While the 2022 model adds some new features, such as Kia Connect subscription services and Sounds of Nature ambient noise tracks, the voice recognition technology falls short compared to its predecessor.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Kia K5 8 out of 10 and the 2022 Kia K5 9 out of 10 for safety. Both models come packed with advanced safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2022 Kia K5 offers additional driver assistance systems, such as cyclist detection and Junction Turning Assist, contributing to its higher safety rating.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Kia K5 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia K5 scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Kia K5 is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a stylish and practical sedan with enhanced performance and safety features.
Choose the 2021 Kia K5 if:
- You prefer a stylish sedan with a unique design.
- You value good fuel economy and a range of engine options.
- You are looking for a practical vehicle at an attractive price point.
899 results
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Choose the 2022 Kia K5 if:
- You want an upgraded look and feel with refined styling.
- You seek enhanced performance and additional safety features.
- You are looking for a sedan with modern technology and driver assistance systems.
1204 results
See all
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Kia K5 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia K5 scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Kia K5 is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a stylish and practical sedan with enhanced performance and safety features.
Choose the 2021 Kia K5 if:
Shop Now- You prefer a stylish sedan with a unique design.
- You value good fuel economy and a range of engine options.
- You are looking for a practical vehicle at an attractive price point.
899 results
Choose the 2022 Kia K5 if:
Shop Now- You want an upgraded look and feel with refined styling.
- You seek enhanced performance and additional safety features.
- You are looking for a sedan with modern technology and driver assistance systems.
1204 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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