Review: 2021 Kia K5 (GT-Line and EX)

I drive the all-new 2021 Kia K5 in both the GT-Line and EX trims. Based on the same new platform as the new Hyundai Sonata, the Kia already starts off very competitive with standard turbo power, an impressive interior, and a 10-year/100,000 mile warranty, all for a starting price of just $24,455. Then you add in the comfortable driving dynamics, great safety tech and solid fuel economy, and you have a really great family sedan for average commuting. While this version isn't as sporty as some of the competitors, the coming GT version should address the performance shortcomings when it arrives this fall. And those wanting all-weather confidence, Kia offers the K5 with all-wheel drive as well. What do you think of the 2021 K5? Thanks to Kia for providing me with these vehicles to review.

Time Stamps:
0:00 Exterior
4:36 Interior
5:26 Initial impressions
7:47 Acceleration
9:32 Handling
14:30 Safety tech
18:39 Fuel economy
19:58 Pricing
22:58 Final thoughts

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[williamlong]

Looks MUCH better than the Sonata to my eye. I might still be tempted by an Accord or a Mazda6 over this for their looks and driving dynamics, but Kia did a great job with this. Would definitely be my pick after those two!

[GeneMoretti]

Thanks Matt for this detailed review of the Kia K5 that I just got in the Red color. I'm loving it.

[RogueBeatsARG]

i can imagine how cool will look the GT with some lowering and nice wheels

[DucatiDiaries]

Wow Kia continues to impress with cool looking cars. Definitely not feeling the fake exhaust though. Functional only forever!!

[stephenhendricks]

The trim levels of the K5 in the US can be somewhat confusing, much like the trims of the recently introduced KIA Seltos. At first glance there appear to be five steps on the K5 trim level: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. In reality, however, there are several more more steps on the ladder.

() LX. ($23, 490 MSRP). It's relatively well equipped for a base model but it does not offer an AWD option or a variety of other optional bells and whistles. The LX is aimed at budget constrained consumers but more importantly it's the model aimed at fleets, especially rental fleets. You're not likely to see many of these sitting on dealer lots.

() LXS ($24, 495 MSRP) This is the true "base" model of the K5. At $1000 more than the LX, it offers a few more upscale interior and driver assistance features but more importantly it enables a customer to choose an AWD option that's not available in the LX model. And that is the....

() LXS w/ AWD ($26, 590 MSRP) This is in effect the base trim (LXS) with AWD.

() GT-Line ($25, 390 MSRP). This is primarily an appearance package and more upscale interior materials added to the LXS model. And like the LXS trim, it's FWD but opens the door to adding AWD and lots of other bells, whistles, and premium materials in the GT-Line w/ AWD and Premium Package. (See below)

() EX. ($27, 990 MSRP). Even more bells and whistles including a sunroof, ventilated front seats, and lots of other stuff. But no AWD and no option to add it.

() GT-Line w/AWD and Premium Package ($29, 090 MSRP) The bells and whistles of the GT-Line plus AWD and Premium Package features including a panoramic sunroof. Alternatively the premium package can be dropped and navigation added for a savings of $800 with the "Special Edition" package.

() EX plus Premium Package. ($31, 835) The top trim, fully loaded version of the K5 with the 1.6L turbo engine and FWD. Unlike the GT Line there's no option to add AWD but the Premium package adds lots of bells and whistles, premium materials, and features like navigation-based cruise control, seat memory, etc.

() GT. ($30, 935) Replaces the 1.6L turbo engine with the 2.5L turbo and the conventional AT with an 8 speed dual clutch transmission. It's comparable to the EX, FWD only, but considerably stronger performance.

() GT plus Premium Package. ($34, 935) This is comparable to the EX plus PP with nearly all of the same features minus a few (e.g. seat memory.) In effect it's a $3000 premium for engine, transmission, and suspension upgrades. Again, no option for AWD probably because of premium it would add to the price ($2100) and the low take rate expected. (Neither Toyota nor Nissan offer AWD in their performance models of the Camry or Altima for that reason.)

All in all, KIA is offering the K5 in two guises. One is a midsize "family" sedan with a trim ladder that goes from budget to a more expensive but strong value proposition. The other is a "sporty" version that offers AWD at lower trims and a strong performing 2.5L turbo (the same engine available in the Sonata and as the base engine of the Genesis G80) version at the top end.

There will be complaints from those who want a particular combination of features and options that cannot be configured from the K5 trims. But from a consumer point of view, KIA's approach enables them to bundle features in ways that both appeal to broader market segments and constrain the cost of producing (and selling) vehicles and meeting particular price points.

[Neri]

Looks like a futuristic dodge charger in a “sedan” body. Love the lights.

[kyron]

I love this car, the korean model in particular. Its one notch below from being over done but it ships

[richardmedina]

Good job Kia, not gonna lie they are lately y’all been doing good.

[androiduberalles]

I still wanna see a K5 EX trim with AWD. I'll keep commenting it until it happens, lol.

[SINE]

Hey Matt is this car a fun daily? It’s in my price range and on my short list. Been looking at the k5 gt line awd, Camry se nightshade, accord sport 1.5t, Dodge Charger gt and sonata sport. I’m getting rid of a base 2020 Hyundai Veloster and I love that cars handling but need something bigger. I still want a car that’s reasonably fun but don’t have expectations that it has to be a sport sedan. Love the looks of these cars just wondering if it’s still reasonably fun to drive without being a sport sedan. I can’t stand the look of the accord or the cvt

[FairlyUnknown]

Man, that thing looks cool. I don't like the single connected unibrow tail lights though. I always like the two separate ones. The biggest downside I see so far is that the front end would be a pain and a half to replace if there was an accident, and depending on how that front comes apart, it might be pricey as well.

[johnholst]

It's a shame you guys don't get the real top model. The interior on this looks cheap compared to the Korean version. Hopefully. they'll address that when the GT comes out.

[jjpablo]

The front end kinda looks like a 99 mitsubishi galant

[phantomlord]

Beautiful design well done by Kia for sure, side profile looks similar to the Honda Accord, which is a compliment

[NileshR]

The GT offers a Premium package that has the heated front seats & heated steering wheel. But it doesn't include ventilated/ cooled front seats which is limited to the EX which you can't get with AWD ☹️. And the same for the GT

[ivanhernandez]

I was getting some charger vibes with this car

[yadvindergakhal]

Awesome review Matt. Just one correction, the Accord comes with a 10 speed with the 2.0.

[dan]

Do I get a 2022 EX K5 or the 2022 4cyl rwd Stinger? Daily driver with two kid car seats. K5 much better mpg but only 180hp… 300hp on the Stinger and a big hatch trunk.

[slashlipo]

Matt, All cars and trucks have laminated windshields. If the door glass was laminated that would be a nice feature. Wheels kind of ruin the looks of the car and they are way too small.

[Goated]

8:42 looks like a wagon and hotttt damn should they make a wagon version 😍