The 2021 Kia K5 is the new entrant in the mid-size sedan segment, replacing the Kia Optima. Coming at a base MSRP of $23,590, the 2021 Kia K5 comes with a 1.6L turbocharged motor capable of putting out 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which helps the car to do a 0-60 MPH and a quarter-mile time of 8 seconds and 16.3 seconds. Combined gas mileage of 32 MPG is also offered. If you need more oomph, Kia is also offering K5 in the GT model, which gets a 2.5L motor with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Kia K5 is the replacement of the Kia Optima in the mid-size sedan segment and comes in 4 trim levels - LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX, which comes priced at a starting MSRP of $23,590. Across the four trims, you get a turbocharged 1.6L engine making 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which does 0-60 in 8 seconds and offers a gas mileage of 32 mpg combined. However, if you would like more power, the 2021 Kia K5 GT priced at an MSRP of $30,590, caters to that with a more punchy 2.5L turbocharged I4 engine producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Kia K5's interiors are spacious and each trim comes with its own unique styling cues. This mid-size sedan also is filled to the brim with all the relevant interior and safety features coupled with a wide list of driver-assistance features as well. Competing with the likes of the 2021 Honda Accord, 2021 Toyota Camry, and the 2021 Mazda 6, we will find out the 2021 Kia K5 stacks up against the rivals in this in-depth review.
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"Kia K5 enters as a healthy alternative with an attractive price point and even more attractive bodywork."- Carbuzz
The 2021 Kia K5 comes in a total of 4 trim levels - LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX with prices start at an MSRP of $23,590 for the base LX trim and go up to an MSRP of $28,090 for the top-of-the-line EX. The 2021 Kia K5 comes with the 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, there is also the 2021 Kia K5 GT model on offer, which is priced at $30,490 and comes with a 2.5L turbocharged engine giving 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Kia does offer packages for the 2021 K5, but it is only offered on the GT-Line trim (premium package at an MSRP of $1,600), and EX trim (premium package at an MSRP of $3,600). The LXS does add a few features when you opt for an AWD drivetrain layout including the UVO connect infotainment system. There are individual options like the 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, smart key remote start, panoramic sunroof, navigation support, etc which can be stacked up on top of the base LX trim, which is priced at $23,590.
|
Trims |
LX |
LXS |
GT-Line |
EX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$23,490 | $24,590 | $25,490 | $28,090 |
| MSRP (AWD) | N/A | $26,690 |
$29,190 |
N/A |
|
Key Features |
Electronic Parking Brake w/Auto-hold |
Adds/Upgrades to LX | Adds/Upgrades to LXS | Adds/Upgrades to GT-Line |
|
|
16-inch Alloy Wheels |
Remote Engine Start |
18-inch Sport Alloy Wheel |
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats |
|
|
Keyless Entry |
Split-folding Rear Seat w/Center Armrest |
Glossy Black Rear Spoiler |
Ambient Lighting |
|
|
LED Multi-reflector headlight |
Push-button Start |
GT Line Front and Rear Bumper |
10.25-inch Display w/Navigation |
|
|
Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
6-speaker Audio System |
GT-Line Leather Trim and Flat-bottom Steering Wheel |
Bose Premium Sound System |
|
|
|
8-Way Powered Driver Seat |
Power Driver Seat w/Power Lumbar Support |
UVO link, SiriusXM |
|
|
|
|
Panoramic Sunroof |
Wireless Phone Charger |
Priced at an MSRP of $29,190, the 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line in AWD configuration comes with 2021 Kia K5 GT's exterior styling with the GT front "tiger" grille, 18" Alloy wheels with Pirelli P-zero all-season tires, power-adjustable driver's seat with SynTex & cloth seating material and an 8" touchscreen with the latest UVO infotainment system with wireless Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay. We recommend getting the 2021 Kia K5 in red interior Wolf Grey exterior colors, with optional extras of the panoramic sunroof and wireless charging to be added to your build.
"The front-drive, 180-hp K5 we drove demonstrated decent acceleration around town" - Car And Driver
The 2021 Kia K5 comes with a 1.6L turbocharged I4 engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, no manual transmission available. FWD is standard with an option of an AWD drivetrain on the LXS and GT-Line trims. If this is not enough power, the 2021 Kia K5 GT offers 290 hp from a 2.5L turbocharged I4 paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 2021 Kia K5 does the 0-60 mph sprint in 8.0-seconds and the standing quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds, which made it one of the slowest of the lot in comparison to the rivals like the 2021 Honda Accord and the 2021 Toyota Camry, both of which did the 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and 7.6 seconds, respectively. The 2021 K5 is slower than the competition. That being said, the 2021 Kia K5 GT did the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.8 seconds.
|
Models |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021 Honda Accord |
2021 Toyota Camry |
2021 Mazda 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$23,490 | $24,270 | $24,245 |
$24,325 |
|
Engine |
1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 | 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 | 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
CVT |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-speed Automatic |
|
Power |
180 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 192 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 203hp @ 6,600 rpm |
187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
|
Torque |
195 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 192 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.0 seconds |
6.6 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
7.1 seconds |
|
Quarter Mile |
16.3 seconds |
15.1 seconds | 15.7 seconds |
N/A |
|
Top Speed |
137 MPH |
135 MPH |
135 MPH |
131 MPH |
The Toyota Camry makes the most power with 203 hp and then comes Honda Accord with 192 hp, the Mazda 6 making 187 hp, and then Kia K5. However, for better driver engagement the Kia K5 offers 4-drive modes - Normal, Smart, Sport, and Custom. When you select the AWD drivetrain the drive modes see the addition of snow.
"We evaluated a front-drive K5 with the standard powertrain on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test and it returned an impressive 43 mpg"- Caranddriver
The 2021 Kia K5 received 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, and a combined 32 mpg, with the front-wheel-drive LX and EX trim. The LXS and GT-Line trim offered 26 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and a combined 29 mpg with an all-wheel-drive system.
With combined gas mileage of 32 mpg coupled with a fuel tank capacity of 14.8 gallons, the 2021 Kia K5 managed to give out a combined range of 474 miles. However, if you get the LXS, GT-Line, and EX trim, it comes with a fuel tank capacity of 15.8 gallons, which is the same as the Toyota Camry and the EX trim will match the range of the Camry with the larger fuel tank.
|
Models |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021 Honda Accord |
2021 Toyota Camry |
2021 Mazda 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
29 |
30 |
28 |
26 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
38 |
38 |
39 |
35 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
32 |
33 |
32 |
29 |
|
Fuel Capacity (gallons) |
14.8 |
14.8 |
15.8 |
16.4 |
|
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (miles) |
429.0/562.0/474.0 | 444.0/562.0/488.0 | 442.0/616.0/505.0 |
426.4/574.0/475.6 |
The 2021 Honda Accord offered the best-in-class combined gas mileage of 33 mpg, which is followed by the 2021 Toyota Camry and the 2021 Kia K5 with combined gas mileage of 32 mpg. However, the 2021 Mazda 6 turned out to be the lowest in terms of gas mileage, offering a combined gas mileage of 29 mpg.
"Inside, the K5 looks amazing for how much it's expected to cost." - Car And Driver
The 2021 Kia K5's interior comes with a seating capacity of up to 5 people. The base LX trim priced at $23,590, comes with 6-way manually adjustable front row seats with cloth upholstery which is available in black. The LXS trim comes with the same features as the LX, with the color option of Sand. The GT-Line trim (MSRP- $25,490) gets 2 color options black and red interior (red will get Wolf Grey exterior paint) with a 10-way power driver seat with a GT-Line D-shaped steering wheel.
The 2021 Kia K5 EX priced at an MSRP - $28,090, comes with the same features as the GT-Line with the option of a 10-way power front passenger seat and 2 interior colors - Sand and Ash Blue The interior space on offer with the 2021 Kia K5 was the best of the segment for front-row occupants. However, in rear legroom loses out to the competition. The 2021 Kia K5 comes with a cargo capacity of 16 cu.ft., which is more than the 2021 Toyota Camry and the 2021 Mazda 6.
|
Models |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021 Honda Accord |
2021 Toyota Camry |
2021 Mazda 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.2/58.0/46.1 |
39.5/58.3/42.3 |
38.3/57.7/42.1 |
38.4/55.9/42.2 |
|
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.8/56.1/35.2 |
37.3/56.5/40.4 |
38.0/55.8/38.0 |
37.1/55.1/38.7 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cu.ft.) |
16.0 | 16.7 | 15.1 | 14.7 |
The 2021 Kia K5 comes with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is the UVO system. It also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth connectivity, 2 USB ports, and a 6-speaker sound system that is available on the LX, LSX, GT-Line. The LSX and GT-Line trim come with the option to add SiriusXM Satellite radio and telematics are available as standard on the EX trim.
The is also a 10.25-inch touchscreen Navigation, Voice recognition, and Bluetooth multi-device connectivity, and customized profiles, this is an optional extra on the GT-Line and EX trim. Wireless charging is standard on the EX and optional on the GT-Line. The Bose 12-speaker surround sound system is an option only on the EX trim. Some of the interior and infotainment features include:
Whether you like it or hate it, the K5 is easily spotted in a crowded parking lot - MotorTrend
With a silhouette inspired by the Kia Stinger following the new Kia design language, the 2021 Kia K5 gets a bit of fastback styling with a front fascia featuring a "tiger" grille flanked on each side by LED headlights with "heartbeat" unique daytime lights. The exterior is completed with dual exhaust tips (one is simulated), a panoramic sunroof (EX), optional on the GT-Line, and 16-inch wheels (LX, LSX) or 18-inch wheels (EX).
However, the design changes a bit on the GT-Line trim, MSRP of $29,490, and comes with a unique front fascia with a shark skin-inspired mesh grille design and a unique rear fascia with more aggressive styling, wolf grey paint, and more black accents. It also comes with 18" alloy wheels with GT-sport black wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero all-season tires, which is the same exterior design features as the 2021 Kia K5 GT.
|
Models |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021 Honda Accord |
2021 Toyota Camry |
2021 Mazda 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3115 |
3,131 |
3,241 |
3212 |
|
Length (in) |
193.1 |
192.2 |
192.1 |
192.9 |
|
Width (in) |
73.2 |
73.3 |
72.4 |
72.9 |
|
Height (in) |
56.9 |
57.1 |
56.9 |
56.7 |
|
Ground Clearance (in) |
N/A |
5.5 |
5.7 |
4.9 |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
112.2 |
111.4 |
111.2 |
111.2 |
The 2021 Kia K5 turned out to be one of the longest and widest mid-size sedans of the segment, which helps in providing impressive road presence. It is followed by the 2021 Honda Accord and the 2021 Toyota Camry. Some of the exterior features on offer with the 2021 Kia K5 are:
"If the worst happens, it's good to know that every Kia K5 has nine airbags to protect front and rear-seat occupants"- Carbuzz
The 2021 Kia K5 safety ratings include a 5-star, out of a possible 5-stars from the NHTSA, and an overall "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) that has also awarded it the 2021 Top Safety Pick+.
The 2021 Kia K5 comes with many safety features and also includes Kia's Drive Wise suite of driver-assistance technologies, which depending on the trim equips many features like the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Warning w/Lead Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Rear-view Monitor w/Dynamic Parking Guidance, Lane Departure Warning, 9 Airbags, and many more.
Both the 2021 Honda Accord and the 2021 Kia K5 are the best choices and stand as the top-rated cars in the segment. The 2021 Honda Accord offers superior performance and acceleration times. Gas mileage is also marginally better. However, the 2021 Kia K5 gets more standard interior and safety features. The 2021 Kia K5 also comes at a base MSRP of $23,590, which is close to $1,000 less than the 2021 Honda Accord.
Toyota gives the customer a choice of three engine options with the 2021 Camry, whereas the 2021 Kia K5 comes with just two engine options. The 2021 Camry also features a more elegant design, whereas the 2021 K5 gives a sportier sedan vibe. Even in the base avatar, the 2021 Toyota Camry offers superior performance numbers and better acceleration figures. However, the gas mileage and space are not as good as the 2021 K5. The 2021 Toyota Camry is also close to $800 more expensive than the 2021 K5.
Both cars are good-looking and offer an excellent driving experience. The 2021 Mazda 6, however, offers more sporty handling, which is good for driving pleasure but does detract from ride comfort. Kia on the other hand offers more features for the price. Coming in at a base MSRP of $24,325, the 2021 Mazda 6 is slightly more expensive than the 2021 Kia K5. However, the 2021 Mazda 6 losses out on some of the safety and driver-assistance features, coming in as standard with the 2021 Kia K5.
The 2021 Kia K5, coming at a base price of $23,590, has the style and substance to set it apart from all the other midsize sedans on sale in the United States. The most noticeable point is the rich feature list present on board that manages to undercut the competition on every level along with a decent powertrain and sure-footed driving dynamics. In short, the 2021 Kia K5 delivers a truly upscaled experience at a very accessible price point hollowing out most of the rivals in the segment.