THE ALL NEW 2021 KIA K5

Everyone’s favorite, the Kia Optima, is now the Kia K5! The new name isn’t the only change, though. With major updates to the body of the car, the K5 has a stunning new look. Compared to previous Optimas, the new K5 is 2-inches longer, 1-inch wider, and 0.8-inches lower. Further updates have been made, including all-wheel drive, a new engine, and new transmissions. The new vehicle comes with a more spacious backseat and trunk as well.

The Outside

The grille is given a major update, stretching to both corners of the vehicle. The turn signals zig-zag down the sides of the K5, creating a unique look that we love. The rear-roof slopes downward at quite an angle, connecting with a full-length taillight. A panoramic sunroof is present, and acoustic glass is a common sight on the new car.

Under The Hood

There are two new engines available upon purchase, the smaller being a 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The other option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes an impressive 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The K5 once again trades the humble aspects of the Optima for a sportier, luxurious feel. The new car also comes with all-wheel drive for all models except the high-end GT model.

Trims And Details

The K5 comes with 5 trims: the LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. The GT is promised to come to the market this fall. All trims come with Normal, Smart, Sport, and Custom driving modes. These modes will change the steering, engine, and transmission settings. GT’s come with a Sport+ mode. The cars come with 16, 18, and 19-inch wheels, with the latter two options giving the car a more athletic look. The price ranges from $24,000 to $32,000, in order of the trims listed. The K5 will come with an 8-inch screen or an optional 10.25-inch screen with the option to connect through Bluetooth. The LX only costs $100 more than the previous Optima, and boasts a variety of new features. The GT-Line comes with the car’s sportier-looks, but lacks the engine to show for it. The EX is recommended for those who prefer luxury over a sportier look, complete with full-leather seats. The high-end GT is reminiscent of a sports car, with this version of the K5, coming with the 2.5-liter engine. It’s paired with the new ‘wet clutch’ 8-gear dual-clutch transmission. However, despite all of its power, it doesn’t come with AWD. It’s solely a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

Interior Luxury

In terms of the inside of the vehicle, it’ll look quite similar to Optimas of the past. The center stack is redone, and all trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen monitor that includes voice recognition, allowing you to give commands such as turning on the A/C. There is also an option for a 10.25-inch monitor, but this one requires you to connect via a cord. The backseat and trunk are redesigned, too, giving them both much more space. There is new ambient-lighting on the sides of the doors, heated seats, and an air-purification system. Overall, while quite similar to other Optimas, it does provide a luxurious update to an already luxurious vehicle.

Safety Features

New safety features are present in the vehicle such as blind spot monitoring, parking collision avoidance, and smart cruise control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both updated to be fully-wireless, though not on the 10.25-inch display. The K5 has not been crash-tested yet, but the variety of safety features it hosts lead us to believe the vehicle is a great one for those who prioritize safety.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the K5 is a wonderful update to an already wonderful vehicle. The updates provide the K5 with a modern look, and provide a luxury experience that few sedans are able to. The vehicle itself drives like never before, making longer trips feel much more comfortable. It is a highly recommended vehicle, giving the best value for the money. KIA has proved that they still have a foothold in the marketplace, and are showing promise for the years to come. The K5 is highly recommended for those looking for a family-sedan, but also want a touch of sport and luxury.