Speed(8.5/10): If you’re looking for an affordable, slick-looking sports sedan, the Kia K5 may interest you. The K5 comes with 6 different trim options to choose from, including the LX, LXS(FWD), LXS(AWD), GT-Line(FWD), GT-Line(AWD), and the EX. The GT-Line trims (AWD/FWD) would be the best choice for the fastest and most sporty feeling. This is because the GT-Line is the high-performance option for the K5 and comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine pushing 290 horsepower and 311 ib-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.
Safety(9/10): Fast or not, safety is always a main concern when purchasing a vehicle. The Kia K5 has many safety features to keep you and your passengers safe in a collision. Key features to avoid possible collisions include auto braking, blindspot collision avoidance, a live feed of your blind spot for safe lane merging, and a 360-degree view of the entire car. The K5 also earned the Top Safety Pick+ award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as it scored high for nearly every crash test performed.
Fuel Consumption(7/10): The Kia K5 gets relatively good gas mileage while still being able to push nearly 300 horsepower. A key reason is that the four-cylinder engine under the hood consumes less fuel than typical sports car engines because it is significantly smaller. This also allows the vehicle to be lighter, which also improves gas mileage. The average MPG for the K5 is around 25 mpg in the city and around 35 mpg on the highway. This is relatively high for not being a hybrid vehicle.
Comfort(8/10): Don’t let the small sedan fool you, as the K5 is equipped with an extremely spacious cabin and a “generous amount of legroom”. The K5’s cabin can also comfortably seat drivers up to nearly 7ft tall, and the trunk has “remarkable space”. In addition to the small engine, the vehicle is “exceptionally quiet” both inside and outside the cabin. The doors are reported to open up nearly 90 degrees, allowing plenty of room for entry and exit. Some interior features of the K5 are ambient lighting to give a soothing feel to go with the quiet drives and a sunroof. Remote start wasn’t enough for Kia, so they also allow you to control your vehicle’s climate from your phone. The K5 is also equipped with a “comfort” drive mode for smoother steering and a smoother ride by adjusting the suspension.
Extra Information: Overall, the Kia K5 is a well-made, fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan that is reasonably priced for its features. Depending on the choice of trim, the K5 starts at $25,390 and can go a little past $31,000 fully loaded. The K5 is also just a renamed and newer version of the original, Kia Optima. The vehicle is also stated to be “similar to luxurious cars but at a more affordable price point” by Kia themselves. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a stylish, quick sedan that won’t cost you a fortune, the Kia K5 may be one to check out.
