Updated: July 24th, 2020 Published: July 2nd, 2020
Instead of updating or redesigning the Optima, Kia has rid the North American market of the car altogether.
In its place arrives the new 2021 Kia K5. To be fair, the Optima was always called the K5 in South Korea. So Kia has essentially done away with the Optima name and now its new mid-size sedan will be identified as K5 all across the globe. The K5 is all set to take the fight to its rivals in the mid-size sedan market and it seems well equipped to do so. So here are five cool features in the 2021 Kia K5 that could change the game.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Kia K5 Revealed: 290 HP and AWD for Sporty Optima Replacement
A Diet Stinger Please
Gone are the days when mid-size sedans we considered too beige. Today, aesthetically at least they can give more upscale cars a run for their money. And the K5 epitomizes that ethos. It looks like Kia’s flagship GT, the Stinger, went on a diet and chiseled itself by some serious weight training. The front nose is sharp and the sleek fascia with its front fender-intruding DRLS and all-LED headlamps is enough to turn heads. It sits on the same N3 platform as the Hyundai Sonata and if that’s any clue, it sits lower than before and the sloping roofline creates coupe-like profile that looks sporty. The best part? It’s not all show and no go.
SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Review
Turbo Power
Along with a striking design, thankfully Kia has also introduced an engine that would make many an enthusiast take notice. Sure there is the 1.6-turbo GDI. But the engine of interest here is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo from the upcoming Genesis G80. It makes 290 hp of max power and 311 lb-ft of torque which according to Kia is “best-in-class”. It also comes with a segment-exclusive eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission and AWD (another first for Kia). All trims are available with AWD except the base LX.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Genesis G80 Here To Make Rivals Nervous, Priced From $48,725
Continuously Variable What?
Yes, we are still harping on about the engines. As desirable as the 2.5-liter turbo is, the 1.6-liter GDI comes with its own set of innovations. Kia has introduced an industry-first Continuously Variable Valve Duration system, or CVVD. Unlike variable valve timing, CVVD allows for individual valves to remain open or closed for extended periods depending on how the car is being driven. If the car is at a constant speed, the system will allow the intake valves to be open from the middle to the end of the compression stroke so as to minimize resistance during compression. If the car is being driven fast, the system closes the intake during the same stroke to maximize air utilization during the explosion stage.
The system can increase fuel efficiency by five percent, increase power by four percent and cuts emissions by 12 percent.
SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review
All-Paw-Drive
This is the first time Kia has equipped its sedan with all-wheel-drive. Though it is a front-wheel-drive based system, which essentially means that it is on-demand and will engage AWD when the system detects a loss in traction at the nose. The system is optional on all trims except the base LX and comes as standard on the GT trim with the 2.5-liter turbo.
A Cabin From Above?
The cabin of the K5 truly looks like from a class above. The upholstery looks premium and upmarket. Kia will also offer two infotainment screen sizes in the K5, an 8.0-inch unit, and a 10.25-inch wide-screen system. Kia will also offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Though both will be wireless (another first), that ability will be available with the 8.0-inch screen only. Our guess? Compatibility issues maybe. Though it will also come with natural voice recognition which will allow occupants to operate things like the aircon with voice commands.
Other features include an upgraded Bose sound system and smart key that allows you to not only start your car but operate the climate control system as well.
The 2021 Kia K5 goes on sale by late summer and the GT version will arrive in fall. Prices will be revealed closer to the launch.
Discuss this story further on the Kia K5 forum
FAQs
Starting Price: $30,590 MSRPThe K5 GT is the highest trim level, and offers the best performance and features of all the trim levels, including what they have and more.
What is the top of the line K5? ›
At the top of the lineup sits the 290-hp K5 GT, which is good, rowdy fun. The K5 and its Hyundai-badged mechanical twin, the Sonata, have a lot in common but the two offer a slightly different driving experience.
What are the changes to the Kia K5 in 2024? ›
2024 Kia K5: What's New
A single change is applied to the K5 for 2024: The GT-Line FWD model gains heated front seats as standard.
Is Kia K5 fun to drive? ›
Most 2024 Kia K5 models have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Those are not impressive numbers, but the power distribution makes the K5 feel lively except when attempting to pass at higher speeds.
Is Kia K5 a luxury car? ›
EX. The EX trim of the 2024 Kia K5, priced at an MSRP of $29,290, redefines luxury and comfort in the K5 lineup. This trim level is all about pampering the driver and passengers with its high-end features.
Is the K5 a fast car? ›
Top Speed of the K5
With the proper configuration and driving conditions, the K5 should max out at about 155 miles per hour.
Is K5 or Stinger better? ›
The K5 gets 5 more miles per gallon on both Brandon streets and highways, compared to the Stinger. That said, both Kia models get exception fuel economy. The Kia Stinger has an mpg rating of 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway, compared to the Kia K5's rating of 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway.
What cars compare to K5? ›
Cars similar to 2025 Kia K5
- 2025 Kia K5.
- 2025 Toyota Camry.
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata. Get Your Price.
- 2024 Nissan Altima. #8 in Mid-Size Cars. Get Your Price.
- 2024 Subaru Legacy. #4 in Mid-Size Cars. Get Your Price.
Is the 2024 Kia K5 a Good Car? Yes, the 2024 K5 is a good midsize car. The K5 has a well-built and roomy cabin that's packed with technology, and it's easy to live with in terms of performance. Acceleration and handling are satisfying, while more practical considerations like ride quality and fuel economy shine, too.
What is the difference between the 2024 and 2023 K5? ›
The only difference between the 2024 Kia K5 and the 2023 Kia K5 is you get heated front seats as standard equipment for the GT-Line.
In 2021, Kia dropped the “Optima” name and renamed the model in the U.S. to feature the same name it carries in South Korea, “K5.” However, is that the only difference between the Kia K5 vs. Kia Optima?
Will there be a 2025 Kia K5? ›
Along with some styling tweaks, the mid-size sedan swaps out its old turbocharged 1.6-liter engine for a more potent naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
What is the most common problem in Kia K5? ›
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Exhaust. ...
- Transmission Major. ...
- Transmission Minor. ...
- Engine Minor. ...
- Paint And Trim. ...
- Engine Cooling. ...
- Body Hardware. ...
- Fuel System/Emissions. Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
When new, a typically-equipped KIA K5 sells for $30,201 on average. After 5 years of depreciation, the average residual value will be $24,735.
Is the Kia K5 EX or GT better? ›
When we compare the Kia K5 GT's and the Kia K5 EX's specifications and ratings, the Kia K5 GT has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Kia K5 EX has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency.
Is it worth it to buy a Kia K5? ›
Is the 2024 Kia K5 a Good Car? Yes, the 2024 K5 is a good midsize car. The K5 has a well-built and roomy cabin that's packed with technology, and it's easy to live with in terms of performance. Acceleration and handling are satisfying, while more practical considerations like ride quality and fuel economy shine, too.
What is the difference between the Kia K5 and the Kia K5 GT-Line? ›
The 2024 Kia K5 GT outperforms the other K5 trims in many ways. Its larger, more powerful 2.5-liter engine produces an extra 110 horsepower and substantially more torque than the 1.6-liter motor on the other trims.
