2021 Kia K5 review

1. Athletic exterior appeal

A brand new model for 2021, the K5's sleek, upscale silhouette ensures all eyes will be on you. The smooth curve of the roofline flows seamlessly to the trunk, making for a five-seat sedan with a coupe-like personality. Upfront, the wide grille and heartbeat-style accent lights are dynamic and bold. The rear of the K5 has a horizontal light bar, with the option of a gloss black spoiler on the GT models. Eight exterior paint options bathe this sedan in monochrome shades, jewel-like brights, or a stunning champagne beige that's exclusive to the LXS and EX trims.

2. Clever assistance aids

For journeys with friends, family, or colleagues, driver aids that support your awareness are useful to have at hand, and the 2021 K5 has some clever features that everyone will appreciate. Particularly useful for school or work drop-offs, the Safe Exit Assist system (LXS and above) uses rear radar to monitor for approaching traffic, sounding an audible chime to alert your passengers when traffic might be approaching outside the vehicle.

For nighttime driving, standard high beam assist automatically activates your high beams to improve visibility when there's no approaching traffic, while the lane keep system can keep you on track with minor steering adjustments, ideal for multi-lane highways.

3. Great technology

The 2021 K5 has an impressive set of standard technology features, keeping you connected to your favorite people, podcasts, and playlists. An eight-inch color touchscreen is your infotainment hub, connecting you to calls on the move via Bluetooth^® wireless technology, and to your compatible smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ smartphone connectivity. USB charging ports are available across the front row on all trims with the addition of two rear-row ports for the GT-Line and above. And if you want to symphony-hall your way home, available packages for the EX and GT trims can add a 12-speaker Bose^® premium audio system upgrade and a larger touchscreen.

4. Turbocharged engine options

Commuter driving needn't be a chore. The 2021 K5 offers two turbocharged engine options with a hint of exhilaration. Standard on four of the K5 trims is a 180-hp 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. If traffic congestion is an everyday occurrence, only the base LX trim comes standard with stop-start technology. For performance enthusiasts, the range-topping GT trim comes standard with a powerful 2.5L turbocharged engine, unleashing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. You'll also get sport-tuned suspension and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

5. Deluxe EX trim

If your day is spent on the road visiting customers and clients or heading out to see friends, the luxuriously appointed 2021 K5 EX trim offers the kind of deluxe features that make every day enjoyable. If you love a bright and airy cabin, you'll enjoy how the panoramic sunroof connects you to the outside world. Heated and ventilated front seats ensure your comfort no matter the season, while simulated leather upholstery in shades of black, ash blue, or sand adds understated elegance. The available UVO link traffic routing capability can offer real-time traffic data, and when you arrive at your destination the EX trim's rear parking sensors will help guide you into a space.