After replacing the Optima for 2021, the Kia K5 is now in its second year, relatively unchanged from last year. With sharp styling, good fuel economy, and low prices, the 2022 Kia K5 has a lot going for it. Most K5s have a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic to power the front wheels or, optionally, all four. The top GT trim, however, has a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, although it is front-wheel drive only.
The base engine provides ample punch, and the ride is comfortable, with a good steering feel and a quiet cabin. Inside, the seats are comfortable, although the rear legroom of 35.2 inches is less than in some competitors. With 16 cubic feet of space, the trunk is big and usable. The cabin is clean and uncluttered in front, with most controls confined to the steering wheel or the touchscreen.
Standard features are good, with cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, HD radio, two USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. A suite of safety features can be found across all trims as well, helping the K5 earn a 5-Star NHTSA rating. As with all Kia models, the 2022 K5 comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Five trims
Of the five trims of the 2022 Kia K5, four are powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, with the top GT trim getting a 2.5-liter turbo. The base LX, upper-trim EX, and top GT are front-wheel drive only, with both the LXS and GT-Line having the option of all-wheel drive. The base LX trim starts at $23,690 plus $995 destination and includes 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, and manually adjustable front seats.
The next up LXS starts at $24,690 and adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and two USB ports in the rear. All-wheel drive is $1,800 more and comes with a snow setting and larger wheels.
The GT-Line has a sporty vibe, with simulated leather upholstery, a gloss black rear spoiler, and black-finished alloy wheels. A GT-Line with all-wheel drive runs $27,690 but adds heated front seats. Priced just under $30,000, the EX is the more luxury-leaning K5, with a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, simulated leather seats, satellite radio, and a 10-way power-adjustable front seat.
Starting at $31,090, the 2022 Kia K5 GT is the only trim with the 2.5-liter turbo, paired with a sport suspension, stronger brakes, heated sport seats in front, a panoramic sunroof, black-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, and a quad exhaust system. The $4,200 GT1 package is the big add, with a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a 360-degree camera system, a 12-speaker premium Bose audio system, and several extra safety features. Fully loaded, a 2022 Kia K5 GT will run $38,050.
2022 Kia K5 Fully Loaded Features:
- 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT)
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
- 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels
- LED front fog lights
- Gloss black mirrors, windshield molding, and door pillar
- Hyper Silver metallic Sport radiator
- Passion Red Tint Coat: $445
- GT1 Package: $4,200
- Cargo tray: $115
- Puddle lamps: $290
- LED trunk light: $115
- Trunk cargo management system: $150
- Illuminated scuff plates: $300
- EC mirror with HomeLink: $350
- Remote Start: $425
2.5-liter turbocharged engine
While a 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo powers the lower trims, the GT packs a 2.5-liter turbo with nearly 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed DCT, this engine scoots the K5 along with some verve. Paddle shifters add some nice sport, too. We don’t have performance numbers, but we’d guess the K5 GT gets to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
Sport-tuned suspension
While the GT is front-wheel drive only, we’re glad it comes with a sportier suspension and beefed-up brakes. It’s good to have with nearly 300 hp under the hood.
Passion Red Tint Coat
If you’re going all-in on the sporty K5 GT with its gloss black details, sport bumpers, larger gloss-black wheels, and gloss-black rear spoiler, we say keep going and get a nice shiny color to let ’em know you’re coming. Passion Red Tint Coat really pops, and for under $500, it’s a deal. If red is not your style, Wolf Gray is a premium option as well.
GT1 Package
The most significant add-on, and only offered with the GT, the GT1 package adds a fair number of goodies. These include a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a surround-view monitor, navigation-based cruise control, and full LED projector headlights. Driver assists include forward-collision avoidance assist, highway driving assist, parking distance warning both front and rear, and Highway Driving Assist.
LED trunk light and cargo management system
if you’re going to be exploiting the power of the K5 GT, things may slide around in the trunk. Kia’s cargo management system offers hooks and nets to keep your stuff in place. The LED light’s handy if you’re searching for something in the trunk at night.
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