Brand new this year, the 2021 Kia K5 replaces the company’s Optima midsize sedan, which was one of KBB’s Best Midsize Cars for 2020. The new sedan is offered with two engine choices and comes standard with front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available as an option on all trims but the base LX. The standard engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder making 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque connected to an 8-speed automatic, and it’s offered on four trim levels. Fuel economy ranges from 29 mpg city and 38 highway in the base LX trim down to 26/34 in the all-wheel-drive LXS. The base engine makes sufficient power, and while it’s tuned for improved fuel economy, there’s also a Sport mode for more aggressive shifts.
The top 2.5 GT trim, however, boasts a 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder that makes 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5 is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and also includes a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters.
Four passengers fit comfortably (five in a pinch). While the K5 has a fastback roof, there’s still enough headroom in the back, although it’s a bit tighter with the optional panoramic sunroof. Inside, the look is futuristic with an infotainment display that blends into the instrument panel for a three-dimensional design.
The base model has a cloth interior, but upper trims include leatherette. Other base features include an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and 16-inch alloy wheels. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, driver-attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. As with all Kia models, the 2021 K5 comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Five Trim Levels
Of the five trim levels of the 2021 Kia K5, four are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, with the top GT getting a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. MSRP ranges from $23,490 for the base LX model up to $30,490 for the 2.5 GT. The next trim above the base is the LXS for $25,585, or $26,590 with all-wheel drive. All models also carry a destination charge of $965. Various packages include a $1,600 GT-Line Premium package, which adds a panoramic sunroof and more safety features, and the $3,400 EX Premium Package, which adds a navigation system, 10.25-inch screen, Bose premium audio system, and more safety features.
The base LX is just that, base, with cloth seats and little else, so we suggest you skip that and go for the LXS at the very least. It’s the first trim available with all-wheel drive, but also includes a split-folding rear bench seat, UVO infotainment, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic assist. The GT-Line has the base 1.6-liter engine but adds sporty bumpers, a rear spoiler, and optional leatherette trim. Above that is the EX, which includes a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and an optional 12-speaker sound system.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2021 Kia K5 Trims and Prices:
2021 Kia K5 LX 1.6T: $24,585
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
2021 Kia K5 LXS 1.6T: $25,585-$26,590
- Optional all-wheel drive
- UVO entertainment
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Blind-spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic assist
2021 Kia K5 GT-Line 1.6T: $26,485
- 18-inch black alloy wheels
- Sport front and rear bumpers
- Gloss-black rear spoiler
- Cloth and leatherette seat trim with optional red leatherette trim
- Optional Special Edition
2021 Kia K5 EX 1.6T: $29,085
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Heated front seats
- Optional 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Sirius satellite radio
2021 Kia K5 GT 2.5T: $31,585
- 2.5-liter turbocharged engine
- Paddle shifters
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Black leatherette seat trim
- 19-inch alloy wheels
Ready to buy a 2021 Kia K5? Shop for one on sale now near you.
