Kia K5 2024: A Remarkable Presence

Cars have become a rare commodity these days. However, the significant rise in SUVs' popularity hasn't completely eradicated all sedans, as the Kia K5 is still holding its ground. Some might argue that it was a risky move for the Korean manufacturer to retain this model, but I believe it was a well-calculated decision. While the K5 might not be the best-selling model in the Kia lineup, it remains highly appreciated. It reminds us that there is still a place for cars in the market.

Undoubtedly, it is one of the best options available in the midsize sedan category. It offers an incredible value for money and comes equipped with an impressive set of features. The Kia K5 is also aesthetically pleasing and turns heads wherever it goes. It's a car with personality and undoubtedly has everything it takes to appeal to consumers. As for 2024, there are some minor equipment improvements, but that's about it.

Range and Prices

The Kia K5 2024 sees a slight price increase, but its price range remains highly competitive for a midsize sedan. The starting price is $33,059, which is $500 more than last year. Considering the equipment you get for that amount, it's truly astonishing. The 2024 Kia K5 comes standard with lane-keeping assistance, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated steering wheel, and several other features that are normally optional. The rest of the Korean sedan's lineup consists of three other versions: EX, GT-Line, and GT, offering progressively more luxurious and sporty options.

LX — $33,059

EX – $36,459

GT-Line – $39,959

GT – $44,459

Category and Competition

Among all categories of cars, midsize sedans are probably the ones resisting the SUVs' ascent the most. This is due to the fact that the models in this category have always had an excellent reputation and offer exceptional value for money. Interestingly, the K5 is the only car in this lot that has changed its name in recent years. In case you didn't know, it used to be called the Optima. This name change allowed the Korean manufacturer's sedan to be reborn and shine. Even if it's not the most popular car of its kind, it remains the most interesting one.

Rivals: Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry.

Design and Interior

Creativity and boldness can lead to either a resounding failure or a monumental success, and fortunately for Kia, the K5 falls into the latter category. I really appreciate the direction the brand's designers have taken with this new generation. The K5 offers aggressive visual elements, such as its lightning-shaped headlights and sporty front bumper. I believe we can all agree that it is a very attractive car.

The interior of the Korean sedan is elegant and well-appointed. It's refreshing to see something other than a dashboard dominated by a massive screen serving as both the instrument cluster and multimedia system. The K5's instrumentation is driver-oriented, giving it a sporty feel. It almost feels like being inside a sports car.

Technologies

One of Kia's greatest strengths is offering a maximum of technology at a reasonable price range. This means that the technological experience of the K5 is top-notch even in the base version, both in terms of comfort and safety. Of course, as you go up in the lineup, the options become more interesting. Some versions even offer ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, features that were previously only found in luxury models.

Performance

The Korean manufacturer's sedan offers two mechanical options. The LX, EX, and GT-Line versions all come with the same 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across these versions. The GT version, which has a sportier focus, comes with front-wheel drive only. For this variant, the engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 1.6-liter engine has an average fuel consumption of 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway. As for the 2.5-liter engine, it increases to 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.3 L/100 km on the highway.

Weak Points

While it's more appealing this way, the GT version should have offered all-wheel drive. There are no hybrid versions available.

Strengths

The Kia K5 is a beautiful car that turns heads wherever it goes. Its impressive level of equipment and well-balanced engine options contribute to its appeal. The GT version offers a truly inspiring driving experience.

Signature Element

Bold styling, abundant technologies, and performance-oriented mechanics have contributed to the K5's success so far.

Final Words

I dare to believe that sedans will experience a certain resurgence in popularity in the coming years, and when that happens, the Kia K5 of today will be remembered as an example to follow and a model that approaches perfection.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier