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2022 Kia K5 Review: Midsize Magic
by Michael Butler
The Kia K5 is the replacement for the popular Kia Optima, and Kia feels confident that this mid-size sedan will echo the glorious run of its retired sibling despite a market that continues to shun sedans in favor of SUVs and crossovers. The K5, which shares its platform with the Hyundai Sonata, makes a strong case for the mid-level sedan. Its feature list is impressive, its cabin comfortable, and its build quality excellent. To top it off, the 2022 K5 can be had with a potent turbocharged 2.5-liter engine which sends 290 horsepower to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Even the base model is quite peppy with its 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine. The Kia K5's competitors include long-standing industry favorites such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, both of which continue to dominate on the sales charts. Does it have what it takes to dethrone these middle-management legends? In this 2022 Kia K5 review, we'll help you answer that question.
Read in this review:
- Exterior Design 10 /10
- Performance 7 /10
- Fuel Economy 9 /10
- 8 /10
- Infotainment & Features 10 /10
- Reliability 9 /10
- Safety 10 /10
- Value For Money 10 /10
9.1
What is BuzzScore?
2022 Kia K5 Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2021 K5?
The big news (for Kia, at least) is the new-look logo stuck to the front and rear of each new Kia K5 sedan. The standard features list also gets a few new additions. The LXS now gets rear USB ports (for front-wheel-drive models), and the GT-Line AWD is now a cheaper option than before. This trim also comes with updated highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control with the Premium Package.
GT-Line models and up also get a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display. Moving up to the EX, it now comes with features like a surround-view monitor, power-folding mirrors, park distance warning-forward, and rear window auto up/down with the Premium Package.
Finally, the range-topping GT comes with an available Chestnut Brown Syntex interior Color Pack. On the GT1 specifically, it adds high-tech features like a surround-view monitor and park distance warning-forward.
Pros and Cons
- Eye-catching design
- The GT model is quick
- Lots of standard features
- Comfy interior
- Reasonable price
- Choppy ride on larger wheels
- 290 hp can be too much for the front wheels
Best Deals on 2022 Kia K5
2022 Kia K5 GT-Line
$30,500
43,693 miles
2022 Kia K5 EX
2022 Kia K5 GT-Line
$27,255
6,617 miles
2022 Kia K5 LXS
$21,670
23,074 miles
Fair Deal
Average price
See All K5 For Sale
2022 Kia K5 Trims
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | $23,790 |
| LXS | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive | $24,790 |
| GT-Line | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive | $26,190 |
| EX | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | $28,690 |
| GT | 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 8-Speed Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | $31,190 |
See All 2022 Kia K5 Trims and Specs
2022 K5 Exterior
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Dimensions
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Length 193.1 in
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Wheelbase 112.2 in
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Height 56.9 in
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Max Width 73.2 in
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Front Width 64.3 in
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Rear Width 64.6 in
Exterior Colors
- Glacial White Pearl +$445
- Passion Red, Build Out: July 31, 2021 +$445
- Passion Red +$445
- Wolf Gray +$445
- Everlasting Silver
- Ebony Black
- Sapphire Blue
- Gravity Gray
- Crystal Beige, Build Out: July 31, 2021
2022 K5 Performance
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Engine and Transmission
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Engines
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
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Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
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Drivetrains
AWD, FWD
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Kia K5 should be seen as a middle-of-the-road sedan that provides comfortable and capable handling but is not overtly sporty. This Korean sedan performs well in the city at slower speeds and soaks up bumps without unsettling the chassis. However, it must be said that opting for a set of larger wheels can make low-speed bumps feel a tad crashy. Cheaper trims are noticeably soft in terms of suspension setup when compared to the sporty GT which rides on 19-inch alloys. Kia lets you drive the K5 in Normal, Smart, Sport, and Custom modes, with the GT adding a Sport Plus mode. You can feel the difference when shifting between the modes: go from Normal to Sport, and the delightfully light steering gains some weight. Throw the K5 around a bend, and it responds with good balance, but some body roll is present. The GT is more capable, but it's no BMW M3. The GT's 290-hp power output can also overwhelm the front tires, but to some, that's part of the fun.
2022 K5 Interior
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Seating and Interior Space
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Seating capacity
5-seater
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Front Leg Room 46.1 in
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Front Head Room 40.2 in
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Rear Leg Room 35.2 in
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Rear Head Room 37.8 in
2022 K5 Trunk and Cargo Space
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Trunk Volume
16 ft³
2022 K5 Safety and Reliability
Warranty
- Basic:
5 Years\60,000 Miles
- Drivetrain:
10 Years\100,000 Miles
- Corrosion:
5 Years\100,000 Miles
- Roadside Assistance:
5 Years\60,000 Miles
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
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Overall Rating
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Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
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Side Crash Rating
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Rollover Rating
Verdict: Is the 2022 Kia K5 A Good car?
Car buyers in the USA continue to prefer SUVs, trucks, and crossovers to the sedan, but the Kia K5 makes a good argument for this classic body shape. Kia has managed to get the finer details right; the interior is well-built and comfortable, and clever little details such as the updated infotainment display make this car feel more upmarket than it really is. The standard features list is impressive as it always has been, and there are enough standard driver-assistance features to keep you on the road and in one piece. The base 180-hp engine has enough pep to make the K5 feel lively, and the GT is even more fun, as long as you don't expect the world. The fact that Kia has managed to offer such a great package while still undercutting its main competitors on price is impressive, and considering everything else, we think that the K5 is the best at what it currently does.
2022 Kia K5 Popular Comparisons
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