Road Test: 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD

All-New Midsize Sedan Contender

Ski resorts often name one of their steepest runs the K5. Taos Ski Valley describes theirs as: “K5 is the longest of the steepest, tightest runs in Taos Ski Valley. It is one of the fastest chutes as well. The bumps have slowed it down a lot, but it is still a breathtaking descent. And if it’s buried under 18 inches of fresh snow, get on it! For the most part, it’s straight, but there are choices through various rock formations.”

Not so sure Kia had such a dramatic definition in mind for the all-new 2021 K5, but after spending a week in it, and seeking out tight, mountain corners, there is an excitement level that brought a smile to our face. Since the 2021 Kia K5 can sneakily sit at a stop light, hiding its performance side, we too encourage you to “get on it!”

Performance Factors

The 2021 Kia K5 is offered with two engine and two transmission choices, plus is available in all-wheel drive (AWD) in two trims. The base engine is a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder, good for a 180 horsepower (hp) and 195 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.). If you opt for the K5 GT it will be fitted with a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, which comes with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, but is not available in AWD.

Clean Fleet Report’s K5 GT-Line AWD had the 1.6L turbo with an eight-speed automatic transmission (not the wet dual-clutch version). This combination was well-matched to the AWD, providing ample power, albeit with a slight turbo lag when launching from a stop. There are five driver-selectable drive modes of Smart, Normal, Custom, Snow and Sport that adjust the engine, steering and transmission responses. Designed to maximize economy, Smart is for freeway driving, and Sport for most other times, giving the K5 an extra boost of performance. It didn’t snow in SoCal during our week in the K5, but it is easy to believe with AWD and the Snow drive mode, the K5 can handle slippery, snowy and wet just fine.

The EPA rates the 2021 K5 AWD at 26 mpg city/34 highway/29 combined, while running on 87 octane. In 373 miles of 65-percent highway/35-percent city driving we averaged 31.0 mpg. But over a 110-mile, all-freeway run with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged 36.5 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

On the Road

The all-new 2021 K5 replaces the Optima in the Kia line-up, with Kia saying the K5 is “set to disrupt and inspire the midsize sedan market.” The design is sharp, with the K5 longer, wider and lower than the Optima, giving the K5 a more aggressive look, even when sitting still. The K5 GT-Line AWD we drove is mostly an appearance package (with the most aggressive K5 being the GT model). Regardless, the K5 looks like it is ready to get it on.

Out on the road the 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds was respectable with good low end torque that can produce tire chirping from a start. The electric power-assisted steering was quick and direct with good road feel and response. The Pirelli PZero 235/45 all-season tires produced no tire slippage when pushed hard and gripped well for straight and short stops with the ventilated front and rear solid disc brakes. The ride was stiff enough for spirited cornering, but not so much as to compromise the freeway ride. The K5 handled firm and flat in slow-to-medium tight cornering, with acceptable body roll when pushed hard.

Driving Experience: Exterior

The K5 has been completely redesigned for 2021, resulting in a sleek look carrying forward the Tiger Nose front grille, which is narrower than on the outgoing Optima. The K5 has a more aggressive look, especially when turning on the four-beam LED projection headlights and amber LED daytime running lights. The running lights also double as turn signals with what Kia calls a “Heartbeat” design. LED fog lamps are found on the GT-Line’s outer, lower fascia.

The K5 goes with the current hot design of a long hood, a short trunk and a low 5.3-inch ground clearance, crisp lines that give it a fastback profile. GT-Line design elements include 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss black inserts, gloss-black lip spoiler, gloss black heated outside mirrors and sport front and rear bumpers in gloss black with a silver metallic skid plate. The LED tail lights are connected across the trunk by a LED dashed light pattern. The twin, chrome exhaust tips are faux, but that doesn’t diminish them being on the lower fascia to balance out the rear design. An attractive design element is the chrome strip that runs from the rear view mirrors, atop the doors, wrapping the K5 along the roof and over the deck lid. Clean Fleet Report’s K5, painted in Wolf Gray, received several comments on its great looks.

Driving Experience: Interior

Clean Fleet Report was driving a highly featured Kia GT-Line that included a power panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging and a 12V power outlet with two USB (1 data/1 charge) ports.

The cockpit layout is simple and clean with soft touch materials on the dash and door panels. Easy-to-read controls, such as the black gauges with white letters, are joined by the Bluetooth, audio and cruise controls on the multi-function, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. The GT-Line specific flat-bottomed steering wheel had satin chrome accents.

Our K5 GT-Line had the optional red SynTex seats featuring GT-Line embroidery that were heated and perforated, 10-way power adjustable for the driver, and six-way manual adjustments for the passenger. The seats, red with black inserts and piping, had good thigh bolstering. For the driver, the tilt and telescopic steering column made finding a comfortable position possible. Kia says the K5 can seat three adults in the 60/40 split folding rear seat, but for longer trips two adults would be more comfortable, and they could take advantage of the fold-down arm rest with cup holders. Access was easy with more-than-ample head and leg room.

Clean Fleet Report’s K5 came with the optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, housing Kia’s UVO telematics and navigation. The six-speaker audio system, with two tweeters, came with SiriusXM (three-month trial subscription), AM/FM/HD/MP3, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connectivity was through USB ports for iPod, Aux-in jacks, Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free telephone. The radio interface had a learning curve, and would have been more driver-safety friendly if it had a channel knob.

Safety and Convenience

The 2021 K5 comes with front, seat-mounted and full side curtain air bags, and the Drive Wise advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). Safety features included forward collision warning and avoidance, lane departure and driver attention warning, lane keep assist, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross traffic collision and parking distance warning, and pedestrian forward collision avoidance.

Additional safety and convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate system, rear view camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system, compact spare, and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 K5 five stars, its highest overall safety rating.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Kia K5 sedan comes in fIve trim levels. Base prices, from $24,555 to $31,555, before options but including the $965 destination charge.

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 K5 GT-Line AWD had a MSRP of $31,300, including the $965 destination charge and $1,245 in options.

The 2021 K5 comes with these warranties.

Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles

Basic – Five years/60,000 miles

Roadside – Five years/60,000 miles

Observations: 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD

The all-new 2021 Kia K5 is more than a replacement for the Optima, which had been their midsize sedan stalwart since 2000. The K5 has been completely reimagined and designed using an all-new platform that is longer, wider and lower than the Optima. There are engine and transmission choices with all-wheel drive available for the first time. For style, performance, fuel economy, safety equipment, and warranty, the 2021 Kia K5 is an excellent choice as an everyday commuter, or when seeking some cornering fun, especially when equipped with AWD.

Kia offers five sedans–Forte, K5, Stinger, Cadenza and K900–in a category that has seen sales drop in favor of crossover SUVs. To make these cars stand out, each has a different personality meant for different buyers. While the Forte is the smallest, entry-level model of the Kia sedans, it can be ordered in a performance version. The Stinger is a premium stylish, sedan-coupe that has serious Grand Tourismo DNA, the Cadenza is the near-luxury offering, while the K900 crosses into luxury.

The K5 has benefitted greatly from what Kia designers and engineers learned from the Stinger sports sedan, being influenced with design and handling. The K5 will appeal to buyers looking for something a bit larger than the Forte and a bit smaller and less expensive than the Stinger and Cadenza, but not as luxurious as the K900. In other words, Kia has the sedan market covered.

In January 2020, Kia announced it will be offering 11 electric vehicles by 2025, with the first model hitting showrooms in 2021. With the K5 being all-new for 2021, it is too early to speculate on the future of this model, but could it be one of those upcoming EVs since it predecessor model had a plug-in hybrid version?

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by john Faulkner and Kia.

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.