The current-generation Kia Optima has been around for nearly ten years and has helped Kia grow tremendously during this time. The Kia Optima has won many awards, just recently being named to Kelley Blue Book’s list of Best Midsize Cars in 2020. The Optima took on many forms, too, being available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model. But the 2021 Kia K5, according to Kia, represents one of the biggest leaps forward between generations in recent automotive history. The new Kia K5 replaces the Kia Optima for the 2021 model year and does it with style. The K5 name was chosen to emphasize the revolutionary approach of the new fastback sedan.
This is not just another ordinary sedan; this is a complete rethinking of the traditional sedan. With a name comes a whole different car and a whole lot of other new stuff throughout five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT-Line, and EX. The 2021 K5 is on Kia's latest N3 platform, will offer optional all-wheel drive and a pretty powerful range-topping powertrain. Expect increased agility with a sport-tuned suspension and improved braking and cornering performance with 19-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli P Zero tires. Inside there will be attractive materials and improved sound deadening with lots of fancy tech like a standard 8.0 or optional 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. If you are looking for an affordable and sporty midsize sedan, it looks as though Kia has this market cornered.
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The Kia K5 will improve on the Optima’s performance with a more optimum-output powertrain options. The Kia K5 is a sporty and stylish sedan that brings lots of improvements in handling and drive quality for a more engaging driving experience. For instance, the K5 has a new eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch transmission that will be sure to appeal to enthusiasts. No other sedan in its segment offers this transmission, so while the K5 appeals to a different crowd than the Optima, it is sure to attract a following.
The standard engine in the 2021 Kia K5 is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 that creates 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged engine provides plenty of passing and merging power. This engine is mated to a new eight-speed transmission. This 1.6-liter engine also employs a new technology called Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD). What’s notable about this technology is that by giving each of the valves inside the engine their independence, Kia says performance and efficiency do improve. And this is available even for those who want all-wheel drive without the extra performance of the GT model, as it's optional on every trim except for the base LX. The EX trim also comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
The other engine offered for the 2021 Kia K5 is a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 190 hp and an astounding 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine will get the attention of people who like to go fast. A front-wheel-drive-based all-wheel-drive system is standard with this engine along with Kia’s new eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission. An electro-hydraulic center coupling quickly distributes torque between the front and rear wheels when needed. This direct-injected engine powers the K5 2.5 GT to 60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds. This is an exciting powertrain, and anyone who is interested in cars should take notice of the 2021 Kia K5.
If you are looking for a car that has the style of a performance sedan and the engineering to back it up, the 2021 Kia K5 is one of the more affordable options. Plus, it can easily double as a family or commuter car, not veering too far away from its Optima roots.
With an open layout and new infotainment display that stretches the instrument panel to create a modern 3-D layout, the 2021 Kia K5 is truly a car of the future. If that’s not enough, there’s an aircraft-inspired shift knob on the center console and a panoramic sunroof. And depending on your tastes, the K5 can be equipped with a sporty or premium interior. The materials are all high-quality, with red leatherette seating and trim with a satin-metallic or pseudo wood finish.
The standard trim, the LX 1.6T, receives a cloth interior, an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Moving up to the LXS 1.6T brings much more standard equipment, including a split-folding rear bench seat, UVO infotainment, a blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic assist. The GT-Line 1.6T brings an optional red leatherette interior and sporty exterior upgrades.
With the EX 1.6T trim, a panoramic sunroof is added, as well as heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, Sirius satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker Bose sound system. Topping of the lineup is the GT 2.5T model, the sportiest of all the K5 models. This model receives a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, a flat-bottom steering wheel, black leatherette seat trim, and dual quad-tip mufflers.
With so many options to choose from, there is something for everyone. The 2021 Kia K5 has taken all of the good things from the previous-generation Optima and made them its own, modernizing the interior and adding more convenience and tech along the way.
The exterior of the 2021 Kia K5 brings what Kia calls a powerful and angular design, and it’s hard to argue with the sleek curves and sharp looks of the all-new K5. The nose of the K5 has modernized Kia’s “tiger face” grille and is thinner and spans across the front. Chrome traces the roofline and wraps around the rear glass. The mesh design and on the grille and dual chrome exhaust outlets are inspired by shark skin. Even with unique lines, the styling allows for a standard trunk, giving the K5 a truly savvy design.
The K5 GT-Line 1.6T trim is particularly noteworthy due to it being primarily an exterior upgrade. Included in this trim level are 18-inch black alloy wheels, optional LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, gloss-black outside mirrors with LED turn signals, sport front and rear bumpers, and a gloss-black rear spoiler.
Every 2021 Kia K5 comes outfitted with the latest in safety features, showing how committed Kia is to keeping you safe on the road. Included in all models of the K5 is Kia’s driver-assist technology. Customers will appreciate the many standard safety features, such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, providing peace of mind for an affordable price. Other standard safety features include pedestrian detection and a driver attention warning system.
Moving up just one trim level brings a host of even more safety features, such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic assist. There's also the option to add automated emergency braking. This detects oncoming traffic during left-hand turns. Adaptive cruise control is another option. This uses the navigation system to recognize when the vehicle is heading into a corner, which is a great addition to the suite of safety features. One of its more state-of-the-art features is called Safe Exit Assist, which will alert occupants of vehicles moving toward them before passengers open the door to get out. This system can lock the rear doors too if the car is equipped with a power child lock.
Other innovative safety features offered include lane-following assist, which can sense lane markings and make subtle steering adjustments to keep the K5 in the center of the lane. Highway driving assist is another feature to look for when shopping for a K5 as it uses information from the navigation system to adjust the K5’s speed based on the posted speed limit.
That’s an incredible amount of standard and optional safety features available. From the innovative highway drive assist features to the necessary and standard automated emergency braking, you are sure to be safe and engaged in the 2021 Kia K5.