2021 Kia K5

Pros: Looks more expensive than its price; available all-wheel drive

Cons: All-wheel drive not available with 2.5-liter turbo engine; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality not offered with 10.25-inch control screen

CG Says: Kia’s mainstream midsize sedan has been redesigned—and renamed—for 2021. The car formally known in North America as the Optima is now called by its international-market name: K5. The 2021 Kia K5 is slightly longer, wider, and lower than the Optima it replaces, and it offers a new topline engine choice and available all-wheel drive.

A 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5 liter 4-cylinder replaces a 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo four and is exclusive to the sporty K5 GT model that will be available later in the model year. The base engine is a 180-hp turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. The 2.5-liter is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 1.6-liter has an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive will be available with 1.6-liter engine later in the model year.

The K5’s standard safety features include forward collision alert with pedestrian and cyclist detection, autonomous emergency braking, driver-attention monitor, rear-occupant alert, and lane-following assist. Available safety features include blind-spot alert, left-turn collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit alert, and a Smart Cruise Control Curve that will lower speed when the navigation system detects an upcoming curve.

As some auto manufacturers exit the sedan market, Kia ups its game with the boldly styled K5. The addition of available all-wheel drive and a more powerful performance engine makes the K5 one the strongest contenders in the midsize-sedan segment.