2022 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; GT-Line’s ride can be a bit stiff over hard bumps

CG Says: The 2022 Kia K5 adds equipment. The GT-Line, EX, and GT gain a new 10.25-inch control screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. EX and GT models get a new surround-view camera and LXS trim gets back-seat USB ports. Kia’s mainstream midsize sedan was redesigned—and renamed—for 2021. The car formally known in North America as the Optima is now called by its international-market name: K5.
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. 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 the 1.6-liter has an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available with the 1.6-liter engine. All-wheel drive is not available for the GT.
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.