With over a week of test driving in South Florida, the Kia K5 left many who saw it with a curiosity to know more.
Prices start at $23,590.00.
Is the KIA k5 the new kia optima?
Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. The K5 is replacing the Optima, the successful predecessor that had a 20-year production run. An all-new name and all-new look – very bold, new look. A mid-size sedan that will demand attention.
Tested kia k5 ex: suggested retail price of $31,355.00.
Kia k5 Trim levels
The Kia K5 is offered in a series of trim levels beginning with the:
- LX
- LXS
- GT- Line
- EX
- GT

The EX was an amazing experience and the technology features were very helpful for daily driving.
What is the Kia K5 warranty?
- 10 year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
- 5 year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty
- 5 year/60,000-mile roadside assistance
What engine comes with the kia k5?
1.6L Four-Cylinder
LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX are all powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder with 195 lb.- ft. of torque producing 180 horsepower. It is mated to an 8-Speed Automatic Transmission.
2.5L Turbo Four-Cylinder
The second option is a 2.5L Turbo four-cylinder with 311 lb.- ft torque producing 290 horsepower. It’s mated to an 8- Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission.
The K5 EX, I must say, has an impressive punch – very helpful when merging onto busy Miami highways.
What are the interior features of the Kia K5 EX?
First impressions are everything and the K5 compared to some of the best luxury vehicles I have sat in. I was amazed as soon as I opened the driver’s door. “This is a luxury car!” It has a two-tone leatherette door panel, with white stitching, wood graphics, and accent trim.
I was drawn to the 10.25-inch touchscreen monitor that offers Android Auto and Apple Carplay, which I did connect and used throughout the week. For someone who spends a lot of time driving, it is very convenient to have your texts read out loud. Additionally, the K5 comes with a BOSE premium sound system. This makes any song sound crystal clear.

Additional features include:
Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist-Cyclist & Junction Turning (vehicle), Nav Smart Cruise Control-Curve with Stop & Go. Highway Driving Assist, Parking Collision Avoidance-Rear, Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, USB multimedia port, USB Charger Port, and remote start.
The prominent technology was very safety-oriented and was highly appreciated while driving with my two kids and wife.
How does the Kia K5 Drive?
I have two perspectives to answer this question:
As a fairly tall, family man, this car was very comfortable. Being 6’3, comfort is an ongoing obstacle in a lot of cars, but legroom and headroom are sufficient. There was enough space for my 5-year-old (in her car seat behind the driver’s seat). The fairly quiet cabin allowed me to ask my daughter how her day was after dance pickup without having to raise my voice.
As a car enthusiast, driving the Kia K5 was fun, it has so many great interior elements that give it a contemporary, elegant and fun atmosphere. The driving dynamics were met with expectation after my initial exterior walk around. You expect a car that moves quickly, exciting to drive, smooth shifting, and direct steering.
Final thoughts
Some cars you can learn to appreciate, but others create an initial high-level of expectation. Because the looks are so bold, the K5 set a high expectation for me from the beginning. It gives the appearance that it has a lot to deliver and competes with bigger and more luxurious contenders. I enjoyed the Kia for a full week to the fullest. It included pick up and drop-offs for my kids, Friday night dinner with the whole family, a road trip to Palm Beach, bumper-to-bumper traffic in South Florida, I even went to a local car show! It exceeded my expectations as a car enthusiast and family man.
Kia k5 ex features

Basics
- 1.6L Turbo 4 Cylinder Engine
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Electronic Parking Break with Auto Hold
- LED Reflector Headlights
- Power, Heated Outside Mirrors
- 18″inch Alloy Wheels with Compact Spare*

Technology
- 10.25 in. Touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Rearview Cameras w/ Guidelines
- Smart Key / Push to Start
- Remote Start
- Wireless Phone Charger*
- Nav Smart Cruise Control-Curve w/ Stop&Go*
- Highway Driving Assistant*

Safety
- Dual Front Airbags
- Driver’s Knee Airbag
- Front and Rear Seat Mounted Airbags
- Electronic Stability Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Forward Collision Avoidance
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance
- Safe Exit Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- High Beam Assist
*Features available with EX model.
For more information about the Kia K5, please visit http://www.kia.com.