2022 K5 Review

The K5 GT has a 2.5-liter turbo under the hood. This remarkable unit acts like a top-end V6 in terms of capability. Output is 290 horses and 311 lb-ft of torque. The slick turbo is mated to a sport-tuned suspension and a special wet-type 8-speed dual clutch transmission. High levels of torque can be generated at rpms as low as 1,650 rpm.

2022 K5 LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX trims utilize a 180-hp engine. This creates 195 pound-feet of torque and is harnessed by the 8-speed automatic. Idle stop and go is standard to help reduce city driving fuel use. Front wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is offered on the LXS and GT-Line.

You don’t have to wait for a Kia K5 sale to get an affordable price. Each trim level offers value pricing for its feature package. Furthermore, Kia is one of the few car companies to offer up to 5 years Limited and 10 years powertrain coverage.

In addition, fuel economy is quite good on this lineup. Starting at 29 mpg city and a whopping 38 mpg highway for a combined mpg of 32, the 2022 Kia K5 LX does the best. The K5 LXS, GT-Line, and EX Front Wheel Drive models earn 27 mpg city/37 mpg highway/31 mpg combined.

The all wheel drive editions of the K5 GT-Line and LXS do quite well for their all-weather capability. They earn 25/33/28 mpg. Despite all of its speed, even the GT has reason to brag. This front wheel drive super turbo earns 24/32/27 mpg.

The spacious K5 cabin has 105.3 cu.ft. of passenger volume and 121.3 cu.ft. in total interior volume. This roomy ride surrounds the driver with the tools needed for modern life. The affordable suggested retail price of the LX iis like a Kia K5 sale every day.

A 4.2-inch color LCD display has driver information. The touchscreen is an 8-inch display with advanced connectivity, satellite radio, and voice command features. Apple CarPlay for iPhones and Android Auto for Android phones can stream maps to the sedan’s large touch screen.

Dual-zone automatic temperature control is standard on the LX. Saving space and adding another modern touch, the parking brake is electronic with an auto hold function. Higher trim levels include the LXS, GT-Line, EX and GT.

LXS Trim Levels

The 2022 Kia K5 LXS models, whether front-wheel or all-wheel drive, add more to the features list. Additional second-row USB charge ports make it easy for your guests to keep their phones charged. The Smart Key and push button start make the driver’s experience simpler.

Remote start can cool the car before you take a ride on a hot Phoenix afternoon. Hauling luggage is easier with an auto-open Smart trunk function. A folding split rear bench provides more flat cargo space.

GT-Line Trim Levels

The 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line wears a special cloth and leatherette trim. A black headliner replaces the sand-colored one. Shoppers may want to choose the available red leatherette trim for the raciest GT-line look.

The driver gets a 10-way adjustable driver’s chair and a leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are available features.

This trim and higher trims are eligible for more driver assistance. This includes the Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go, navigation-based SCC-curve and the advanced forward collision system.

What’s the difference between the GT-Line and the GT? The K5 GT-Line hits many of the same high notes when it comes to cabin style and curb appeal. However it has the regular engine while the GT has the 290-horsepower engine.

EX Trim Level

This may be the perfect 2022 Kia K5 model for Phoenix drivers because ventilated seats are standard. There’s a more refined look to the cabin with its handsome leatherette upholstery and new satin chrome trim elements on the door and dash. The K5 EX has additional interior LED lighting and a wood dash pad. Heated front seats and a wireless phone charger add to the upscale vibe.

The parking distance reverse warning is standard on these cars. The available SurroundView monitor makes parking and reverse maneuvers much easier. Highway Driving Assist lets the car take control on long stretches of interstate while the driver keeps their hands on the wheel just in case.

Furthermore, the 10.25-inch color touchscreen is standard on the K5 EX trim. This adds embedded telematics and an integrated modem. This means more capability and more speed. Other Kia EX options include a heated steering wheel and the Bose Audio system with 12 speakers.

GT Trim Level

With its panoramic sunroof and performance engine, the GT is the top trim of the 2022 Kia K5 lineup. It is a speedy sedan that is rich with amenities. Premium from bumper to bumper, this package covers all of the angles: design, performance, cabin comforts, and technology.

Wearing your choice of black or Chestnut Brown color schemes, SynTex upholstery covers the seats in a leather-like rich feel.The heated front seats are upgraded to sport bolstered bucket seats. The dual-zone automatic climate system includes rear vents to keep your friends or kids more comfortable.

The navigation system lets the driver chart the best path, whether it’s the shortest distance or the one with the most fun curves and straight-aways. For extra safety, this model also has the best driver assistance, including navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve and Highway Driving Assist.

Safety and Driver Assistance

K5 models have received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and scored green (good) on all crash tests. Parents will appreciate Safe Exit Assist which helps prevent backseat passengers from getting out when a car or SUV could hit them. A Rear Occupant Alert warns caregivers to check the backseat.

Whether its a stopping car ahead or a pedestrian in the street, Forward-Avoidance Assist may hit the brakes to help. To keep the K5 in its lane, there’s the dynamic Lane Keeping Assist. Watching the sides of the vehicle, there’s the blind spot monitor, a rear traffic monitor, and Avoidance Assist-Rear.

High Beam Assist stays busy raising and lowering the beam and letting the driver focus on the road. The Driver Attention Warning can monitor the driver’s behavior. An advantage in stop-and-go situations, a Departure Alert will let you know if the car ahead has started to move.

Is a Kia K5 an Optima?

The K5 replaced the Kia Optima as the brand’s midsize sedan. The new model and the Optima share typical Kia traits such as an emphasis on value and technology. However, the K5 was designed to go beyond the Optima and become a more dynamic vehicle like the Stinger.

As the first of this nameplate, the 2021 Kia K5 entered the marketplace with a long list of standard features. It established itself as a comfortable cabin, ample cargo space and a relaxing ride.

U.S. News calls the Kia K5 a “well-rounded sedan” that stands up to some established names like the Toyota Camry. Now the 2022 Kia K5 GT has arrived to bring more performance to the party. A test drive is the best way to learn more.