A Consumer Guide to Choosing the Best Kia K5 Trim

The K5 sedan is one of the most popular models Kia has in its lineup, and it comes in multiple customization options to suit consumers’ sense of style and driving needs. It comes with two engine choices, a standard front-wheel-drive setup, and an available AWD configuration for added traction and grip on the road. (However, AWD is not available on the LX trim). The K5’s standard engine is a 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 180hp and 195 lb-ft of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, the K5 is capable of 29mpg city and 38mpg highway with a combined 32mpg of mixed driving. Its 14.8-gallon fuel capacity enables the 2022 Kia K5 to drive about 470 miles before refueling, making it an ideal vehicle for long-distance driving.              

Key Features

Consumers in the market for a new Kia vehicle will find the K5 to be an excellent family sedan for daily commuting and occasional road trips. The K5 features a fastback-roof design that offers plenty of headroom in the back to seat three passengers (with a total passenger capacity of five). Cloth-material seats are provided in the base LX trim, but the upper trims include leatherette for a more luxury-like appeal. The 2022 Kia K5 comes with a 10yr/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, so consumers know their repair and maintenance costs are covered.   

Kia K5 LX / LXS trims 

The most affordable trim level of the K5 is the LX which starts from $23,690 (plus destination fee). This is an excellent option for budget-oriented buyers that seek just the essentials without the need for the more expensive luxury features. It has an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 1.6 L Turbo 4-cylinder, and LED Multi-Reflector Headlights. Take it up a notch, and Kia offers the LXS with all-wheel drive. It comes with a split-folding rear bench seat, UVO infotainment, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic assist. The LXS starts from a base price of $24,690 (plus destination fee) and offers a little bit more value for the money regarding vehicle features. 

Kia K5 GT-Line / EX trims

The third of the bunch is the GT-Line trim that offers consumers a more sporty driving experience. This trim adds sporty bumpers, a rear gloss-black deck-lid spoiler, and optional red-colored leatherette seating material. Starting at $26,090 (plus destination fee), the GT-Line also comes in standard 18-inch black alloy wheels and is equipped with LED foglights and taillights. Inside the cabin are a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a drive mode selector, built-in navigation, and UVO link remote connectivity. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive, the GT-Line is recommended for consumers seeking a good middle ground of affordability and sporty styling.

Kia also included a more luxury-oriented trim in the Kia K5 lineup with the EX trim that provides the driver with a pleasant driving experience in ultimate comfort. With a starting price tag of $28,590 (plus destination fee), owners experience the luxury of a panoramic sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, ventilated and heated front seats. A wooden accent trim is present on the dash and alongside the interior door panels, with Syntex seating materials being offered in eight color options. Other features include wireless phone charging, a 12-speaker Bose Sound System, and Sirius satellite radio.                   

The Top Tier GT Trim

For ultimate performance and handling on the road, the GT trim is the ideal choice. The GT trim has an upgraded 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 290hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine in the K5 lineup. With a base price of $31,090 (plus destination fee), drivers are rewarded with a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a smooth-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT trim is attainable and well worth the investment for about $7,500 more than the base LX trim. Best of all, according to the automotive research firm AMCI Testing, the K5 GT is faster than the BMW 330i in the quarter-mile.

Buying a New 2021 Kia K5

If you are interested in driving home a 2022 Kia K5, contact us at Southern Kia Greenbrier, and we can assist you in securing a great deal on our most popular models. Give us a call or visit us in person, and our professional staff can provide you with a walk-through of our on-site inventory. We are also available online, send us a message via our contact form, and we’ll respond within the same day. You are also welcome to explore our wide selection of new and pre-owned Kia models at affordable everyday prices!

Image Source: Kia