The 2022 Kia K5 has the style and substance to set it apart from other midsize family sedans. It's incredibly easy to drive and comfortable on longer trips thanks to a great suspension and an exceptionally quiet cabin. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and that's just the beginning of a rich feature list that somehow manages to undercut the competition at every level.
Part of the first K5 generation introduced for 2021
What is the K5?
It would be a bit of an understatement to say the Kia K5 is off to a good start. Announced as the replacement for Kia's long-running Optima, the K5 burst out of the gate for 2021 and went straight to the top spot in our midsize sedan rankings. We found its mix of a comfortable, quiet interior, loads of available tech features, and excellent value for the money enough to knock the Honda Accord off the top step. That's quite a debut.
So what's on tap for 2022? Kia hasn't said anything officially but we wouldn't be surprised to see a K5 Hybrid. Rivals such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and related Hyundai Sonata all offer a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, and we see no reason why Kia couldn't do the same for 2022. Kia used to offer an Optima Hybrid, so there's certainly precedent. Otherwise, barring some minor trim or feature changes, we don't foresee any other changes for the K5.
Edmunds says
Kia's impressive K5 looks to have most of the bases covered, but we're anticipating the introduction of a hybrid model for 2022. But if you're in the market for a midsize sedan today and that bump in fuel efficiency isn't worth the wait, we don't see any reason to put off checking out a K5 today.
2022 Kia K5 GT-Line 4dr Sedan AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I purchased the K5 GT-line in December. My wife and I were initially going to purchase a 2022 Camry, but after stumbling across the K5 on google. The aesthetics of the car peaked my interest, although I was worried that such a good looking car was still a Kia at the end of the day. After a bit a research I was sold, and to be honest the change in the Kia logo was a major determining … factor for me. I've put about almost 2000 miles on it, and so far it has been a real joy to drive. It's roomy interior was surprisingly quiet, and it reminded me of the CLA Mercedes quiet ride. I ready many reviews that unanimously pointed to a lack of power from the 180hp engine, but I'm hard pressed to find any issues in the power department. It doesn't hop off the line, but once the turbo spools up it wastes no time getting up to and passed 80mph. It's not a surge or power as in most turbo engines, but rather a very linear feeling increase in power, and the 190 foot pounds of torque keep it moving at a pretty good clip going up hill. As for the interior, the tech is amazing and more advanced than I expected. The giant touch screen is amazing and in upstate NY, the auto start feature is a God send. The exterior styling far exceeds any of its competitors, and frankly unless your buying a luxury sedan, you will not find a better looking mid sized sedan on the road. My only complaint, which isn't really a complaint, but I find the safety features have made me a less attentive driver than a I should be at times. It is very easy to trust the safety features, and rightfully so, but I would caution potential that the car can feel like it's driving itself at times. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a mid sized sedan.
This Car Keeps Surprising Me!
5 out of 5 stars
KiaLover76011, 09/01/2021
2022 Kia K5 EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I've had this car a little over a month now and I keep finding features that make me fall in love with it all over again! The UVO and remote start are great features to help cool the car before getting in on hot summer days. It's quiet, rides better than my Sportage did and feels upscale. I was leaning more towards the Sonata N-Line, but so glad I decided to check out the K5. Even though … I only got the 1.6T, it has plenty of power. Best sedan on the road!
K5: Easy on the eyes, and a nice place to be.
5 out of 5 stars
Ryan S, 02/12/2022
2022 Kia K5 EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Got the EX variant with all the fancy options on board. Exterior looks quite sharp; sporty vibe to it but also mature. Arguably the best looking sedan on the market (for us plebes anyway). The chrome strip that goes along the roofline over the doors and C-pillar is a head-scratching decision but that's the only demerit about it's styling that comes to mind. Aside from that Kia nailed it. …
Once inside, the interior's looks keep up. The "aluminum" and dark "wood" trim along the dash and doors give an upscale vibe, and the way the big screen molds to the instrument cluster give you the impression of being in a pricier, well thought out and appointed cabin. The screen is fast, responsive, and user-friendly. The Bose stereo has speakers everywhere and has great clarity and nice depth and range but you're not gonna think you have 12" subs in the back or anything. Adaptive cruise control works well. Lane-keep assist is good, will even handle mild/moderate curves with a little faith and some caution, but even on straight lanes can tend to get a little pinball-y on occasion; weaving left and right (but still inside) in the lane like it had a couple drinks. All the various warnings and cautions rarely ever give false positives so no worry of annoyances there. Plenty of spots to charge electronics, and it's nice the car reminds you your phone's still in the wireless charge slot when you open the door to get out. The fact you have to physically plug your phone in to a specific USB port under the center stack for Android auto or Apple carplay to work is kinda lame though.
On the comfort side of things the K5 is pretty good. The driver's seat and surroundings is roomy, and all the buttons and screens are still easily reachable. The seat itself is nice and supportive; comfortable enough to not give you many complaints even on a longer road trip, but it's hard not to shake the feeling that the leatherette material isn't exactly premium, and the center arm rest is too firm for boney elbows. Upon close inspection you will find some cheaper plastics about, but Kia has mostly placed these below your typical line of sight and considering the MSRP, you can expect some cost cutting somewhere. The seating position feels high for a car but I guess that means SUV people won't feel as out of place. For the passengers, they'll be in good company. The back seats have a surprising amount of legroom and are raked back far enough to get your slouch on and chill.
When it comes to driving dynamics it's above average but not mind-blowing. The cabin is well insulated from both wind and road noise and the engine sounds and vibration are dampened good too. The standard engine has enough power for your everyday needs and can handle both city and highway acceleration good enough to get you out of trouble or into position, but it ain't gonna throw you back in the seat or impress you. If you have cruise control on and go up a moderate grade, you'll drop a few mph initially until the power catches up. The automatic transmission does a pretty good job; shifts quick and doesn't have to hunt for the right gear, although if you suddenly decide to step on it you'll be waiting a bit for the power to show up, but once it gets the idea it keeps up with your inputs. The steering is light and responsive albeit a little numb in terms of giving feedback of what's going on under the wheels. Body roll is well controlled and the suspension handles bumps and dips decently to give a ride compliant enough to not notice too much and have little complaint from the driver most of the time, but sudden sharp and small bumps will come through just often and mildly enough to remind you this isn't exactly a luxury sedan. The suspension seems like Kia was attempting to set it up as sporty and plush at the same time while falling just short of both; jack-of-all-trades kinda scenario. But 99% of the time for 99% of use cases for 99% of people looking into buying a car like this these complaints aren't of much concern. The suspension and drivetrain as a whole is good, not great but pretty good. Avoid the autocross circuit and fire roads and just let the car do what it does best; take you to work, grab groceries, go on the occasional road trip and you'll be more than happy with the arrangement.
All things considered this is a pretty sweet ride. Looks great, drives good, feels nice, and a fair price. Gotta say I am very happy with my purchase and look forward to putting on many miles and memories with it.
One bad a$$ car!!
5 out of 5 stars
Chris Dox., 07/26/2021
2022 Kia K5 GT 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
I bought the 2022 K5GT with the GT1 package in Wolf Grey for my daughter. I couldn’t find one anywhere in my city as they sold as soon as they arrived. If found one on the showroom floor in Cincinati and told them I was on my way. I got there and absolutely fell in love with it. The lines of this car are beautiful! The tech in it match the impressive looks on the outside. The drive home … was a fun drive and although I’m not really a “car guy” it really had me thinking of buying another for myself. Also, I was equally impressed with the comfort of the seats and spaciousness of the back seats and trunk area! Kia, with the K5GT hit it out of the park with this one! Now I understand why my daughter went nuts every time she saw one drive by while we were on the road!
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