Coming in five trims, I reviewed the LXS version of
this all-new sedan and loved it!
Photos courtesy of KIA
There is no mystery to my enjoyment of sporty sedans, and
KIA blew me away when they had debuted the four-door Stinger a few years
ago as you see here.
Well, the time has come to be wowed again thanks to the launch of the all-new 2021
K5 series. Replacing the already popular Optima, KIA promises this version
to be an upgrade in numerous ways with a plethora of modifications in all the
right places. Coming in five different trims—LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX and GT—the K5
makes some subtle, yet appreciated physical enhancements resulting in a more
welcomely aggressive, stealthy look. It’s about an inch lower, the taillights
extend across the entire back of the rear for a wider perception, and the front
grille is leaner with lights extended a bit horizontally wrapping around the
corners with a sort of thunder-bolt finish sitting on 16-inch wheels.
I received the K5 LXS dressed in a captivating “Everlasting
Silver” boasting all-wheel drive, a smart key, remote start, blind-spot collision
and a smart trunk as some of its many standouts while maintaining a
wallet-friendly $25,455 total. The value is astounding.
As I hoped, the driving experience matched the look.
Thanks to a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine peaking at 180
horsepower with a complementing 8-speed automatic transmission and multiple
drive modes, my driving experience was smooth, responsive and more
corner-embracing with the AWD feature for optimal maneuverability.
Addressing the interior, the layout is high quality with comfortable seating for up to five with the split-folding capability in the rear, while a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come with the 8-inch screen. Along with the aforementioned safety features, the Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and the growingly popular Leading Vehicle Departure Alert certainly boost the driver’s confidence on the road.
I am looking forward to reviewing the other K5 models
including the muscle-flexing GT versions in my Driver’s Notebook
City Lifestyle columns in the very near future. In the meantime,
make the K5 LXS one of your serious considerations in the KIA family of
vehicles. Nice job, KIA!
KIA K5 LXS specs:
Fuel Economy: 27 city/37 highway/31 combined
Price: $25,455
For more information, visit Kia.com.