The Kia K5 became one of the most popular midsize sedans on the market when it replaced the Optima in 2021. It made a big impression when it hit the market, wowing car lovers with its head-turning style and substance. Kia has made minimal changes in 2023, subtly enhancing what was already an impressive motor vehicle. Discover all the reasons you’ll want to own a 2023 Kia K5.
Eye-Catching Exterior Styling
Image via kia.com
Practical family vehicles that don’t have much pizzazz dominate the sedan market. In a sea of interchangeable models, the 2023 Kia K5 really stands out. Its exterior is aggressively sporty, with a lower design and broader front than the Optima it replaced. The sleek sloping roofline has an aerodynamic look, while the automatic LED headlights are as eye-catching as they are practical. Combining functionality with form is what Kia does best here. If you’re looking for a family vehicle that you’ll want to take out on date nights, the K5 fits the bill.
A Range of Trim Levels
In 2023, the K5 has four trim levels. Kia scrapped the LX base model, making the chicer LXS the new entry point. It’s every bit as sophisticated as you remember, although this trim level no longer has optional all-wheel drive. If all-wheel drive matters to you, opt for the GT-Line, the only trim level with this system. A step up from the LXS, it boasts sound-reducing front windows for a quieter ride, a more adjustable driver’s seat, and faux leather-trimmed seats. Its 10.25-inch touch screen is easier to see and use than the LXS’s 8-inch infotainment unit.
The EX trim treats motorists willing to spend a little extra with 18-inch alloy wheels, faux leather upholstery, and ventilated and heated front seats. Rear park assist technology helps you navigate into garages and tight parking spaces. The panoramic sunroof adds some extra appeal. While the EX focuses on luxury, the top-of-the-line GT is all about performance. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, and upgraded brakes with GT calipers combine to make it a real powerhouse on the road. All trim levels have optional packages that help you get what you want from your K5.
Easy Driving for Your Daily Commute
The 2023 Kia K5 is a breeze to drive, with responsive brakes and a seamless transmission keeping the ride smooth. While its styling is fairly aggressive, you won’t really see sports performance unless you upgrade to the GT trim. The standard turbocharged 1.6-liter engine has sufficient power for your daily commute and the school run. If power matters to you, the turbocharged 2.5-liter motor should be enough to sell you on the GT. It ups the power from 180 to 290 horsepower and the torque from 195 lb-ft to 311 lb-ft, while the sports suspension system keeps the ride smooth.
Solid Fuel Economy
Choosing an engine that delivers the power most motorists need and no more ensures most K5 trims don’t guzzle gas. The LXS, GT-Line with front-wheel drive, and EX get an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 31 mpg. That’s around what we’d expect for a midsize sedan.
All-wheel drive compromises fuel economy a little. The GT-Line with this system has a combined rating of 28 mpg. That’s only slightly better than the sporty GT trim, which has a combined rating of 27 mpg. Again, that’s not unusual for a vehicle with such a powerful engine, but it’s worth considering if running costs matter to you.
A Comfortable Interior for Families
The 2023 Kia K5 has a spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin that ensures you feel comfortable. All seats are ergonomically designed, with cushioning and support for road trips. While legroom is ample throughout, that sexy sloping roofline impacts rear headroom. That makes the back seats better suited to kids than adults on long drives. Clever storage features, such as a center armrest bin and a rubberized phone tray, help you stay organized and make the most of the available interior space.
Generous Cargo Space
Kia understands its K5 will largely appeal to families, so it’s made sure to include plenty of cargo space. The traditional trunk’s 16-cubic-feet capacity is slightly larger than other midsize sedans. The seatback releases are in the trunk rather than the cabin, making it easy to load your K5 with long items, such as golf clubs. The trunk’s wide, low trunk opening helps you stash away bulky items. You won’t need to struggle with them, as a hands-free power trunk lid is standard for all trim levels.
Advanced Technology at Your Fingertips
Kia packs the K5 with advanced technology to keep you entertained, safe, and in control. Unlike many makers, Kia includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as standard in all but the GT-Line trim. The infotainment system is intuitive, especially in the base-level system that features physical buttons. You don’t have to worry about running out of battery, either. There are four USB charge ports and an available wireless charging pad with a cooling fan and spring-loaded section to keep your smartphone in place, even around corners and up hills.
A host of driver assistance features come standard to keep your family safe, including forward, blind-spot, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist; lane keeping and lane following assist; driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert; and rearview monitoring. The Smart Cruise Control is an appealing optional extra that slows down your vehicle when it nears a curve in the road. Kia must be doing something right, with the 2023 K5 receiving an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The 2023 Kia K5 will arrive in U.S. dealerships later this year. To make sure you don’t miss out, you can reserve your new 2023 K5 today at our Rochester dealership. Give us a call, or swing by the dealership to be one of the first to own Kia’s latest midsize sedan.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.