The K5 is one of those models that comes along and completely redefines the capability and exhilarating connection to the road that choosing from the large sea of SUV options may not quite suffice for! A very distinct new appearance and front end charged with fresh character are both part of the package, courtesy of LED lighting and an extra-long body. The WTOP news team recently enjoyed a long test-drive with the 2021 K5 and was first impressed with the heated and ventilated seats as well as the panoramic sunroof that come with the EX trim level.
During initial drive impressions, the experience overall offered a very composed ride, without the jumpy characteristics that some sedans have on the pavement. The majority of time behind the wheel yielded an average of 30.2 mpg in 256 miles of mixed driving, and it was noticed right away that this is a premium-level sedan with a price that doesn't feel as such. Higher-end materials inside the cabin put the K5 above and beyond many of its competitors, and the first glance of the cabin keys one into a few similar accents on the dash from the highly-awarded and hailed Kia Telluride.
The 2021 K5 is available with all-wheel drive, and those who don't need a more powerful engine but are on the hunt for excitement should consider the GT-Line. Here you get to step up to adaptive cruise control, upgraded LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charger. The engine on-board as standard is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that cranks out 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
When the GT arrives later in the year, it will boast a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that will put out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Having paid close attention to how particular tires can drastically change the performance characteristics of the entire car, the GT-line will boast Pirelli P Zero summer tires that are great for cornering performance. This is the interior that Car and Driver said was “truly amazing for the cost”, and the cabin boasts nice-looking material such as wood trim on the dash and doors that stand out and assure that every drive is luxurious and memorable. Other enjoyable upscale features are a head-up display, ambient interior lighting on the dash and doors, an air purification system, and a panoramic sunroof.
All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis want every single customer to have a happy and safe holiday season, and excellent advancements in technology over the years have made for some amazing driver-assistance features that survey and adapt amazingly to the constantly changing driving landscape around you. The Kia K5's key safety features include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert.
