Motorweek is TV's longest-running car magazine show, and is the defining judge of the most capable and appealing new trucks and cars of the year. The editors evaluate vehicles on a wide variety of their traits with close looks at value, innovative style, and long-term reliability. The 2021 K5 was constructed with the goal of it being the superior champion of its class, offering features that are 100% exclusive to its segment and keeping up with a trend of a determined stance to be the best.
There are many industry professionals out there who keep tabs on our selling trends here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis along with many other dealers nationwide, and they have long been wondering if the pure and purposeful drive of a sedan will ever run short of its charm. Boasting turbocharged engines for its entire lineup along with the available all-wheel drive and an interior that is loaded with technology, the K5 offers the robust and head-clearing “drivers choice” adamantly rivaling the current appeal of our crossover SUV selection.
The Optima was the already amazing and efficient midsize family sedan that was used as a measurement standard for how to come out with a groundbreaking and revolutionary model. Since the Optima already had been a staff favorite for the Motorweek crew, they fully appreciated just how the latest personal and safety technology, as well as modern powertrain equipment, could be confidently infused into what turned into an award-winning formula. Comfortable and quiet during highway drives and boasting a strong turbocharged engine in the GT trim level, much of the K5's appeal stems from just how eye-catching the styling is while providing such a great value.
If you have the desire for more than 180 horsepower, the GT is the choice that offers up the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 290 horses. It's evident that today's buyer is interested in base-level trims with an appealing mix of practical and useful features that make sense. A look at the K5's entry-level trim reveals 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker sound-system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity all on the LX trim before you make the move to higher-level options.
In-depth reviews from Edmunds.com portrayed in detail many happy customers who rendered the K5 a “huge leap” from their current model, relishing all of the great features and first-class appearance after opting to switch brands. The K5's premier mid-level and classy EX-line adds the panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, climate control vents for rear passengers, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and rear parking sensors.
