Inquisitive customers coming to see us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis always have an initial decision to make about their next vehicle. Before they get down to business and start with test drives, there is the choice of “size and shape”! Much like looking into DIY home improvement projects for the spring, having a structured blueprint saves time and energy during this process. After looking at the numerous award-winning and very reliable options Kia offers, we’re thrilled to inform you about the great features of our favorite midsize sedan, the charming K5.
The K5 replaced the Optima in 2021 and is an always-attractive staple of our lot here at Jim Butler with its practical and very budget-friendly 4-door charm. It comes with an outstanding warranty, which gives any busy driver the ultimate peace of mind. It is securely backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, beating out the crosstown competition in the form of the Nissan Altima.
The K5 GT is a different version of a sport sedan, with an engine upgrade that situates you with a turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. You’ll also be taking on every corner you encounter with a sport-tuned suspension and the perfectly piping note of the quad-tip dual exhaust. For 2023 the GT-Line model gets a Panoramic Roof Package with LED cabin lighting, plus the all-season appeal of a standard heating steering wheel. An 8-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control now both come as standard.
The Cars.com review team praised the K5’s strong case of appeal thanks to its sleek styling and very value-conscious offering. With plenty of available scoot for any daily drive, many have found that the GT line offers up all of the bells and whistles for those with luxury tastes. The configuration software on board is more like what you’ll find in the Stinger than the Sorento, and these experts gave the K5 5/5 stars for comfort, interior design, performance, and exterior styling.
Other personal reviews have claimed that after driving the K5 for a year, many feel that it is easily comparable to a BMW/Lexus/MB for thousands of dollars less. Also nailing down 37 mph in eco mode is a huge bonus, as the K5 proves its worth in every category. The climate control system also impressed many new buyers after their first long trip, as it features a unique 3-mode auto setting that improves ventilation and limits the fan speed.
There’s also an available wireless charging pad that features a cooling fan and a smart spring-loaded section to efficiently keep your phone in place, and the Edmunds.com team’s testing model boasted 4 USB ports. What optional feature would we wholeheartedly recommend to improve the driving experience? Smart Cruise Control is ranked as one of the best systems in the segment, aptly slowing down the K5 when there’s a curve up ahead. The K5’s exterior styling is a true standout in a class with offerings on the dull side and dials up the aggression factor to offer countless drives that are anything but ordinary!
