The Kia K5 might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of a mid-size sedan, but after spending a day behind the wheel of the 2022 model, it definitely deserves a spot on your radar. Initially, I was unfamiliar with the K5, much like many others might be. However, what started as a simple rental car experience turned into a genuine appreciation for this well-rounded vehicle. It proved to be surprisingly spacious, offered a sporty feel, and was overall a pleasant companion for a longer drive, despite a noticeable lack of power.
Having recently explored the Kia Forte, I already knew Kia was stepping up their game in terms of vehicle quality and design. With the K5, it’s clear they’re continuing on that path. This review dives into the specifics, outlining the pros and cons I discovered during my time with the 2022 Kia K5, helping you decide if it’s the right sedan for your needs.
Image alt text: Reviewer Scott with the silver 2022 Kia K5 sedan, highlighting the car’s modern design.
Kia K5: Pros – What Makes It Stand Out?
The Kia K5 presents a compelling package with several noteworthy advantages. Here’s a closer look at the pros that impressed me:
Solid and Refined Build Quality
One of the first things that struck me about the K5 was its exceptional build quality. Even with over 2,000 miles on the odometer, this sedan felt incredibly solid. There were no rattles, squeaks, or unwanted noises, even when driving over rough road surfaces and railroad tracks. This level of solidity is not always a given in this vehicle class and speaks volumes about Kia’s commitment to quality construction.
Excellent Outward Visibility
Visibility is crucial for confident driving, and the Kia K5 excels in this area. Merging onto highways and navigating busy streets was remarkably easy thanks to the car’s well-designed greenhouse. Blind spots were minimal, contributing to a safer and more relaxed driving experience. It’s clear Kia prioritized driver awareness in the K5’s design.
Sporty and Engaging Driving Position
Despite being a family sedan, the Kia K5 offers a driving position that leans towards sporty. This is a welcome departure from the typical “sitting on a couch” feeling you get in some sedans. The K5’s driving dynamics are genuinely engaging, making it more enjoyable to drive than many of its competitors. Kia has successfully blended comfort with a touch of sportiness.
Driver-Centric Cockpit Design
Adding to the sporty feel is the dashboard design, which subtly wraps around the driver. This creates a cockpit-like environment that enhances the sense of being connected to the car. The layout is intuitive and contributes to a more immersive and engaging driving experience, making the driver feel in control.
Convenient Entry and Exit
Practicality is key in a sedan, and the K5 shines with its wide-opening front doors. These doors open to nearly 90 degrees, making entry and exit exceptionally easy. This is a small detail, but it significantly improves everyday usability, especially for passengers of varying sizes and mobility.
Powerful and Effective Climate Control
During my test drive, the temperature soared to nearly 100°F (around 38°C). However, the K5’s climate control system proved to be a lifesaver. The interior cooled down rapidly and effectively after being parked in the sun, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment even in extreme heat. A robust climate system is essential for driver and passenger comfort, and the K5 delivers.
Comfortable and Durable Seat Fabric
While opinions on seat fabric can be subjective, I found the cloth texture used in the K5’s seats to be surprisingly comfortable. It’s not overly soft, but it provides good support and feels like it would hold up well to daily wear and tear. This durable yet comfortable fabric is a practical choice for a family sedan.
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2022 Kia K5, showcasing the sporty dashboard, cloth seats, and overall cabin design.
Image alt text: Rear view of the Kia K5, emphasizing its stylish taillights and modern sedan silhouette.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Kia K5’s center console, highlighting the clean design and user-friendly controls.
Image alt text: Driver’s perspective from the Kia K5, illustrating the excellent outward visibility and minimal blind spots.
Kia K5: Cons – Areas for Improvement
While the Kia K5 has many positive attributes, there are a few drawbacks to consider, especially with the base model:
Base Model Aesthetics
This is admittedly subjective, but the base model K5’s appearance might not be for everyone. While the overall design is sleek, the smaller wheels and tires on the base trim can make it look somewhat less appealing. Upgrading to a higher trim level with larger wheels can significantly enhance the car’s visual appeal.
Overly Aggressive Lane Assist System
The adaptive lane assist system in the K5, while intended to enhance safety, can be quite intrusive. When activated, it feels overly aggressive, sometimes abruptly tugging at the steering wheel if you deviate even slightly from the lane markings. While it can be turned off, drivers should be aware of its sensitivity.
Underpowered Base Engine
The standard 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower, feels underpowered for a car of this size. While adequate for city driving and everyday commuting, it lacks the punch needed for confident highway merging and passing. Performance enthusiasts will likely find it wanting in terms of acceleration and overall responsiveness. For a more spirited drive, the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is recommended.
Lackluster Audio System
The standard audio system in the K5 didn’t impress. Despite adjusting the settings, the sound quality remained somewhat flat and hollow. Audiophiles might find the base system disappointing and may consider upgrading to a higher-tier audio option if available.
Limited Lumbar Support in Front Seats
For longer drives, the front seats could benefit from more lumbar support. After a couple of hours of driving, I noticed some lower back discomfort. Drivers who prioritize lumbar support, especially for longer commutes or road trips, might find the standard seats lacking in this area.
Image alt text: Close-up of the base model Kia K5 wheel, showing the smaller size and basic design.
Image alt text: Side profile of the base Kia K5, visually highlighting the proportionally small wheels relative to the car’s body size.
Image alt text: Engine bay of the 2022 Kia K5, showcasing the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.
Image alt text: Front seats of the Kia K5, pointing out the basic design and potential need for more lumbar support.
Verdict: Should You Buy a Kia K5?
Despite a few shortcomings, particularly with the base model, the Kia K5 is a genuinely impressive sedan. It offers a compelling blend of style, practicality, and driving enjoyment. If I were in the market for a mid-size sedan, the K5 would certainly be a strong contender.
Reasons to Consider the Kia K5:
- Drives Smaller Than Its Size: The K5 is surprisingly nimble and feels more compact from behind the wheel than its dimensions suggest. It’s a great choice for those who want a spacious sedan that doesn’t feel cumbersome to drive. It manages to feel agile and sporty, unlike some larger sedans that can feel bulky.
Image alt text: Driver-side view of the Kia K5 interior, highlighting the sporty steering wheel and dashboard design.
Image alt text: White 2022 Kia K5 sedan, showcasing its overall exterior styling and modern sedan proportions.
- Built for the Long Haul: The K5’s solid construction is a major selling point. It feels exceptionally well-built and durable, suggesting it will hold up well over time. If you’re looking for a reliable sedan that will last for years, the K5 is worth considering.
Image alt text: Front view of the 2022 Kia K5, emphasizing its bold front grille and contemporary design elements.
Reasons to Think Twice About the Kia K5:
- Base Engine Performance: The base engine’s lack of power can be a significant drawback for some drivers. If you prioritize brisk acceleration and responsive performance, especially for highway driving, upgrading to the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is highly recommended.
Image alt text: Reviewer experiencing the Kia K5 driving, expressing slight disappointment with the base engine’s power.
- Base Model Appearance: To get the most visually appealing K5, you’ll likely need to step up from the base trim. Higher trims offer larger, more stylish wheels that significantly enhance the car’s overall look. If aesthetics are a high priority, factor in the cost of a higher trim level.
Image alt text: Base model white Kia K5, highlighting the standard wheels and more basic exterior features.
In Conclusion: The Kia K5 is a strong contender in the mid-size sedan segment, offering a compelling mix of positive attributes. While the base model has some limitations, particularly with its engine and appearance, these can be addressed by opting for higher trim levels. Overall, the K5 is a well-built, stylish, and enjoyable sedan that deserves serious consideration. If you are looking for a sedan that offers more than just basic transportation, the Kia K5 is definitely worth a test drive.
