For years, Kia has produced a host of cars that have typically attracted budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable steed at an attractive price. However, as technology has evolved and auto manufacturers vie to maintain a competitive edge in a space that’s evolving ever so quickly, Kia has not only caught up with the times but has set themselves as a benchmark for a much broader market segment: consumers with discretionary income looking beyond traditional luxury and delving into brands they may not have considered previously. The K5 GT is a perfect example of sporty luxury attractive for the masses.
Kia’s 2021 K5 GT is a compelling example of a family sedan that’s not just meant for the family. Featuring a 2.5L four-cylinder turbo charged engine, the K5 GT has an incredible amount of power (290hps) and torque (311 lb.-ft.), making it a fun and sporty drive for young and old. The turbo has moderate lag but quickly spools to provide maximum power when it’s needed, and the suspension is tuned to adequately provide grip around curves at speed while the K5 GT sticks to the pavement with Pirelli tires mounted to 19” wheels. It’s quick on the straights and an overall pleasure to drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission with dual-clutch technology shifts smoothly when power is needed or while strolling around town when speed isn’t a concern.
Turbo-charged and ready for fun, Kia’s 2.5L four-cylinder is nimble and ready to zip around town.
On the inside, K5 GT has an incredible ambiance that’s well appointed, comfortable, intuitive, and looks darned good particularly given its price point. The front seats (which include both heat and cooling functionality) provide ample bolstering that’s not too snug with padding that’s quite comfortable in all the right places, appealing to those who desire a vehicle that drives great, looks great and most importantly, has a luxurious presence rivaling Cadillac’s CT5, Toyota’s TRD Avalon, and even the Mercedes CLA. I found the instrument cluster and info deck to be intuitive and easy to use, and the rear seating is ample for three adults with plenty of legroom. There’s also plenty of space for several dogs or keeping a family of five comfortable around town or on a cross-country jaunt. USB ports provide passengers a charging outlet for devices and an integrated wireless charger up front works nicely but needs to be enlarged to allow phone devices with cases to fit properly.
Ambient interior lighting provides a simple yet effective element to the K5 GT’s sporty luxuriousness while driving at night and the 12-speaker Bose audio system sounds fantastic any time of day.
The K5 GT’s interior is super comfortable and highlighted by saddle stitching, a pleasant ambiance, and quality of materials you’d expect in higher priced vehicles.
Fuel efficiency isn’t great but certainly reasonable with a rating of 24mpg around town and 32mpg on the highway. During my full week of testing, I averaged about 26.5mpg in mixed driving.
Regarding safety, this is one area that Kia continues to really shine and has established the brand as a benchmark. Its five star crash rating and host of available driver-assisted technology (collision warning, lane assist, automated emergency braking when approaching a vehicle quickly, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and more) make it a top safety pick and one I have no problems recommending. Additionally, Kia continues to stand by its products with exceptional warranty timelines for bumper to bumper (5 years, 60,000 miles), drivetrain (10 years, 100,000 miles), corrosion (5 years, 100,000 miles) and roadside assistance (5 years, 60,000 miles).
In short, I’m super impressed with Kia K5 GT. It’s not only a joy to drive but coupled with the quality of materials, interior ambiance and overall styling, the K5 GT is a contender with higher end brands for sports luxury at a great price starting in the low 30s and optioned out in the mid-upper 30s.
Styling, luxury, and function make the Kia K5 GT a fine selection for the discerning car buyer.