2022 Kia K5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Although this only the Kia K5’s second year on the market, it’s already become a top pick. The K5 is the perfect replacement for the previous Optima. Kia’s popular midsize sedan is stylish, engaging to drive, and designed to offer great everyday comfort. Furthermore, all the latest and greatest safety technologies are offered. Here’s why you should consider buying a new 2022 Kia K5.

What’s New for 2022?

This year, Kia has updated the K5's exterior with a new logo. Upper trim levels also receive a few additional standard features.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Kia K5 – The Pros

1. Impressive Base Powertrain

The overwhelming majority of K5 buyers are expected to choose the sedan’s base powertrain. Fortunately, it’s a good one. Under the hood rests a 1.6L turbo engine with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Performance is aided by a quick, eight-speed auto transmission. Drivers can look forward to enjoying brisk acceleration. When launched from a stop, this sedan takes only 7.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. Merging onto the highway proves to be an easy task.

2. Not Bad On Gas

Although the 2022 Kia K5 isn’t the most efficient model in the class, it’s still quite good on gas. This is a big benefit for drivers who need to commute throughout the week. Most trims are rated by the EPA to return a respectable 29 mpg town/38 mpg freeway. Although fuel economy drops with the sedan’s more powerful engine, most drivers won’t have any complaints. They can anticipate getting up to 24 mpg town/32 mpg freeway on regular gasoline.

3. GT Trim Performs Like A Genuine Sports Sedan

The range-topping K5 GT is made for driving enthusiasts. It definitely feels like a serious sports sedan. Kia rates its larger turbocharged engine to develop an addictive 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a special dual-clutch automatic transmission, which takes performance to the next stage. When accelerating, drivers will love how quickly the K5 GT gets up to speed. Road tests show the sedan clocks a swift 0-60 mph time of around 5.5 seconds.

4. Handles Noticeably Better Than the Previous Kia Optima

While many people liked the discontinued Kia Optima, it didn’t handle as well as the new 2022 Kia K5. This car’s precise driving dynamics will impress a lot of people. The K5’s wide stance and updated suspension help it to corner with confidence. Switching to the K5’s sport mode stiffens the steering for a more aggressive feel. Of course, driving enthusiasts will prefer the GT trim. It features a sports-tuned suspension and stronger performance brakes.

5. Among the Segment’s Best Values

The 2022 Kia K5 proves to be a legitimate bang for the buck. Few models in the class can match its excellent value. Kia lists the sedan with an attractive starting MSRP of less than $24,000. This is good news for drivers who need to stick to a budget. Even the exciting GT trim is far more affordable than the typical European sports sedan. Keep in mind that every buyer receives a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

6. Styling That Makes You Take Notice

Kia did a great job of making the mew K5 stand out from the crowd. A sleek roof makes it look like a four-door coupe. Many people also like the K5’s rather bold front-end styling. Sharp LED headlights and Kia’s updated “Tiger Nose” grille create a cool look. Even the base model features sporty alloy wheels. To give the GT-Line trim a racier appearance, Kia decks it out with larger 18-inch wheels and blacked-out styling cues.

7. Offers All-Wheel Drive

Folks who live in snow-prone areas will benefit from the K5’s optional AWD system. The availability of all-wheel drive gives the K5 a key advantage over some rivals, including the new Honda Accord. When the road conditions become slippery, this AWD system will help prevent tire spin. When the weather forcast calls for snow, drivers will especially appreciate the enhanced traction. Fortunately, owners will still be able to obtain more than 30 mpg on the open highway.

8. Comfortable Car to Drive

Drivers will find the 2022 Kia K5 to be a comfortable car. This sedan boasts one of the roomiest front seats in the class. When sitting in the front, passengers will have an excellent 46.1 inches of legroom. It’s easy to obtain a relaxing driving position in the new K5. Upgraded amenities allow you to experience more comfort on the road. Higher trim levels come standard with a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Of course, heated and ventilated front seats are available as well.

9. Excellent Safety Profile

The K5 is built to protect passengers from harm. Excellent crash scores enabled the sedan to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Furthermore, Kia does not charge extra for some of today’s most popular accident-avoidance technologies. Automatic emergency braking, active lane keeping, and driver attention warning are all on the K5’s list of standard equipment. Most trims also receive blind-spot monitoring. Safe Exit Assist, which helps prevent youngsters from opening the rear doors into traffic, is also offered.

10. Premium Features Are Available

Several nice features come standard on the new Kia K5, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity. However, there are some premium upgrades offered. Music fans will be intrigued by the K5’s 12-speaker Bose sound system. Meanwhile, an available surround-view camera system helps drivers to avoid hidden obstacles. Another popular option is Kia’s 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with integrated navigation.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Kia K5 – The Cons

1. Can Be Difficult to Get Out Of (For Some Passengers)

Most people will be able to easily get in and out of the 2022 Kia K5. However, elderly passengers and people with back injuries may not like the sedan’s low-slung design. Because the K5 sits a bit low to the ground, it can be difficult for some passengers to step out of the cabin. This is especially true after taking a long road trip.

2. No Available Manual Transmission

While the K5’s available automatic transmissions perform well, some drivers still prefer the engagement of a traditional manual transmission. They will miss the experience of being able to row their own gears. Because the computer does the work, automatic transmissions don’t give drivers as much control. Folks who yearn for a manual gearbox should consider the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

3. Some Passengers May Need More Space

The majority of families will find the 2022 Kia K5 to be a spacious car. However, some passengers may desire more space when sitting in the backseat. This is especially true for taller folks. Because of the car’s fastback roof, there’s not as much rear headroom. Before buying a new K5, be sure everyone fits comfortably.

4. Upgraded Infotainment System Doesn’t Provide Wireless Smartphone Support

The K5’s standard 8.0-inch touchscreen provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. This means drivers can link their device without using a USB cable. Unfortunately, wireless smartphone connectivity is not available for the larger 10.25 touchscreen.

5. Exterior Styling May Be Too Bold for Some People

Many car shoppers will love the K5’s striking exterior styling. On the other hand, it may be a bit too bold for some people. They may not be fond of the sedan’s daring front fascia.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Honda Accord

To no surprise, the Honda Accord is one of the Kia K5’s key competitors. While the Accord hits the bull’s eye in several categories, it also loses to the K5 in some areas. Honda doesn’t offer the Accord with all-wheel drive, which could be a problem for folks who must deal with wintry weather. The K5 also offers a few exclusive safety technologies, including a blind-spot view camera and rear automatic braking.

2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The top-selling Camry has many great qualities. This is a quiet, comfortable family sedan. However, it does feel as upscale as the new K5. A longer warranty gives the K5 another edge over the Camry.

2022 Subaru Legacy vs 2022 Kia K5

Standard all-wheel drive makes the Legacy an excellent pick for car shoppers who live in a snow-prone region. It’s also an extremely safe car. However, the Legacy lacks the K5’s overall driving fun. Subaru also gives the Legacy a much shorter powertrain warranty.

Conclusion

Many automotive reviewers now rank the 2022 Kia K5 as the top midsize sedan in the class. It scores well in all the key aspects that car shoppers care about the most. Value remains a big highlight for the new K5. Driving enthusiast will love the exciting GT model, which is thousands of dollars less expensive than a BMW sports sedan.

While the 2022 Kia K5 is a fine choice, drivers should check out its rear headroom beforehand. Some drivers may also prefer the sedan’s standard infotainment system. Not only does the larger 10.25-inch display lack wireless smartphone connectivity, but it’s also not quite as easy to use.