2024 Kia K5 GT Redesign, Models, Price – The 2024 Kia K5 is a five-seat sedan with a new face and a new name (previously known as the Optima). It competes against vehicles such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. The K5 is available in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels and excels in safety and functionality.
2024 Kia K5 Redesign
Navigation is standard on the GT-Line and above trim levels, and a surround-view camera system is available on the EX and GT. The 2024 Kia K5 joins the trend toward more flashy mid-size family cars with its striking, even dangerous appearance and a cabin designed for long-distance or daily driving. The K5 is framed by LED lighting and a hawklike grille, and it features a lovely roofline accented with metallic trim and a broad band of taillights that give it a lean, beautiful appearance.
The K5 piques our curiosity with the introduction of a new GT variant. The GT is capable of 290 horsepower but only transmits it to the front wheels, often at the expense of steering and stability. Most K5s are equipped with a 180-horsepower turbo-4 engine that is both efficient and peppy, mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Both are available with an all-wheel drive, but the GT is only available with a front-wheel drive.
With a somewhat longer wheelbase than the previous Optima, the K5 comfortably seats four large passengers; a fifth may be accommodated in the back seat for short excursions. Additionally, the trunk is roomy, measuring 16.0 cubic feet. The K5’s EX and GT trim levels have premium synthetic leather and trim, while lower-spec models feature more defective materials.
Interior
The K5 can seat up to five passengers and their luggage, but Kia divides its customer base into basic base cars and opulent luxury models. We rate the K5 an 8 for its excellent front-and rear-seat comfort and its spacious trunk. With a length of 193.1 inches and a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, the K5 fits neatly into the mid-size category. Passengers take their seats in front with a wide range of adjustments. Power seats are standard on entry-level vehicles, while heating and cooling are combined with synthetic leather on higher-end versions. The apparent contour of Kia’s seat coolers reduces comfort on lengthy journeys, but they’re vital in some regions when the catcher’s glove can transform into an oven mitt.
The K5’s rear compartment features big doors and enough headroom; 6-footers can enter comfortably even with the panoramic sunroof in place, and they’ll like the 35.2 inches of leg room. Three across is possible if necessary—or, on most versions, the back seat folds down to extend the 16.0-cubic-foot trunk. While we admire the K5’s vivacious appearance, the GT-Line and lower-end variants feature more rigid plastic than the GT or EX models. All models have fingerprint-encrusted glossy plastic door knobs that will drive even the most finicky to distraction. The inclusion of synthetic leather in the EX and GT increases the cost of the cabin.
Engine
The majority of K5 sedans are powered by a 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine that transmits power to the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automated transmission. It’s a competent performer, with quick gearchanges and an early torque peak that results in strong off-the-line acceleration. It’s fairly quiet while driving and features drive modes that aid in shifting and responding more swiftly to stabby gas inputs. Whether you need all-wheel drive depends on how much and how long the roads are coated in ice; for the majority of us, it’s an unnecessary expense.
Switching to Sport mode also adds weight to the steering, which results in more usable on-center weight that helps maintain the K5 in its lane. It lacks sentimentality, but the steering is really precise. At lower speeds, the K5’s ride can feel and sound rough and lumpy, especially when equipped with the 18-inch wheels found on higher-end trim levels. It improves with speed, especially on the mid-range 17-inch wheels, which are calibrated for a well-controlled, absorbing ride. At any speed, the K5’s brakes operate admirably; the pedal never becomes excessively stiff or mushy.
2024 Kia K5 Release Date and Price
The $24,685 K5 GT has an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a 5-year/60,000-mile guarantee. Spend a little more and get the $25,685 K5 LXS, which comes with a split-folding rear seat and blind-spot monitors. Or go for the more luxurious $29,585 EX, which comes with synthetic leather upholstery and LED headlights.