New Kia K5 2024 GT Redesign, Price, Release Date – The 2024 Kia K5 is a five-seat sedan with a new look and a new name (it was formerly known as the Optima). It competes against vehicles like 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 K5 follows the trend toward more flashy mid-size family cars with its striking, even dangerous appearance and an interior designed for long-distance or everyday driving. The K5 is framed by LED lighting and a hawklike grille, and it features a lovely roofline accented with metallic trim and broadband of taillights that give it a lean, beautiful appearance.
The 2024 Kia 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. The majority of K5s are equipped with a 180-horsepower turbo-4 engine that is economical 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 larger wheelbase than the previous Optima, the K5 comfortably seats four prominent people; 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 a high-quality synthetic leather and trim, while lower-end models have less-quality parts.
Interior
The K5 can accommodate five people and their luggage, but Kia segmented its customer base into basic base cars and ritzy 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 adjustability. Power seats are standard on entry-level vehicles, while heating and cooling are combined with synthetic leather on higher-end versions. The shape of Kia’s seat coolers makes long trips less comfortable, but they’re essential in some places, where the catcher’s glove can be used as 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 legroom. 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 have more rigid plastic than the GT or EX models. All models have fingerprint-encrusted glossy plastic doorknobs that will drive even the most finicky to distraction. The inclusion of synthetic leather in the EX and GT increases the cost of the interior.
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 gear changes and an early torque peak that results in solid off-the-line acceleration. It’s rather quiet when 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 handling is really precise. The K5’s ride may feel and sound rough and bumpy at lower speeds, 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 work well. The pedal never gets too 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 and a 5-year/60,000-mile guarantee. Spend slightly extra for the $25,685 K5 LXS, which has a split-folding rear seat and blind-spot monitors—or opt for the opulent $29,585 EX, which includes synthetic leather upholstery and LED headlights.