2021 KIA K5 EX Midsize Sedan Review: Price, Specs and More!

*Disclosure: The 2021 Kia k5 (Midsize Sedan) was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*

Yall,​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Since hearing that Kia completely redesigned the Optima and renamed it K5 for 2021, I have been extremely excited. Why? Well for one I am a huge fan of the Kia brand, so anything they produce I am interested. Secondly, I loved its predecessor (The Kia Optima), and three I was dying to check out the differences between the two vehicles.

Last week I had the pleasure of testing it out and as I expected your girl was in sedan heaven. This sporty midsize sedan is longer and wider than the Optima, making it look and feel more aggressive and bolder. Additionally, It is extremely fun to drive, really fast (0 to 60 in 5.8 secs) and has great handles.

A few other things that I noticed is that the cabin is very spacious and is full of lots of safety tech. Oh and its versatility is everything! I would say it has an alter-ego. Meaning great for work/running errands during the week and all play on the weekends.

Keep reading to learn more about the 2021 Kia K5 EX Midsize Sedan…

2021 KIA K5 EX Midsize Sedan Review

Kia replaces nameplate

As stated above, Kia changed the naming scheme for 2021 from Optima to K5. How did they do it? Well, by using alphanumeric characters, which it seems as if they will be following suit of luxury manufacturers, that tend to also use numbers and letters (Audi A6, Genesis G80, Lexus ES250, Cadillac CT5, etc) rather than car names – like “Optima”…

Who is this Midsize Sedan For?

• A vehicle fit for the stylish family – 2 kids or fewer 
• Single, late 20’s to mid-30s looking for a sporty, yet safe car
• Consumers who love a good road trip.
• Someone looking for a fun, fast and fuel efficient vehicle

What we loved about the 2021 Midsize Sedan

• Quick acceleration, really fast and great handles
• 0 to 60 in 5.8 secs
• Sleek and cool exterior
• Extremely fun to drive
• Multiple color options:
  • Glacial White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Sapphire Blue, Ebony Black, Everlasting Silver, Passion Red Tint Coat, Crystal Beige
• Comfortable and stylish cabin (60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat and Adjustable Rear Headrests)
• Integrated Memory System
  • IMS has two custom settings for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors.
• Power Liftgate
• Panoramic Sunroof w/ LED Interior Lighting
• Drive Mode options:
  • Fuel-saving ECO, SPORT, SPORT+ (with Launch Control), COMFORT, plus automatically adjustable SMART or create your own style CUSTOM.
• 12 Speaker Bose Premium Audio System

Click below to check out the 2021 Kia k5 Power Liftgate in action…

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Specs/Standard Key Features

The midsize sedan comes in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, GT.

LX

• Starting MSRP: $23,590.00
• 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder w/ 195 lb.-ft. of Torque & 180 hp / 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• FWD
  • MPG: 29 / 38 / 32 (City, Hwy, Combined)
• 8-inch Touchscreen Display
• Rear View Camera w/ Dynamic Guidelines
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity
• Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology

LXS

• Starting MSRP: $24,590.00
• 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder w/ 195 lb.-ft. of Torque & 180 hp / 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• FWD
  • MPG: 27 / 37 / 31 (City, Hwy, Combined)
• AWD
  • MPG: 26 / 34 / 29 (City, Hwy, Combined)
• 8-inch Touchscreen Display
• Rear View Monitor w/ Dynamic Parking Guidance
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Remote Engine Start (on key fob)
• Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology

GT-Line

• Starting MSRP: $25,490.00
• 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder w/ 195 lb.-ft. of Torque & 180 hp / 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• FWD
  • MPG: 27 / 37 / 31 (City, Hwy, Combined)
• AWD
  • MPG: 26 / 34 / 29 (City, Hwy, Combined)
• 8-inch Touchscreen Display w/ Rear View Monitor
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 18-inch Sport Alloy Wheels, Gloss Black Rear Spoiler
• GT-Line Front and Rear Bumpers
• GT-Line SynTex Seating Material, Flat Bottom Steering Wheel
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start
• Remote Engine Start (on key fob)
• Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology

EX (Vehicle Tested)

• Starting MSRP: $28,090.00
• 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder w/ 195 lb.-ft. of Torque & 180 hp / 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• FWD
  • MPG: 27 / 37 / 31 (City, Hwy, Combined)
• 18-inch Machined Gray Alloy Wheels
• Panoramic Sunroof w/ LED Interior Lighting
• Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start w/ Remote Engine Start
• 8-inch Touchscreen Display w/ Rear View Monitor
• SynTex Seating Material, Power Driver’s Seat
• UVO link, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available Navigation w/ 10.25-inch Display, Bose, and More
• Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology

GT

• Starting MSRP: $30,590.00
• 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder w/ 311 lb.-ft. of Torque & 290 hp (Best in class)
• FWD
  • MPG: 27 / 37 / 31 (City, Hwy, Combined)
• 8-Speed Quick Shift DCT Auto Transmission
• 8-inch Touchscreen Display w/ Rear View Monitor
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start w/ Remote Engine Start
• GT Front and Rear Bumpers, Sport Tuned Suspension
• 19-inch Machined Alloy Wheels w/ Pirelli P-Zero Tires
• Panoramic Sunroof w/ LED Interior Lighting
• GT SynTex Seating Material w/ Sport Front Seats
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available Navigation w/ 10.25-inch Display, Bos, and More
• Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology

Warranty

 10-year/100,000 mile warranty program* consists of:

• 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty
• 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty
• 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty
• 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan

Note: All warranties and roadside assistance are limited.

What are your thoughts on the all-new midsize sedan? Inquiring minds want to know!

For more information about 2021 KIA K5 EX click HERE

Have a Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always…Stay Sassy!