Kia K5

Kia K5 overview: years, platform, name

The K5 is built on a front-wheel-drive platform with a transverse engine and a monocoque body made largely of high-strength steel. Compared with the Optima it is bigger, bolder and more technologically advanced. Other Kia models are listed in our Kia catalogue, and its close relative is covered in the Hyundai catalogue.

Design and body

A steeply raked windscreen and a sculpted bonnet with aircraft-wing-like contours give the K5 a dynamic front end. The LED headlights are shaped like comets with tails and edged by intricate LED signatures; the "tiger nose" grille is slimmer than before but keeps its large pattern, and the bumper is cut with intakes and aerodynamic elements. In profile, the low, fastback-style roof and teardrop-shaped side glass make the car look futuristic. Wheels range from 16-inch alloys to optional 18-inch, while the GT-Line version has more aggressive bumpers and 19-inch wheels. At the rear, a steeply raked window, a short boot lid with a lip spoiler and distinctive LED tail lights complete the design. Ground clearance is 155 mm.

Interior, equipment and technology

The cabin feels more expensive than the car's price, with black or beige leather, wood-effect trim and a striking decorative panel across the dashboard; some savings are visible only in less obvious places. Ambient lighting offers 64 colours. The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated, with good side support, though even higher trims lack lumbar adjustment; a dedicated button reclines the seat into a relaxation position.

The redesigned three-spoke steering wheel has eight buttons and four mini-joysticks. Base cars have analogue dials with a 4.2-inch display; higher trims have a 12.3-inch digital Supervision cluster that can show the blind-spot camera image when an indicator is used, plus an 8-inch head-up display. The infotainment system ranges from a conventional radio to an 8-inch screen and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, with touch-sensitive climate controls and relaxing ambient sound modes such as a crackling fireplace. The rear seat has recessed outer places, its own air vents, two USB ports and an armrest; the front passenger seat can be moved and folded from the back to give rear passengers more room. A 12-speaker Bose system is available.

The boot holds 510 litres, with a full-size spare and tools under the floor; the rear seats fold for longer items.

Engines and transmissions

Combined consumption is about 7.1–7.2 l/100 km, 0–100 km/h takes 8.6–10.6 seconds and top speed is 200–210 km/h. These two versions have no manual gearbox and are front-wheel drive. Depending on the market, the DL3 range also included a 1.6 T-GDi turbo (offered with all-wheel drive in North America), a 2.0 hybrid and the K5 GT with a 2.5 T-GDi producing 216 kW (290 hp). Five driving modes are available: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom.

Chassis

Suspension is independent, with steel springs, passive dampers and anti-roll bars at both ends: MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle. Rack-and-pinion steering has electric assistance, and the brakes are discs all round (ventilated at the front) with ABS, EBD and brake assist.

Safety

The K5 earned five stars out of five in NHTSA crash tests. Equipment includes stability control, active steering intervention, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal, tyre-pressure monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and collision avoidance, blind-spot cameras shown in the instrument cluster, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, automatic high beam, front and side airbags, curtain airbags and ISOFIX. Entry versions already have a rear camera, cruise control, climate control, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and six airbags; higher trims add a panoramic roof, surround view, a power boot lid, remote start, leather, ventilated seats, 18-inch wheels, full-LED lights and the digital cluster.

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners like the K5's design, sound system, technology, comfort, many features, high safety, roomy cabin, decent boot and full-size spare, and report no concerns about engine reliability. Criticisms include modest power from the base engine, a low front bumper, thin paint, limited ground clearance, average sound insulation and electronics, no heated washer jets or wiper area, and a bonnet that flutters at around 110 km/h. Rivals include the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, Ford Mondeo and Subaru Legacy.