It’s a common experience for many car enthusiasts: you arrive at the rental car counter, request a full-size sedan, and are handed keys to… a Kia K5? If you’re like many, you might be unfamiliar with this model. That was exactly my experience. My initial thought was simply, “How bad could it be?” Turns out, the Kia K5 is far from bad. In fact, it’s a surprisingly well-built and genuinely enjoyable sedan to drive. During my time with the 2022 Kia K5 in Nashville, Tennessee, I discovered a vehicle that balances spaciousness with a sporty feel, making it a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and engaging sedan. However, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Alt text: Author Scott from Drive and Review posing with the white 2022 Kia K5 rental car, highlighting his initial surprise and eventual appreciation for the vehicle.
Delving into the Pros of the 2022 Kia K5
Having recently reviewed the Kia Forte, I already had a sense that Kia was producing impressive vehicles. It’s therefore not surprising that my experience with the K5 was largely positive. Here’s a breakdown of the aspects I appreciated most:
Solid Build Quality
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the K5 was its exceptional solidity. The test vehicle, with just over 2,000 miles on the odometer, felt incredibly robust. Even when navigating challenging road conditions, including rough railroad crossings, the car remained rattle-free and composed. This level of build quality is reassuring and speaks to Kia’s commitment to improving vehicle construction.
Excellent Outward Visibility
Visibility is paramount for confident driving, and the Kia K5 excels in this area. Merging into traffic and navigating busy streets was remarkably easy due to the car’s design, which minimizes blind spots. It’s impressive how Kia has engineered such good visibility in a modern sedan, contributing to a safer and more relaxed driving experience.
Sporty Driving Position
For a mainstream sedan, the Kia K5 offers a surprisingly sporty driving position. Unlike some sedans that feel like driving from a couch, the K5 provides a more engaging and connected feel. This is a significant plus for drivers who appreciate a more dynamic driving experience, blending the practicality of a sedan with a touch of sportiness. Kia has effectively balanced comfort and driver engagement.
Cockpit-Like Dashboard Design
Adding to the sporty feel is the K5’s dashboard design, which subtly wraps around the driver. This creates a cockpit-like environment, enhancing the sense of being in control and further contributing to the engaging driving dynamics. This design element elevates the interior ambiance beyond that of a typical sedan.
Wide-Opening Front Doors
Practicality extends to the ease of entry and exit. The front doors of the Kia K5 open to nearly 90 degrees, a feature that may seem minor but significantly improves accessibility. This is particularly helpful in tight parking spaces and for passengers of all sizes.
Powerful Climate Control
In the sweltering Nashville heat, the K5’s climate control system proved to be a standout feature. Even on days approaching 100°F, the interior cooled down rapidly after being parked in the sun. A powerful and efficient climate control system is crucial for comfort, and the K5 delivers impressively in this regard.
Comfortable and Durable Seat Fabric
While subjective, I found the cloth texture used on the K5’s seats to be quite appealing. It’s not the softest material, but it feels comfortable and suggests long-term durability. This fabric choice seems practical for everyday use and potentially more resistant to wear and tear than softer alternatives.
Alt text: Kia K5 interior showcasing sporty design elements and cloth seats, emphasizing the surprisingly upscale feel for a sedan in its class.
Alt text: Rear view of the 2022 Kia K5 highlighting its stylish taillights and overall design, which the reviewer praises as the best “booty” in its class.
Alt text: Close-up of the Kia K5 center console, acknowledging the use of plastic but highlighting the solid, squeak-free construction and functional design.
Alt text: Driver’s perspective from inside the Kia K5, demonstrating excellent outward visibility and minimal blind spots, a key safety and convenience feature.
Examining the Cons of the 2022 Kia K5
Despite its many positives, the Kia K5 isn’t without its shortcomings. Here are the areas where the K5 could be improved:
Base Model Aesthetics
While styling is subjective, the base model K5’s appearance leaves something to be desired. The body lines are attractive, but the smaller wheels and tires make the car look somewhat under-wheeled and less assertive. Compared to competitors, the base K5 might not have the same visual impact.
Overly Aggressive Lane Assist
The adaptive lane assist system in the K5, while intended to enhance safety, can be overly intrusive. When activated, it feels as though the system aggressively wrestles the steering wheel if you deviate even slightly from the lane markings. While it can be disabled, its default behavior might be too jarring for some drivers.
Underpowered Base Engine
The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower, feels inadequate for the K5’s size. While sufficient for city driving and typical traffic, it lacks the power needed for spirited acceleration or confident highway merging and passing. Enthusiasts and those seeking more performance may find this engine underwhelming.
Lackluster Audio System
The standard audio system in the K5 is a disappointment. Despite attempts to adjust the settings, the sound quality remained flat and hollow. For audiophiles or those who prioritize in-car entertainment, the audio system is a significant drawback.
Insufficient Lumbar Support
Comfort on longer drives is crucial, and the front seats of the K5 fall short in lumbar support. After just a couple of hours of driving, lower back discomfort became noticeable. Improved lumbar support would greatly enhance the K5’s long-distance driving comfort.
Alt text: Close-up of the base model Kia K5 wheel, criticizing its small size and lack of visual appeal, impacting the overall aesthetics of the vehicle.
Alt text: Side profile of the Kia K5 showcasing the small wheels and tires, reinforcing the critique of the base model’s underwhelming visual presence.
Alt text: Engine bay of the 2022 Kia K5, highlighting the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and noting its 180 horsepower output as insufficient for the car’s size.
Alt text: Front seats of the Kia K5, pointing out the lack of lumbar support and its negative impact on long-distance driving comfort.
Top Reasons to Consider Buying a Kia K5
Despite some drawbacks, the Kia K5 presents a compelling package. If you’re in the market for a sedan, here are two key reasons why the K5 should be on your radar:
1. Drives Smaller Than Its Size
The K5 occupies a similar footprint to larger sedans, yet it feels remarkably nimble and agile from behind the wheel. Unlike some larger sedans that feel cumbersome, the K5 offers a driving experience that’s closer to a smaller, sportier car. This is a significant advantage for drivers who need the space of a larger sedan but prefer a more engaging driving feel.
Alt text: Kia K5 interior showcasing the steering wheel and dashboard, emphasizing the sporty and driver-focused design that contributes to the car’s nimble feel.
Alt text: White Kia K5 exterior shot, suggesting that larger wheels and a more powerful engine would elevate its appeal as a daily driver.
2. Exceptionally Solidly Built
Kia’s reputation has evolved significantly, and the K5 is a testament to their improved build quality. The 2022 K5 felt remarkably solid, arguably the most robust-feeling car the reviewer has ever driven. For buyers prioritizing longevity and durability in a sedan, the K5 is a strong contender.
Alt text: Front view of the 2022 Kia K5, highlighting its modern design and reinforcing the reviewer’s positive impression of Kia’s improved vehicle quality.
Top Reasons Why a Kia K5 Might Not Be for You
Conversely, there are reasons why the Kia K5 might not be the ideal choice for every buyer:
1. Base Engine Performance is Lacking
The base 1.6-liter engine’s lack of power is a significant drawback, especially for a car of this size. For drivers who value performance or frequently drive in situations requiring brisk acceleration, the base engine will likely disappoint. Opting for the available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is recommended for a more satisfying driving experience.
Alt text: Reviewer in the driver’s seat of the Kia K5, expressing disappointment with the base engine’s performance and suggesting it detracts from the driving experience.
2. Base Model Can Appear Economical
While well-equipped in terms of features, the base model K5’s smaller wheels and tires contribute to a less premium appearance. For buyers seeking a more upscale aesthetic, upgrading to a higher trim level with larger wheels is almost essential. The base model’s visual economy might not align with the expectations of buyers in this price range.
Alt text: Base model white Kia K5 from a distance, emphasizing the critique that it looks “cheap” due to the smaller wheels and basic trim.
Final Verdict: The Kia K5 – A Solid Sedan, Best in Higher Trims
Overall, the 2022 Kia K5 is a commendable sedan with numerous positive attributes, particularly its solid build quality and surprisingly sporty driving dynamics. However, the base model suffers from an underpowered engine and somewhat underwhelming aesthetics. For those considering a Kia K5, opting for a higher trim level with the more powerful 2.5-liter engine and larger wheels is strongly recommended to fully appreciate the potential of this well-rounded sedan. The Kia K5, when properly equipped, stands as a strong contender in its class, offering a compelling blend of style, features, and driving enjoyment.
