2022 Kia K5 GT-Line Review: A Good Drive and a Lot of Value

The 2022 Kia K5 GT is a family car, but its dynamic design and 290-hp powertrain option hint at something more seductive. Sure, the sedan previously known as the Kia Optima isn't likely to dethrone its always outstanding competition, the Honda Accord, but the K5's lineup of popular features and competitive price make it a compelling value proposition. It was even nominated on our Editors' Choice list for 2022. Every model comes standard with active security measures and entertainment technology, and the sedan's appealing interior is complemented by a spacious back seat.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT receives the upgraded motor, but its tire-spinning shenanigans will either attract or repel buyers. The base engine is mostly harmless, but it's still the sole means to get all-wheel drive. Despite a driver's seat that is excessively high and ride isolation that is compromised by the largest available wheel-and-tire combination, the 2022 Kia K5 is an excellent sedan—whether purchased for a family or not.

What’s inside the hood of 2022 Kia K5 GT?

The majority of 2022 Kia K5 variants are powered by a 180-hp turbocharger with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automated gearbox. Front-wheel drive is standard; an all-wheel-drive system is optional, although not available on the GT variant. The front-wheel drive, 180-hp K5 test displayed good acceleration in town, with a 7.0-second trip to 60 mph. It was less remarkable at highway speeds, as it took longer to complete passes. Nonetheless, its reliable gearbox and well-insulated interior helped keep engine noise to a minimum. The full-Monty GT variant comes with an even more robust 2.5-litre turbo-four engine that produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

Along with its distinctive eight-speed automatic gearbox which is the same wet dual-clutch as the Hyundai Sonata N Line, the sportiest 2022 Kia K5 GT has larger brakes, a specific suspension tuning and wider tyres on larger 19-inch wheels. The GT when tested reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and came to a halt from 70 mph in 163 ft. The Sonata N Line reached 60 mph faster which was within 5.0 seconds and stopped even faster which was 152 feet. The hi-po Hyundai when tested, on the other hand, used optional summer tyres and the Kia is available only in all seasons, which added to its performance edge.

How economical is it?

According to the EPA, the 2022 K5 with the standard four-cylinder motor and front-wheel drive will get up to 29 miles per gallon in urban areas and 38 mpg on the interstate. When all-wheel drive is added, both of these scores plummet to 25 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg on the highway. Nonetheless, those values are comparable to those for the all-wheel-drive Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. The 290-hp, front-drive-only K5 GT is the least economical of the trio, with 24 miles per gallon city and 32 on highway. On a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, a front-drive 2022 Kia K5with the base powertrain achieved a remarkable 43 mpg, above the official figure by 5. The GT also outperformed its rating, outperforming it by 4 points with a score of 36.

I wonder what it looks like from the inside.

The inside of the 2022 Kia K5 GT is stunning for the price. The cabin is decorated with appealing materials like timber trim around the dash and doors, and the arrangement is both stylish and straightforward. The inside of the K5 is likewise upmarket, with dynamic interior illumination located on the dashboard and doors, and heated and ventilated front seats. This is a sunroof with a panoramic view and a wireless charging pad. The comfy place for the left foot and floor-hinged throttle are welcome improvements, even though the driver's seat seems high even at its lowest setting. The rear seat offers lots of space for legs, and the luggage compartment has plenty of storage capacity. We squeezed seven carry-on bags back there.

Infotainment and connectivity

The 2022 Kia K5 includes an 8.0-inch touch infotainment system with a bezel that matches the gauge cluster. Starting with the GT-Line, the bigger 10.3-inch touchscreen is standard. Both systems have volume control and tactile controls on their steering wheel. While the smaller screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the bigger display isn't compatible and requires a tethered connection. The enhanced unit, on the other hand, has adjustable profiles and the option of linking two devices using Bluetooth at the same time. For those who desire the ultimate aural experience, the K5 is also offered with a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Warranty and Security

Kia's family sedan also comes equipped with several driver-assistance technologies, both standard and optional. The following are important safety features:

• Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard features.

• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are standard features.

• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning are options.

Maintenance and warranty Coverage

Kia offers one of the finest warranties available. While it does not offer free periodic upkeep, it's restricted and engine insurance is the longest of any carmaker other than its parent company, Hyundai.

• The guarantee is valid for a period of five years or 60,000 miles.

• The powertrain warranty is valid for ten years or 100,000 miles.

• There is no free planned maintenance.

Conclusion about 2022 Kia K5 GT

Midsize sedans have been family favourites for decades, so the 2022 Kia K5 GT sits squarely in a market populated by some long-established stalwarts. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are consistently terrific vehicles, albeit a tad bland in comparison to the Kia's more dynamic design and driving abilities. The Hyundai Sonata is the K5's kissing cousin, offering a lot of the same technology in a different package. The Subaru Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, which might be advantageous based on the location you live, but the inside is a letdown.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT is an excellent midsize car on its own or as half of a competitive combination. It's enjoyable to drive, reasonably priced, and has some of the greatest looks on the market. Add in a slew of security and infotainment features, and the K5 is a tough act to follow.