Auto NSider | 2021 KIA K5 GT-Line AWD

Shhh…KIA might be listening, so let me say this softly….most people thought this car cost quite a bit more than it really does.

We were lucky enough to test one of the first KIA K5s a few months ago.   It was a somewhat base LXS model that listed at a mere hiccup over 25 thousand.

Our verdict?    KIA’s K5 is one of the best 4-door / five passenger values on the road today.

The K5 is takes the place of KIA’s former mid-sized Optima….and like most re-do’s, the new K5 looks like it’s dressed in its “let’s go clubin’” clothes.   Swoopier exterior…more user-friendly interior…and now with a standard turbo four for lively performance plus economy.  Keep the K5 anywhere near legal speeds on the road and you should get high 30’s mileage… if not even better.

This time, however, we got our K5 in GT-Line AWD trim.  With a window sticker of just $31,300, the K5 GT-Line has the looks and the content to rival some well-known luxury models.

Compared to the 25K K5 LXS, here’s what KIA gave us on our K5 GT-Line with all-wheel drive:    The most noticeable extra was the soft ventilated red “eco leather” interior.   With the extra-cost “Wolf Grey” exterior paint, the red interior made the K5 a real attention-getter.

Here's what else we got with our GT-Line upgrade:    A panoramic sunroof, 18” alloys vs. 16’s, all-wheel-drive, power heated seats and steering wheel, power lumbar, a 10.25” touchscreen, blind spot and cross-traffic alerts, KIA’s “Safe Exit”, remote start, LED signature headlamps, Sirius radio, wireless charging, forward collision alerts and avoidance system, smart cruise and semi-automated highway drivers’ assist.

In other words, KIA’s K5 GT-Line gives you most of the look, feel, and performance that today’s luxury vehicles deliver…which is why most people took a look and guessed that the K5 cost considerably more than its humble $31,300 window sticker.