This is the third Kia K5 sedan I have sampled in the last year or so, and they are really standouts sedans when compared to competition from the likes of Honda and Toyota. This time, the K5 sedan is the GT that has some styling improvements over other Kia K5 models. The K5 GT looks sportier with blacked-out trim pieces. The large 19-inch wheels, a tasteful rear spoiler and quad tip exhaust even dress up the back-end styling.
Hitting the road with Kia K5 GT will put a smile on your face when you hit the gas. With 290hp under the hood, this mid-size sedan really moves quickly and will surprise you. The 8-speed dual clutch shifts very quickly when needed and gives the Kia K5 GT a sportier feel than a car with normal automatic transmission. Even with a big bump in power, the big sedan gives you good MPG. The K5 GT handling is also upgraded with a sport-tuned suspension and improved brakes to help you enjoy the upgraded power. Even with the sportier demeanor, the K5 is still a comfortable everyday driver that never beats you up.
If you want space in a mid-size sedan, the Kia K5 delivers, rivaling more than a few mid-size sedans in its class. Considering the price of the car, what impresses me is the high-quality look and feel of the interior. Featuring a large 10.25” NAV screen and Bose premium audio system, the GT also sports a special red interior package with red seats and black piping. Heated and ventilated front sports seats are another nice combo of comfort that will keep you planted in the curves. A flat-bottom steering wheel completes the sportier nature of the K5 GT.
Cost: $30,490; as tested $35,705
MPG: 24 MPG City; and 33 MPG Highway. I managed 29.5 in 377 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $4,000 GT1 package; $95 cargo mat; $155 carpeted floor mats; $965 inland freight and handling
Safety: Blind spot collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection; rear cross traffic collision-avoidance assist; forward collision avoidance-assist; cyclist & junction turning; vehicle stability management; safe exit assist with power child safety lock to prevent kids from exiting from accidentally opening the rear doors; NAV smart cruise with stop-go; rear parking collision avoidance; highway drive assist; leading vehicle departure alert; and rear occupant alert.
Things to know: The K5 GT turns up the fun in a mid-size sedan with a big power bump and improved handling for a family friendly, four-door car.
Pros:
- An impressive interior space with high-quality materials.
- The looks of the car stand out in a usually conservative mid-size sedan class.
- With 290hp turbocharged engine, there is a big boost in power.
Cons:
- The sleek style leads to less rear vision out the back window.
- The dual-clutch transmission can feel a bit strange at low speeds.
- All that power going to front wheels leads to some torque steer.
