I’m planning to buy my first car soon and no matter what options I look at, the K5 is always at the top of my list. It looks like the perfect car and I can’t find a single flaw in it. I wanted to hear from people who have owned and driven it for a while if the K5 meets your expectations or not
It’s an awesome car. Especially if you get the AWD since it has great grip. Plus, it still feels like a modern Kia and doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. I have no complaints.
Lyle said:
It’s an awesome car. Especially if you get the AWD since it has great grip. Plus, it still feels like a modern Kia and doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. I have no complaints.
Yep I’m planning to get the AWD model. I can’t wait to test drive it soon
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Lyle said:
It’s an awesome car. Especially if you get the AWD since it has great grip. Plus, it still feels like a modern Kia and doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. I have no complaints.
I’m skeptical about it not having a digital cluster
I got the K5 GT-Line FWD in Wolf Grey and red leather and I’m really enjoying it. It looks more expensive than it actually is and feels that way too.
Pros:
- Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work great without any issues.
- Great safety features. I always keep the Lane Departure Assist on and the Lane Keep Assist almost drives the car for you, except it reminds you to hold the steering wheel.
- Wireless charger
- Plenty of USB ports
- Lots of space. I’m 6’2" and fit well in both the front and back
- Auto Hi-Beams are very useful
- Can turn the car on with the key fob to defrost in the morning
Cons:
- I’ve noticed a bit of a lag when pressing on the gas, sometimes lasting a second.
- It’s somewhat long. (Not necessarily a downside, just worth considering for parking at home)
- It has quite a bit of gloss black which shows fingerprints easily.
Things I wish were different:
- It should have been a sportback. The roof slopes nicely to the trunk, making it seem like it should be one, but they didn’t go that route.
- The dashboard space could be used better. The info screen is just a small rectangle between the gauges with a lot of unused space around it.
- It’s a small detail, but the “Next” button on the steering wheel for media navigation is down. I don’t know why that bugs me but it does.
@Perrin
Given your cons and things you wish were different, you might like the Stinger better! Especially since the twin turbo is reportedly much better for lag. Can’t do anything about size though.
If my next car isn’t a truck, it’ll probably be the Stinger. While I love the K5’s design, there are better performing four-cylinders for the price if you’re looking for something more sporty. Not saying the K5 isn’t nice; it really is. But I’d like to see them step up to compete with other brands for sportier versions of their sedans.
@Perrin
I’ve got a 2017 Sportage. Next is for car play and down for radio drives me crazy how it changes based on input.
Owen said:
@Perrin
I’ve got a 2017 Sportage. Next is for car play and down for radio drives me crazy how it changes based on input.
I want to know who approved that setup.
Owen said:
@Perrin
I’ve got a 2017 Sportage. Next is for car play and down for radio drives me crazy how it changes based on input.
I want to know who approved that setup.
Looking back, it was probably Android Auto… I’m not sure if it does the same with Apple CarPlay. I think I’ve just gotten used to it.
So with Android Auto, it goes one way for FM and Siri, and then it reverses in the main menu.
@Perrin
I’m surprised that in the models without the digital cluster, Kia opted for a smaller rectangular display instead of something similar to the Seltos. That seemed like a more logical choice.
I already know the pros haha but I will keep the cons in mind during my test drive. The acceleration lag isn’t a dealbreaker for me and I can live with the gloss black or the other minor issues.
My main priorities were that the infotainment is a good size and that the instrument cluster is mostly digital. It also has to look awesome from the outside. This car meets all my needs 
Thanks for your insights!
@Perrin
Do you happen to have a model with the sunroof? I’m also 6’2" and I’m a bit worried it might be tight if I choose the panoramic roof.
Haru said:
@Perrin
Do you happen to have a model with the sunroof? I’m also 6’2" and I’m a bit worried it might be tight if I choose the panoramic roof.
Yes, I have the double sunroof model and I fit just fine. I lower the driver seat all the way down, so that’s probably needed.
@Perrin
Is it worth it to get the GT model with that sunroof and heated seats? These features weren’t high on my list, but the two trims I’m looking at may only differ by about 1000 dollars. I’m thinking about the LXS AWD and the GT AWD. What do you think?
@Dallas
One more thing to consider, I had a 2017 Kia Optima before and it had a dual clutch… felt like I was riding a horse in traffic… Is that something anyone has experienced with these new Kias?
@Dallas
If it’s in your budget range, I’d definitely go for the larger sunroof, it’s a nice touch. The heated seats depend on where you live. If you’re not super focused on the extra power from the GT, the GT-Line is a solid choice between those two trims. It looks just like the GT except for the engine and I couldn’t be happier with mine. As for traffic issues, I haven’t noticed that in my car.
Haru said:
@Perrin
Do you happen to have a model with the sunroof? I’m also 6’2" and I’m a bit worried it might be tight if I choose the panoramic roof.
I’m 6’3" and fit just fine, though not with any room to spare. I never bump my head.
@Rin
That’s great to hear! Now I’m just waiting for the model I’m interested in to show up in the DFW area to take it for a test drive.
@Perrin
Hey, I just bought my Kia K5 GT-Line 2 days ago, same color, wolf gray with red interior, but mine is AWD (2021). I’m trying to figure out how to connect to Android Auto. Is it wireless or wired?
@Abi
I believe Android Auto is only wired. You can set it up by hitting the ‘pair new AA/Apple CarPlay’ button when you start the car or find the phone projection setting in the options. It’s a different pairing from Bluetooth. You need to follow the steps and connect your phone to the middle USB port under the infotainment center. Only that USB port charges and transfers data, while the others just charge. Hope this helps!
@Perrin
It’s been 2 years since your post. Do you still like the K5? Any issues?