Kia gets a high-five for the K5!
For the last 20 years, the Optima has not only been a mainstay in Kia's sedan lineup but has also been one of their most popular and best-selling vehicles since it's inception. With its great gas mileage, easy handling and reliability, it rivaled similar cars like the Audi A3, Ford Focus, and Honda Civic. But throw all that out the window because the all-new 290-hp 2021 Kia K5 is hitting the Canadian market this fall and will be replacing the beloved Kia Optima.
At first glance, the K5 looks much more aggressive than any other Kia model. What sticks out to me is the "shark skin-inspired design" black front grille, the narrow headlights, a long hood (similar to the Hyundai Sonata), and a very short rear deck (think fastback style). The K5 not only looks impressive but also comes with an impressive list of standard and optional features.
Features include:
- 16-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels
- Acoustic-laminated windshield for extra peace and quiet.
- 5 trim lines are available: GT, LX, LXS, GT-Line & EX
- 2 turbocharged four-cylinder engines (2.4 and 1.6 litres respectively)
- Front- or all-wheel drive available on LXS and GT-Line models
- Standard 8.0-inch or optional 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Optional 12-speaker Bose audio system
- Optional Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Remote start
- Standard Rear Occupant Alert (reminds the driver if anything is left in the rear seats)
- Hands-free trunk access
- Optional ‘Drop-in’ wireless charging (helps keep phones in place)
- A suite of advanced driver-assist features including ford collision warning, driver attention warning, lane following assist & more!
The K5 is built on Kia's third-generation “N3” platform, which allows it to sit longer, wider and lower compared to its predecessor, the Optima. The N3 platform is designed for improved collision safety, weight reduction, and driving performance. It also provides roomier interior dimensions, suspension optimized for sport handling, and improved sound deadening materials. This will serve as the foundation for all future Kia models.
The K5 is the second fully redesigned Kia model in the last few months (the recently announced 2022 Sedona being the other) & will surely make a huge splash (call-back to the shark design earlier) in the mid-size sedan segment. We can't wait for the K5 to start arriving in dealerships so we can check it out in person! Stay tuned for more details!