The 2022 Kia K5: the new family sedan with an ace up its sleeve

The 2022 Kia K5 is a family sedan, but it might surprise you to learn that it can pack quite the punch. The new model may not be on par with some of its competitors, but for its price and features, this car is worth checking out. The 2022 Kia K5 GT is available with a performance-enhancing engine, and buyers will either be drawn to or repelled by its tire-spinning antics. The basic powertrain is quite benign, and it's also the only way to get an all-wheel drive. Despite a high driver's seat and poor ride isolation owing to the biggest available wheel-and-tire combination, the 2022 K5 is an excellent car—particularly if purchased for a family.

What's New in 2022?

All K5 models are now branded with Kia's new logo for 2022, and the lineup is sprinkled with a few new standard features. The rear-wheel-drive LX has rear-seat USB ports, which were previously optional. The GT-Line now offers an all-wheel-drive base variant, which eliminates it from the $3700 package and makes it a $1600 option versus last year's $1900 offering. The current-generation GT, which was introduced in 2016, is the first G37 with a touchscreen infotainment system instead of the previous 8.0-inch version. Wireless smartphone charging is now standard on all front-drive GT-Line models. The EX and GT get a fresh 360-degree camera system, power-folding exterior mirrors, and front parking sensors, among other new features.

The Kia K5 GT-Line's performance package adds substantial style to the GT. For people who don't mind the extra power of the GT's 290 horsepower engine, it has a nice balance of aggressive styling features. That's what we recommend, and it comes with an all-wheel-drive for those who want better traction in the snow. Every GT-Line comes standard with a sportier body kit, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver's seat, and wireless smartphone charging. We'd upgrade to the Premium package, which includes adaptive cruise control, advanced forward-collision warning, full LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The K5 is powered by a 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that's paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox in most versions. The engine is standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available, but it isn't offered on the GT variant. The K5 has a 180-hp front engine, a rear-wheel-drive layout that we drove. Around town, it attained respectable speed, and our testing found a 7.0-second journey to 60 mph. However, at highway speeds, it took longer to execute passes due to its lack of power. Its dutiful transmission and well-insulated cabin, however, helped to ensure that its engine noise remained dull. The 2.5-liter turbo-four in the full-Monty GT model produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, which is more than the previous iteration. The sportiest K5 is also equipped with bigger brakes, a unique suspension setup, and wider tires on larger 19-inch rims, in addition to its distinctive eight-speed automatic (with the same wet dual-clutch as the Hyundai Sonata N Line). The GT we tested accelerated to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and came to a stop from 70 mph in 163 feet. The Sonata N Line was slightly quicker to 60 mph (5.0 seconds) and braked even shorter (152 feet). The optional summer tires on the hi-to Hyundai, however, helped it outperform the Kia.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA expects the 2022 K5 with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive to achieve. With six seats, you can expect up to 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. When all-wheel drive is added, both ratings take a significant plunge to 25 mpg city and 33 highway. Both figures are comparable to those for the all-wheel-drive Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. The K5 GT with front-wheel drive and 290 horsepower is the least fuel-efficient of the group, achieving 24 miles/gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. We tested a standard powertrain K5 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, and it achieved a remarkable 43 mpg, exceeding its government rating by 5 miles per gallon. The GT exceeded expectations, outperforming its score by 4 with a 36 mpg haul. Visit the EPA's website for further information on the K5's fuel efficiency.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

For how much the K5 costs, it looks fantastic on the outside. The design is both sophisticated and uncomplicated, and the cabin features beautiful materials such as wood trim on the dash and doors. The K5 offers a wide range of premium interior features, including lighting on the dashboard and doors, a heated and ventilation system in front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. Even at its low position, the driver's seat offers a fantastic resting place for your left foot and an open floor-hinged accelerator. The third row of seats offers decent legroom, and the trunk has enough capacity for luggage. We were able to cram seven carry-on suitcases in there.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The K5 is available with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that shares a bezel with the gauge cluster or a 10.3-inch touchscreen display on the GT-Line. The steering wheel has physical buttons on both, but the infotainment system has a knob as well. The larger display, on the other hand, does not have wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration and instead requires a wired connection. However, the new model offers user-customizable profiles and simultaneous connection of two Bluetooth devices. For people who desire the finest auditory experience, the K5 may be equipped with a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia offers one of the best comprehensive warranties in the business. While it does not come with a complimentary maintenance plan, Hyundai's warranty for its cars is short, with only 90 days or 10,000 miles on the whole vehicle and 90-day/10,000-mile powertrain coverage.

The drivetrain is protected by a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

The warranty for the engine is ten years or 100,000 miles.

There is no free-of-charge planned maintenance.