Kelley Blue Book has named the 2021 Kia K5 one of the Best Midsize Cars for 2021!

Editors raved about the K5’s new design, spacious interior, and turbocharged engines. The K5 has replaced the Optima in the Kia lineup and was meant to rethink the expectations from the traditional sedan.

Editors of Kelley Blue Book mentioned a few of their favorite features on the K5 including its open layout and new infotainment display. “The nose of the car has a modern version of Kia’s “tiger face,” and the fastback silhouette looks particularly racy. A chrome garnish that spans the K5’s roofline and wraps around the rear glass catches the eye.”

Other notable details: The mesh design on the K5’s grille and dual chrome exhaust outlets is inspired by shark skin, and a gloss-black applique on the rear glass helps give the K5 that swoopy roofline without compromising rear-seat headroom. Alloy wheels, in 16-, 18-, or 19-inch sizes, are used on the various K5 models.

Standard Features

The base model offers a cloth interior and a rear bench seat. The LXS 1.6T has much more standard equipment, highlighted by a split-folding rear bench seat, UVO infotainment, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic assist. The GT-Line 1.6T ups the sporting quotient with black 18-inch alloy wheels, different bumpers, and an optional red leatherette interior.

A panoramic sunroof joins the K5 lineup at the EX 1.6T level, accompanied by heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, Sirius satellite radio, and an optional Bose sound system with 12 speakers.

At the top of the lineup is the GT 2.5 T model, the one K5 powered by the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. As the sportiest K5, it has firm suspension, paddle shifters, 19-inch alloy wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and dual quad-tip mufflers.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist protection), are standard across the 2021 Kia K5 lineup, as are a driver-attention warning and lane-keep assist.