Thanks: Global Motorsports Website: https://www.globalmotorsportsinc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/globalmotorsportsnashville/ 2023 Kia K5 Starting at $26.415 Highs Fastback appearance, notable content for the price, top-tier GT trim packs a stout 290 horsepower. Lows Driver's seat is awkwardly positioned, GT suffers excessive wheelspin, GT needs a summer-tire option. Verdict Every Kia K5 looks sharp and provides value the whole family can appreciate—and the GT trim is a certified hot rod. Overview With a fierce-looking mug and low-slung fastback shape, the 2023 Kia K5 sedan brings oodles of style in what has traditionally been a snooze-worthy segment. The K5's distinctive design isn't let down by a ho-hum engine, either, with two turbocharged four-cylinders that include the standard 180-hp version or the gutsy GT-specific 290-hp option. The mightier mill makes Kia's family sedan shockingly quick (60 mph arrives in just 5.2 seconds), but it's front-wheel-drive only and can easily overwhelm the tires resulting in squeals of wheelspin. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the GT alone has a quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox. Those who want all-wheel drive will have to stick with the standard powertrain, which is solid for most commutes. With a handsome interior and desirable features, the 2023 K5 is a lot of car for the money. Sure, it's not as satisfying to drive as the Honda Accord, but the Kia is much more exciting than the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima. What's New for 2023? The 2023 Kia K5 doesn't change much from last year, except for a few trim level and equipment updates. With the base LX model discontinued, the LXS takes its place as the entry point, but it's no longer available with all-wheel drive. The fancier EX trim now boasts acoustic front door glass that combats road noise. Acoustic glass has been added to the GT-Line, too, and there's a newly optional package that includes a panoramic roof with LED interior lighting and gloss-black body molding. All-wheel-drive GT-Line models now have a standard heated steering wheel, and the top-of-the-line GT receives the acoustic glass treatment as well, but it is otherwise unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy LXS: $26,415 GT-Line: $27,815 EX: $30,315 GT $32,815 For those who don't care about the extra firepower that comes with the GT's 290-hp engine, the GT-Line has a satisfying mix of racy styling elements at a very attractive price. That's the one we'd recommend, and for those who want the all-weather traction of all-wheel drive, it's available for an extra $1600. Otherwise, every GT-Line comes standard with a sportier body kit, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging. We'd also spring for the Premium package, which brings adaptive cruise control, advanced forward-collision warning, and full LED headlights. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Most K5 models are motivated by a 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional but only on the GT-Line. The front-drive, 180-hp K5 we drove provided decent acceleration around town, and our testing revealed a 7.0-second trip to 60 mph. However, it was less impressive at highway speeds, where it needed extra time to execute passes. Still, its dutiful transmission and well-insulated cabin helped ensure its engine noise rarely rose above a dull roar. The full-Monty GT model has a more powerful 2.5-liter turbo four that generates 290 horses and 311 pound-feet of torque. Along with its exclusive eight-speed automatic (with the same wet dual-clutch as the Hyundai Sonata N Line), the sportiest K5 is fitted with bigger brakes, a unique suspension tune, and wider tires on larger 19-inch rims. The GT we drove sprinted to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and stopped from 70 mph in 163 feet. The Sonata N Line, which shares the same engine and transmission, was slightly quicker to 60 mph (5.0 seconds) and stopped even shorter (152 feet). However, the hi-po Hyundai we tested wore optional summer tires (the Kia only comes with all-seasons), which contributed to its performance advantage. Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/k5
