2021 Kia K5 EX Review:
Just when you thought absolutely everyone was switching to crossovers and SUVs, along comes the Kia K5 sedan to shake up your automotive world. As other companies ramp up their crossover production —- including Kia, which offers 6 SUV models —- Kia has been reimagining what the sedan can be, the result of which is the stunningly beautiful K5 EX.
Top Of The Line With Great Value:
Currently, the EX represents the high end of the 4-strong trim group. The others include the LX, LXS, and GT-Line. A further trim, the GT, will become available during November 2020. Despite its lofty position among the trims, the EX still starts at a pleasing $27,990, making it a really great value.
The beauty of the exterior is hard to overstate. The clean, athletic lines frame one of the most eye-catching designs Kia has ever come up with. The low, wide build creates a strong and powerful racetrack feel, while the contemporary grille and headlight design adds a sense of irresistible chic. It’s a potent combination.
Efficiency and Performance:
The EX comes with the current standard 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo engine delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. While this doesn’t sound as powerful as you might think, it performs surprisingly well. I found the acceleration and overall speed of the sedan quite impressive.
The upcoming GT model will boost the K5 into a new league with a 2.5L 290 hp engine with 311 lb-ft of torque, which will seriously dial-up this sedan’s performance credentials.
The EX is nonetheless a pleasure to drive, with decent acceleration, agile handling, and great control. The new N3 platform, upon which the K5 EX is built, was made longer, wider, and lower than previous models, which gives it a lower center of gravity. You can even add AWD for better traction if that suits your needs.
Good Looks Carry To Interior:
It’s not just the exterior, which is finely made. The interior, too, boasts many great features and a lower price point than higher-end brands. The EX builds on the already decent features of the GT-Line to add a more “premium” feel. There are higher-quality leather finishes on the wheel and door and some additional wood-grain for a little old-world charm.
The EX seats are power-adjustable, 10-way adjustable for the driver, and 8-way for the passenger, both of which are also heated and ventilated. The central control stack includes an impressive 10.25″ touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the latest version of Kia’s own system. A panoramic sunroof also comes as standard, which really adds a new dimension to the interior feel.
One weakness I believe can be found in the seats, particularly during longer drives. The EX seats themselves are definitely softer and more comfortable than the GT-Line, but when you’re driving a more significant distance with tight turns and higher speeds, the seats seem to lack the support you’d expect.
Safety On The Road:
The Kia K5 EX doesn’t disappoint when it comes to safety and hasn’t compromised the number or quality of ADAS systems. The EX comes with a robust package of Kia Drive Wise ADAS features, including forward collision warning, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, high beam assist, blind-spot warning, reverse parking distance warning, and smart cruise control.
Excellent Style, Impressive Performance – Bring On The GT:
For those who want a nice-looking sedan for work or family use that also delivers decent horsepower and torque, as well as fun driving dynamics, then the K5 EX —- maybe even the GT-Line if you’re budgeting more tightly —- is a perfect match for you. In my view, the entire package is strong, but it just lacks the final degree of “oomph” that I am convinced will be finally delivered in the GT model when it comes out. With additional horsepower and torque, as well as a few additional features to upgrade the shortcomings of the EX, Kia may well have created the exemplar of the modern sedan fit to compete with the ever-growing number of crossovers and SUVs out there.
