Ten years ago, Kia took its unassuming Optima midsize sedan and turned it from a wallflower into a striking, sporty, and luxurious vehicle. But after that, the Optima received only incremental upgrades and cautious styling changes — eventually leaving Kia once again with a relatively anonymous midsize sedan.
That changes with the 2021 Kia K5, the all-new replacement for the Optima. A swoopier shape and edgier details help this sedan stand out in a crowd, while its more advanced powertrain provides smoother, quieter, and more economical performance. Upgraded infotainment, a spacious cabin, and an optional all-wheel-drive system round out this sedan’s diverse strengths. With prices starting at just $23,490, it’s a lot of car for the money. Let’s go over the pros and cons of Kia’s new midsize sedan.