Many of you already know that in 2021 Kia Optima became the K5. Here we are going to take a look at the GT-Line trim and compare it with the LXS, which we reviewed in October 2020.
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All versions of the 2021 K5, except the GT, are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle is associated with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard with the GT-Line.
As for dimensions, remember that the K5, has gained two inches in length, one in width and 1.8 in wheelbase compared to the Optima, that it came to replace.
Earlier, last month, we at Torque News reviewed the LXS trim of the 2021 K5. We thought it was a splendid vehicle. Today, we are going to look at the specifics of the GT-Line.
K5 Trims and Pricing
Thus, the 2021 Kia K5 comes in five trims. those are the LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX and the GT trim. The LX trim starts at $23,490. The LXS comes at $24,490. The GT-Line's starting MSRP is $25,390. The K5 EX starts at $27,990 and the most expensive GT starts at $30,490. Note that there are two GT trims, with similar names. The one, we are testing is the GT-line and the second, which is the 2021 Kia K5's top trim, is simply called GT and is five thousand dollars more expensive than the GT-line.
The GT-Line comes in five exterior color options: Glacial White Pearl, Wolf Gray, Passion Red Ting Coat, Sapphire Blue and the Ebony Black. As you can see in the accompanying images, we test-drove the Glacial White Pearl color. The most available color options come with the EX trim: both exterior and interior. The GT-Line's interior comes in two color options. Those are the Blakc Syntex Seating Material and the Red Two-Tone SynTex Seating Material colors. Interestingly the EX Trim has two interior color options that don't exist in any other trips. Those are the Sand Syntex Seating Material and the Ash Blue SynTex Seating Material.
When it comes to the dimensions of the K5, all trims have the same dimensions. The lenght is 193.1 in. With is 73.2 in. The height is 56.9 in. and the wheelbase is 112.2 in.
- Track: Front/Rear - 18-inch Wheels 63.7/64.0 in.
- Head Room: Front/Rear - without Panoramic Sunroof - 40.2/37.8 in.
- Head Room: Front/Rear - with Panoramic Sunroof - 38.4/37.4 in.
- Shoulder Room: Front/Rear - 58.0/56.1 in.
- Hip Room: Front/Rear - 56.6/56.6 in.
- Leg Room: Front/Rear - 46.1/35.2 in.
- Total Interior Volume - 121.3 cu. ft.
- Passenger Volume - 105.3 cu. ft.
- Cargo volume - 16.0 cu. ft.
The Boy style of the GT-Line and the GT models (the top trim) is aggressive. There are some nice black accent and unique wheels. Overall the front and rear exterior designs are pretty aggressive-looking. The K5's GT-Line is also characterized by GT front grille, hyper silver, illuminated door handles, power-adjustable and heated outside mirrors (standard on all trims), full LED headlights, LED front fog lights, LED rear combination lamp and 18-in Alloy wheels with GT-Line Sport black finish.
Interior Touches.
The interior of the K5 GT-Line is equipped with 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment system. in fact, the LXS has an 8.0-inch touch-screen. Two USB charging outlets and rear console, all these start from the GT-Line trim and up. The GT-Line also has power windows w/ drive and front passenger one-touch auto-up/down. One thing that is exclusively characteristic to the GT-Line trim is the Cloth & SynTex seating material, which I found to be really nice. Sport steerting wheel is available both in the GT-Line and the top GT trims. Leather-wrapped steering wheels also start from the GT-Line trim and up. Yet, interestingly the accent trim and technical embossing stop with the GT-Line trim.
When it comes to the performance all trim levels, including the GT-Line, but except the GT trim come with the tourbocharged 1.6 liter 4-Cylinder engines. Only the GT trim comes with a turbocharged 2.5 liter 4-cyllinder engine. The GT-Line has a gasoline direct injection engine delivery system like all other trims, except the GT, which has a gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection (MPI).
Kia K5's fuel economy is 29 mpg combined. In the the cit the the vehicle gets 26, while on highways it gets 34 miles per gallon. Kia says the annual average fuel cost is roughly $1,400.
As you see, while the previous ES version comes with a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch rims as well as several advanced safety technologies, the GT-Line version offers more comfort with a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, heated and cooled front seats.
"The K5 GT-Line is a blast to drive and exciting to look at. You can’t overlook its interior technology like the available multi-connection Bluetooth wireless that lets two phones connect simultaneously or the “Sound of Nature” ambient system that creates a peaceful retreat inside K5 with six calming themes. Kia is doing exemplary work in making midsize sedans appealing by focusing on passenger compartment technology that delivers a luxurious feel at a decent price," says Torque News Kia reporter Keith Griffin.
The 2021 K5 offers a veritable arsenal of standard driver assistance and safety technology, and every option package outweighs it. I think the quality of technology that the Kia K5 offers is well above average. I particularly like the clarity of the sound when I connect my phone to the car.
I think the Kia K5 is a real example to follow for all mainstream vehicles on the market. And as if that weren't enough yet, it has something to turn all heads in its path and its interior is particularly modern. In short, I wouldn't be surprised if the Kia K5 took the title of best car of the year from several magazines. What about you?
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
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