2022 Kia K5 LXS Black - A Stylish Yet Affordable Sedan to Consider
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black stands out as a bold entry in the midsize sedan market. With its eye-catching design and an array of features packed into an affordable package the K5 aims to balance style, comfort, and practicality. If you’re considering the Kia K5 in its LXS trim painted in sleek black you're in for a treat—this car has a lot to offer for its price point. Let’s dive deeper into the details, features, and drawbacks of the 2022 Kia K5 LXS in black to give you a comprehensive understanding of what you can expect.
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS is a part of the second year of the K5's production replacing the outgoing Optima. It has an aggressive look that's meant to appeal to those who are looking for a sporty but sensible daily driver. Let's break down the important aspects of this vehicle from its stylish exterior to its potential drawbacks.
Striking Exterior Design and First Impressions
When you first lay eyes on the 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black you’ll notice its sleek, sporty exterior. This car is designed to make a statement on the road—thanks to the angular lines and tiger-nose grille which give the sedan a bold and sophisticated look. The black exterior enhances the car's sporty appearance adding an element of elegance and mystery. It’s a car that looks good whether it's parked in your driveway or driving down the street at night.
Notable Exterior Features
- 18-inch alloy wheels that enhance the car’s profile
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with a unique heartbeat pattern
- Distinctive sloping roofline giving a coupe-like silhouette
- Sleek character lines along the side profile for a dynamic appearance
- Black color enhances the car's aggressive and premium vibe
In the words of Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast: “The black K5 LXS looks sharp and sophisticated—it’s a head-turner for sure. It’s hard to find a midsize sedan that stands out like this one.”
Drawbacks of the Exterior
While the 2022 Kia K5 has a lot going for it in the looks department there are a few things to keep in mind. Some people might find the sloping roofline, while sporty, slightly compromises the headroom for rear passengers. Additionally, the black paint while stunning can be a bit challenging to maintain since it easily shows dirt and scratches. Make sure you're prepared for some extra cleaning if you go for the black color.
Interior Comfort and Tech: A Balance Between Modern and Practical
The interior of the Kia K5 LXS Black is designed with comfort and technology in mind. It aims to create an inviting environment for both the driver and passengers, balancing style and functionality effectively. You’ll find that the materials used throughout the cabin are a mix of soft-touch plastics and higher-quality finishes which are impressive for a car in this price range.
Interior Highlights
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Comfortable Seating: The K5 LXS seats are designed to provide support for longer drives. The cloth upholstery is both comfortable and durable and features an ergonomic design to keep you snug on the road.
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Technology Features:
- 8-inch touchscreen display that’s intuitive and easy to use. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Wireless phone connectivity: no need for pesky cables to play your favorite music.
- Six-speaker sound system which gives clear audio quality for daily listening.
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Spacious Cabin: The K5’s cabin is roomy with ample legroom in the front and back making it suitable for small families or group road trips.
Interior Drawbacks
While the cabin of the K5 LXS offers quite a bit of comfort and tech there are a couple of minor shortcomings. The base model doesn’t come with leather upholstery or power-adjustable seats, which may be something to consider if you're looking for those features in a sedan. Additionally, the infotainment screen is 8 inches which is smaller than some competitors that offer 10-inch or larger displays.
Performance and Drive: Fun to Drive Yet Efficient
One area where the 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black shines is its performance. Kia has fitted this sedan with a well-balanced engine that provides a mix of power efficiency and smooth handling. This car isn’t just about looks—it has the capability to back it up on the road.
Engine and Powertrain
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Fuel Economy
One of the highlights of the Kia K5 LXS Black is its fuel efficiency. This sedan provides an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway making it a great choice for both urban and highway driving. For daily commuters, this is an attractive feature as it keeps fuel costs down without sacrificing performance.
Alex Collantes had this to say about the performance: “The K5 LXS feels nimble and fun. It’s not a race car but for a daily driver, it’s quick enough to bring a smile to your face.”
Drawbacks in Performance
While the K5 LXS offers good performance, those seeking a sportier drive may find that its 180-hp engine doesn't quite provide the exhilarating acceleration found in some of its turbocharged competitors. The FWD setup also means it may lack some traction in poor weather conditions compared to all-wheel-drive options. If you are seeking a high-performance version you might want to consider the K5 GT trim which has a more powerful 2.5-liter turbo engine.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Kia has equipped the 2022 K5 LXS Black with an impressive suite of safety and driver assistance features even in its base trim. This is one area where the K5 stands out among its rivals offering a range of tech that helps keep both the driver and passengers safe.
Safety Features Include
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Alerts the driver of potential collisions and automatically applies brakes if necessary.
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Monitors driver behavior for signs of drowsiness or inattention.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA): Helps keep the car centered in its lane and makes minor steering adjustments as needed.
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): Reminds the driver to check the back seat for passengers when exiting the vehicle.
Potential Safety Drawbacks
While the K5 comes with plenty of standard safety features blind-spot monitoring is not available on the LXS trim unless you upgrade to a higher package. For some drivers having this feature is a big deal especially on busy highways.
Trunk Space and Practicality
Storage and Cargo Space
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black offers ample trunk space with 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity making it one of the most spacious in its class. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide additional room for larger items making it practical for trips to the grocery store family vacations or outdoor adventures.
However the trunk opening can be somewhat narrow which makes it difficult to fit larger or oddly-shaped items compared to some hatchbacks or SUVs. Also the rear seats while foldable don’t fold completely flat which can limit the ability to carry longer cargo.
Price and Value for Money
One of the strongest selling points of the 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black is its value for money. Priced at around $24,000 - $26,000 depending on options and location this sedan offers a lot of features that you typically find in more expensive vehicles. With Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty you can be assured that you are getting a reliable vehicle that will last.
Pros of the K5 LXS Black
- Stylish design that stands out in the sedan segment.
- Well-balanced performance with good fuel efficiency.
- Extensive safety features in the base trim.
- Roomy cabin and trunk space making it family-friendly.
- Excellent value with Kia’s class-leading warranty.
Cons of the K5 LXS Black
- Black paint requires more maintenance to keep it clean and free of scratches.
- Limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline.
- Infotainment screen size could be bigger for some preferences.
- Lack of blind-spot monitoring on the base trim.
- Performance may be underwhelming for drivers looking for a more sporty experience.
Final Thoughts - Is the 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black Worth It?
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black brings a lot to the table for those looking for a stylish reliable sedan. It checks many boxes when it comes to comfort tech features and fuel efficiency—all wrapped in a sleek exterior that turns heads. If you're looking for a midsize sedan that balances style affordability and practicality then the Kia K5 LXS is definitely worth considering.
As Alex Collantes summed it up: “The K5 LXS hits a sweet spot for those wanting an affordable but fun-to-drive sedan. The black exterior gives it a premium look and Kia's warranty provides peace of mind."
This sedan may not be perfect and has its drawbacks but overall it offers an excellent value proposition for those who want a modern well-rounded daily driver.
References
By highlighting the 2022 Kia K5 LXS Black and breaking down its features, pros, and cons, hopefully, this guide has given you a clearer picture of what to expect from this standout midsize sedan.