2022 Kia K5 LXS Interior: A Refined Driving Experience
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS is a bold move from Kia in the midsize sedan segment delivering style comfort and a bit of a premium feel to drivers. Its interior stands out in a crowded field filled with competitors aiming to provide both comfort and technology. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the 2022 Kia K5 LXS’s interior a unique and positive experience for drivers and passengers alike.
A Closer Look At the Kia K5 LXS Interior
When stepping inside the 2022 Kia K5 LXS the first impression is the striking combination of modern design and practical functionality. It's not overly luxurious but does bring a level of refinement that goes beyond what you might expect for its price point. Kia has done a solid job creating an inviting space that balances style comfort and usability.
Comfort and Seating
Spacious and Cozy Seating
The seating in the Kia K5 LXS is one of its highlights. The front seats offer good support making longer drives more comfortable. The LXS trim comes with cloth upholstery which is soft and pleasant to touch. While the cloth material is not quite as upscale as leather it provides a breathable and durable option that many owners will find both comfortable and practical. The driver's seat is 8-way adjustable so finding the perfect driving position is easy. For taller drivers or passengers there's ample headroom and legroom so the cabin doesn't feel cramped even with multiple people inside.
Rear Seat Space
The back seat in the K5 LXS also offers plenty of space and comfort. Three adults can fit across the back row but it’s better suited for two adults or three children for longer journeys. Some competitors may offer slightly more rear legroom but the K5 doesn't feel tight by any means.
Interior Design and Quality
An Elevated Cabin Aesthetic
The interior design of the 2022 Kia K5 LXS has a modern appeal with a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics. The dashboard has a clean layout with the infotainment screen positioned prominently. There are subtle metallic accents on the door handles and air vents adding a touch of sophistication. The materials used may not match some luxury vehicles but they feel durable and well-crafted for the K5’s price range.
Layout and Functionality
Every button and control within the K5 LXS is easy to reach and intuitively placed. Kia has done an excellent job with its driver-oriented design. The center console is slightly angled towards the driver which makes it easier to access the infotainment and climate controls without taking your eyes off the road for too long.
Some of the standout interior features include:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel (standard on LXS trim) providing a nice grip and enhancing the driving feel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control which allows the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures based on their preferences
- Soft-touch armrests and door panels making for a more comfortable experience when resting your arms
Alex Collantes a longtime automotive enthusiast shared his take on the cabin experience "I was pleasantly surprised by how well the K5 LXS interior feels. It's comfortable without being flashy and everything is easy to use. I wasn't fumbling around trying to figure out the controls."
Potential Drawbacks
While the design and quality are mostly positives there are some areas where the K5 LXS falls short. For one some may find the hard plastics on lower surfaces of the cabin a bit disappointing. Additionally the seats lack the ventilation and lumbar support seen in higher-end models. But for a vehicle in this price range these are relatively minor drawbacks.
Infotainment and Technology
User-Friendly Tech
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s straightforward and easy to use. The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and use its features on the car’s screen. Voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity are also standard allowing hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.
Audio System and Connectivity
The LXS trim features a six-speaker audio system which is decent for everyday listening. The sound quality is adequate but not exceptional so audiophiles might wish for an upgrade. There are USB ports up front for charging devices and connectivity.
Potential Downside: There is no built-in navigation system for the LXS trim although smartphone integration compensates for that. Some competitors offer a more premium sound system and built-in navigation as standard features at a similar price point.
Digital Instrument Cluster
The 4.2-inch color display in the instrument cluster provides useful information like speed fuel economy and driver assistance settings. While not fully digital it’s clear and easy to read offering all the necessary driving information at a glance.
Cabin Space and Practicality
Cargo Space and Storage
One of the advantages of the K5 LXS is its practical interior storage spaces. The door pockets are sizable and the center console has a generous storage compartment. The glovebox is average in size but should be able to hold basic items without issue. The trunk space is 16 cubic feet which is above average for the midsize sedan segment. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split allowing for longer items to be stored easily.
Potential Drawback
One of the potential shortcomings is the limited small-item storage in the cabin. While the center console and door pockets are sufficient some owners may wish for additional storage spaces for items like smartphones keys or wallets.
Interior Features and Trim Levels
Comfort Features
The K5 LXS has a range of features that aim to enhance comfort and convenience:
- Push-button start making it easy to start the engine without fumbling for keys
- Remote keyless entry which is a great convenience when your hands are full
- Rear-seat air vents providing back seat passengers with comfort in various weather conditions
Interior Lighting
The K5 LXS comes with basic interior lighting that effectively illuminates the cabin at night. The standard lights are functional though not as customizable as those found in some competitors with ambient lighting options.
Drawbacks in Features
While the interior features list is quite good for a base trim some features like heated seats and a sunroof are only available in higher trims. This means you may need to opt for the EX or GT-Line trims if those features are important to you.
Ride Comfort and Cabin Quietness
Smooth and Quiet Ride
The ride quality of the K5 LXS is another strong point. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections providing a smooth drive experience. The cabin is well-insulated keeping road and wind noise at bay. Conversations are easy even at highway speeds thanks to Kia’s efforts to minimize noise and vibrations.
Potential Drawback
One slight downside is that the engine can get a bit noisy when you accelerate quickly or push it hard. While the engine noise is not overly intrusive it may be noticeable for those who prefer a quieter cabin.
Final Verdict: A Refined Midsize Sedan Interior
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS has a lot going for it in terms of its interior. It delivers a stylish yet functional cabin that makes daily drives comfortable. The design is modern the materials are well-selected for the price and the technology is user-friendly. The cabin space is ample and practical offering enough room for both passengers and cargo.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable seating for front and rear passengers
- Easy-to-use and intuitive infotainment system with smartphone integration
- Attractive modern cabin design with high-quality materials
- Ample trunk space and practical storage solutions
Cons:
- Some hard plastics in less visible areas of the cabin
- Limited lumbar support and seat ventilation in this trim level
- Audio system quality could be improved
- Lack of built-in navigation and premium features without upgrading trims
Alex Collantes adds “The K5 LXS is one of those cars where you can’t help but feel like you’re getting a lot for your money. Sure it's not a luxury interior but it hits all the right notes for comfort and usability.”
Should You Buy the 2022 Kia K5 LXS?
If you're in the market for a midsize sedan that offers comfort style and a good amount of standard technology the 2022 Kia K5 LXS is definitely worth considering. Its interior offers a great balance of refinement and practicality that should please most drivers. While it may lack some of the high-end features of more expensive trims or competitors it still delivers a satisfying driving experience that makes it one of the best options in its class.
References:
- Kia Motors - Official website for detailed specs on the K5 LXS
- Alex Collantes - Personal experience and opinions on the 2022 Kia K5 LXS