2022 Kia K5 LXS Review: A Stylish Sedan That Packs a Punch
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS is a sedan that has caught the eye of many car enthusiasts. With its sleek design powerful performance and practical features the K5 is giving its competitors a run for their money. The LXS trim stands out for its value and bang for the buck combining quality driving experience with a budget-friendly price tag. But how does this car really stack up on the road and in terms of comfort safety and technology?
Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of the 2022 Kia K5 LXS covering everything from performance and design to technology and safety features. We'll even highlight some drawbacks to keep the review real and balanced.
Key Highlights of the 2022 Kia K5 LXS
- Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Horsepower: 180 hp
- Fuel Economy: 29/38 mpg city/highway
- Starting Price: Around $24,690
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Unveiling the Performance: Is the K5 LXS a Joy to Drive?
Driving the 2022 Kia K5 LXS feels lively and fun which is a great compliment for a family sedan. It's equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which provides 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It may not sound like much but it gives the K5 a surprising punch when accelerating. The 8-speed automatic transmission pairs well with the engine offering smooth gear changes that are quick enough to keep the ride responsive.
Driving Impressions
The K5 LXS handles corners with precision and while it's not a sports sedan it maintains a nice balance between comfort and control. The suspension absorbs most bumps well so you can enjoy a smooth ride without feeling too disconnected from the road. The steering is well-weighted although it doesn't offer the feedback some enthusiasts may desire.
Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast and reviewer states:
"The Kia K5 LXS is the kind of sedan that makes you feel like you're getting more than you paid for. It's a fun ride but also practical enough for everyday use."
Fuel Efficiency
One of the strongest suits of the Kia K5 LXS is its fuel economy. With an EPA rating of 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, it’s clear that this sedan is designed to save you money at the pump. It's competitive with rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in this respect making it a solid choice for those who want efficiency without sacrificing style or performance.
Stylish Exterior Design That Stands Out
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS looks more like a high-end European sedan than a typical mid-sized sedan. It features a swept-back roofline and fastback-style rear giving it a sporty stance that many people love. The "Tiger Nose" front grille gives the car an aggressive yet sophisticated front-end appearance which is accentuated by the sharp LED headlights.
Sleek Roofline and Sporty Accents
One standout feature is the chrome trim that runs along the roofline, adding a touch of elegance to the car's silhouette. The wheel designs and 18-inch alloy wheels available on the LXS trim are a nice touch giving it a more premium look than its price tag suggests.
Potential Drawback: The stylish design does come at a cost - the sloping roofline does slightly compromise rear headroom. Taller passengers in the back may find headroom to be on the tighter side especially on long drives.
Interior Comfort and Space: A Driver-Centric Cabin
Stepping inside the Kia K5 LXS, you're greeted with a modern driver-focused cabin. The seats are well-bolstered and provide decent support for long drives. While the interior materials aren’t exactly luxury-level they feel sturdy and well-made. Soft-touch surfaces and brushed aluminum accents elevate the cabin’s ambiance.
Seating and Cargo Space
- Front seats are spacious and comfortable with plenty of legroom and support.
- Rear seats have adequate legroom but taller passengers might struggle with the sloping roofline's headroom.
- Trunk space is excellent at 16 cubic feet, giving plenty of room for luggage and groceries.
Potential Drawback: Some drivers may find the driver's seat position slightly low, affecting visibility over the dashboard. It may take some time to find a comfortable position but it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise comfortable cabin.
Technology and Infotainment: Modern and Intuitive
One area where the K5 LXS truly shines is technology. The sedan comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is crisp and responsive and the physical knobs for volume and tuning make it easy to use while driving.
Infotainment Features
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Stay connected to your smartphone easily for calls texts and navigation.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Seamlessly pair devices for hands-free calling.
- 6-Speaker Audio System: Provides decent sound quality for a standard setup.
Alex Collantes remarks:
"Kia's infotainment system is one of the best in its class. The touchscreen is quick and the interface is easy to learn even for those who aren't tech-savvy."
Potential Drawback: While the 8-inch touchscreen is nice some drivers may wish for a larger screen option that's available on higher trims. Additionally the standard 6-speaker audio system is just average so audiophiles may find it lacking in depth and clarity.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Standard Features for Peace of Mind
Safety is a top priority for Kia and the K5 LXS is no exception. The sedan comes packed with standard safety features and driver assistance technologies which make it an attractive choice for families and safety-conscious buyers.
Safety Features
Some of the standard safety features include:
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you of an imminent front collision.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Applies brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Driver Attention Warning: Monitors driver behavior for signs of distraction or drowsiness.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The K5 LXS also features some more advanced systems like Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist on higher trims providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
Potential Drawback: Although the standard safety features are excellent some more advanced safety technologies are reserved for higher trims like the EX or GT-Line. For instance blind-spot monitoring is not standard on the LXS trim which might be a dealbreaker for those who want comprehensive driver assistance.
Comfort and Ride Quality: Balanced and Quiet
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Kia K5 LXS is how quiet the cabin is at highway speeds. Kia has put in the effort to insulate the cabin from road noise which gives the car a more premium feel. The ride quality is balanced and composed whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets.
Comfort Features
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: Ensures that both driver and passenger can set their preferred temperature.
- Rear Air Vents: Provide ventilation for rear passengers a feature often missing in competing sedans.
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat: Allows for customized comfort though not all trims offer full power adjustments.
Potential Drawback: The suspension is tuned for comfort so some may find it a bit too soft when cornering aggressively. It’s great for daily driving and comfort but if you’re seeking a sportier feel the K5 GT with its stiffer suspension may be a better fit.
Pros and Cons of the 2022 Kia K5 LXS
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: The LXS trim offers great value for the money.
- Fuel Efficiency: Economical on fuel without sacrificing performance.
- Stylish Design: Sporty and sleek exterior that turns heads.
- Impressive Standard Safety Features: A suite of safety tech comes standard on the LXS trim.
- Intuitive Infotainment: User-friendly tech that makes daily drives more enjoyable.
Cons
- Limited Rear Headroom: Due to the sloping roofline.
- Basic Audio System: The 6-speaker system could use an upgrade for better sound quality.
- Some Advanced Safety Features Not Standard: Blind-spot monitoring and more are only on higher trims.
- Driver's Seat Position: May feel low to some drivers impacting visibility.
Conclusion: Is the 2022 Kia K5 LXS Worth It?
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS proves that Kia is serious about taking on the midsize sedan market with style and substance. With its sporty looks peppy engine and impressive suite of standard features the K5 LXS offers a compelling package for anyone looking for an affordable yet stylish and efficient sedan.
While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of higher trims the LXS trim is well-rounded providing comfort tech and safety at an attractive price point. It’s a sedan that not only meets expectations but often exceeds them making it a strong contender in its segment.
Alex Collantes’ Final Word:
"The Kia K5 LXS is a solid choice for those who want a sedan that looks good drives well and doesn’t break the bank. It's not perfect but it sure makes you feel like you've made the right choice when you get behind the wheel."
References
- Kia Official Site - For specs and official details
- Car and Driver Review - For professional car reviews
- Consumer Reports - For reliability and consumer feedback data
This comprehensive review aims to help potential buyers make an informed decision. Whether you're drawn in by the K5's stylish design its efficient performance or its budget-friendly price, there's no doubt that the 2022 Kia K5 LXS has a lot to offer for the discerning buyer.