2022 Kia K5 LXS Interior: A Stunning Blend of Style and Functionality
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS is one of the most impressive options in the midsize sedan segment. Kia has packed this car with features that make it more than just another family vehicle—it’s stylish, comfortable, and tech-savvy, offering a lot of bang for your buck. In this piece, we’ll dive deep into the interior features of the K5 LXS, looking at the comfort, technology, and usability it provides for both drivers and passengers alike. We’ll also mention a few potential drawbacks while giving you an unbiased yet helpful review.
Overview of the Interior Design and Comfort
The interior of the 2022 Kia K5 LXS feels upscale, especially considering its budget-friendly price. Kia has smartly designed the cabin to appeal to a wide range of users, from everyday commuters to small families. The materials used inside lean toward soft-touch plastics and synthetic leather accents that, while not entirely premium, manage to look classy without pretending to be luxury-grade.
Below the surface, Kia focuses on ergonomics and usability. The front seats are supportive and provide a good amount of bolstering, which is helpful for long drives. Drivers can easily adjust the seats with the manual controls, though this may be a bit disappointing for some since power-adjustable seats are not available in the LXS trim. On the plus side, the seats provide solid lumbar support. As Alex Collantes, an owner of the 2022 K5 LXS, shared:
"I’ve taken this car on several road trips with my family. I gotta say, the seats are surprisingly comfy for a budget sedan. Even after hours of driving, I don’t feel any discomfort."
Cabin Space and Layout
Space is one of the K5 LXS’s strengths. The cabin feels spacious both for the driver and passengers. In the front row, headroom and legroom are ample, accommodating taller passengers with ease. The rear seats are equally spacious for a midsize sedan—suitable for adults on short trips, though taller passengers may feel a bit cramped on extended drives.
Key Cabin Measurements
- Front Headroom: 40.2 inches
- Rear Headroom: 37.8 inches
- Front Legroom: 46.1 inches
- Rear Legroom: 35.2 inches
- Cargo Space: 16 cubic feet
With 16 cubic feet of trunk space, the K5 LXS is among the best in its class, offering plenty of room for luggage and groceries. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide flexibility if you need to haul larger items.
Potential Drawbacks of Interior Comfort
While the cabin feels refined for the most part, there are a few areas where Kia might have cut corners. The LXS trim does not come with leather seats, offering cloth upholstery instead. Some users may find the material less durable over time, especially with kids or pets frequently riding in the car. Additionally, the absence of heated seats may disappoint buyers in colder climates.
Technology and Infotainment System
The infotainment system in the 2022 Kia K5 LXS is intuitive and easy to navigate. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen that provides access to all essential functions like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features come standard, which gives the K5 LXS an edge over some competitors that still offer these as optional extras.
Infotainment Features
- 8-inch touchscreen with responsive feedback
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming
- 6-speaker audio system with good sound quality for its class
- USB ports in the front console for charging devices
Additional Technology Features
- Push-button start: Convenient for starting the engine without needing to fumble with keys.
- Remote engine start: Allows you to start the car from a distance, which is great for pre-cooling or heating the interior.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control: Keeps everyone comfortable by allowing different temperature settings for driver and passenger.
Potential Tech Drawbacks
Though the infotainment system is user-friendly, some buyers might be disappointed by the lack of a navigation system in the LXS trim. You’ll need to rely on smartphone integration for directions, which could be inconvenient if you prefer a built-in option. Additionally, the sound system, while adequate, lacks the depth and clarity found in higher trims with premium audio packages.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features
Kia has equipped the K5 LXS with a solid suite of safety features, making it a top choice for families looking for an affordable yet reliable vehicle. The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) help reduce stress during daily commutes and provide an extra layer of protection.
Safety Features at a Glance
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
- Driver Attention Warning to alert you if you’re fatigued
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
These features make the K5 LXS one of the safest sedans in its class. The lane-keeping system works well, providing subtle steering inputs when necessary. As Alex Collantes put it:
"The safety features are probably my favorite part about this car. I never realized how much of a difference it makes until I experienced it. It really gives me peace of mind on long highway drives."
Safety Drawbacks
That said the adaptive cruise control feature is missing in the LXS trim which might be a letdown for some drivers. Additionally some users have noted that the lane-keeping assist can feel a bit intrusive at times making small corrections even when the car is centered within the lane. This might take some getting used to if you prefer a more hands-on driving experience.
Interior Storage and Practicality
When it comes to storage options the K5 LXS offers a good mix of practicality and clever design. The center console features a decent-sized compartment for storing small items along with cupholders and door pockets to hold bottles and snacks.
Storage Features
- Glovebox: Roomy enough for documents and small items.
- Front and rear door pockets: Offer additional storage for water bottles.
- Center armrest storage: Deep enough to store essentials like sunglasses and phone chargers.
One minor complaint is that the rear-seat passengers don’t get their own USB ports which could be a hassle if you often have passengers who need to charge devices.
Build Quality and Interior Materials
The materials used in the K5 LXS strike a good balance between cost-efficiency and aesthetics. While the cabin mostly features soft-touch plastics there are some hard plastics on the lower panels and door trims. These are common in this segment but still worth noting if you’re particularly picky about interior finishes.
Quality Observations
- Steering wheel: Wrapped in a soft material that feels good to the touch.
- Dashboard layout: Clean and simple with easy-to-reach controls.
- Seats: Cloth upholstery feels breathable but might not be as durable over time.
Final Thoughts
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS interior punches above its weight in several areas—comfort technology and safety. It’s a car that proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a pleasant driving experience. With ample cabin space modern tech and thoughtful design the K5 LXS is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable sedan.
However it's not perfect. The lack of power-adjustable seats and premium materials in the LXS trim might deter some buyers. Additionally the absence of certain features like adaptive cruise control or a premium audio system could leave some drivers wanting more. But for the price Kia offers tremendous value and most buyers will find the interior more than satisfactory.
As Alex Collantes sums it up:
"The K5 LXS feels like more car than what I paid for. Sure it’s not perfect but for someone like me who wanted something reliable and comfortable with a modern touch this car hits all the right notes."
In conclusion if you’re in the market for a stylish midsize sedan with a well-designed interior and modern tech the 2022 Kia K5 LXS should definitely be on your shortlist.