A Remarkably Smooth Ride – 2022 Kia K5 LXS Review
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS enters the competitive midsize sedan market as a bold option. With its sleek styling, competitive pricing, and strong technology suite, this sedan appeals to anyone looking for an affordable yet premium-feeling car. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the K5 LXS to see where it shines and where it might fall short. We'll look at real experiences, highlight strengths, and also be candid about any weaknesses to offer a balanced and detailed view.
What to Expect from the 2022 Kia K5 LXS
The Kia K5 LXS carries forward the aggressive redesign introduced in 2021. It boasts a coupe-like silhouette, making it distinct from many rivals in the midsize class. The LXS trim is considered the base trim, but Kia has worked hard to make it feel anything but basic. For drivers seeking an affordable car with modern tech and safety features, the LXS trim stands as an excellent option. But how well does it hold up in the real world?
Design and Exterior Appeal
The K5 LXS is a head-turner. With LED headlights, matte grille finishes, and a sleek body profile, it offers a more athletic stance than previous Kia sedans.
Exterior Highlights
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
- Black grille with chrome accents
- Optional Wolf Gray color
Kia has taken some inspiration from luxury sedans, like the Audi A7, giving the K5 its dynamic fastback shape. It’s an approach that works well in this segment, especially for buyers who want some flair without spending luxury-car money. Alex Collantes, a K5 owner, remarks, "The looks alone sold me. You just don’t expect a car this affordable to look this good."
Potential Drawback: Though the exterior design impresses, the fastback styling limits rearward visibility. Rear passengers may feel the cabin gets a little tight due to the sloping roofline.
Step Inside: Interior and Technology
One thing that stands out about the K5 LXS interior is how premium it feels for a base trim. Soft-touch surfaces cover the dashboard, while high-quality cloth seats provide comfort even during long drives. The cabin layout feels well-organized, with intuitive controls easily within the driver’s reach.
Interior Features You’ll Love
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Six-speaker audio system
Kia has also ensured that smartphone users will feel at home with the K5 LXS. Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a huge plus, as many competing cars still require a wired connection.
Cabin Space and Practicality
- Headroom (Front/Rear): 38.4 inches / 37.4 inches
- Legroom (Front/Rear): 46.1 inches / 35.2 inches
- 16 cubic feet of trunk space
The trunk is surprisingly roomy, offering 16 cubic feet of cargo space—more than many other midsize sedans. The rear seats can also fold down in a 60/40 split to accommodate longer items.
Potential Drawback: The LXS trim only offers cloth seating, and some competitors provide leather upholstery as standard on base models. Additionally, some reviewers noted that road noise can seep into the cabin at higher speeds, detracting from the quiet ride experience that some buyers might expect.
Performance: Is the K5 LXS Fun to Drive?
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. This engine delivers 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The LXS trim is available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), unlike higher trims that offer all-wheel drive.
How It Handles the Road
The turbocharged engine feels lively, especially in city driving. Acceleration is responsive, and the K5 feels more agile than many of its rivals.
Performance Highlights
- 0-60 mph in approximately 7.0 seconds
- Fuel economy: 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
- Sport mode available for more dynamic handling
Alex Collantes adds, "It’s not a sports car, but it feels quick enough for everyday driving. I’ve never had trouble merging onto highways."
Potential Drawback: Some drivers might find the steering feedback a bit vague, especially compared to sportier midsize sedans like the Mazda6. Additionally, all-wheel drive is not available on this trim, which could deter buyers living in colder climates with snow or ice.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Kia has built a reputation for prioritizing safety across its lineup, and the K5 LXS is no different. Even on the base trim, you get a suite of advanced driver-assist features.
Key Safety Features
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
The forward collision warning system works smoothly without being too intrusive, a common complaint among competitors' systems. The Driver Attention Warning feature is also a thoughtful touch, alerting drivers when it detects signs of fatigue.
Potential Drawback: Adaptive cruise control is only available on higher trims, which may be a disappointment for those who enjoy semi-autonomous driving on long road trips.
How Much Will the 2022 Kia K5 LXS Cost You?
One of the biggest draws of the K5 LXS is its affordability. With a starting MSRP of around $24,690, it competes with budget-friendly sedans like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata.
Pricing Breakdown
- Base price: $24,690
- Destination charge: $1,175
- Optional packages: ~$500 - $1,000
- Estimated monthly payment: ~$350/month with average financing
Compared to its competitors, the K5 LXS delivers great value for money by offering more features at a lower price point. Buyers looking for a sleek, modern sedan without breaking the bank will find the K5 LXS an appealing option.
Potential Drawback: Although the base price is attractive, resale value could be lower compared to models like the Toyota Camry, which tend to retain their value longer.
Competitors: How the K5 LXS Stacks Up
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS faces stiff competition from other midsize sedans. Here’s a quick look at how it compares to its closest rivals:
-
Honda Accord
- Better resale value
- Slightly more interior space
- No turbo engine on base trim
-
Toyota Camry
- Available all-wheel drive
- Higher starting price
- Reputation for long-term reliability
-
Hyundai Sonata
- Similar feature set
- Less sporty design
- Longer warranty coverage
What We Loved (and Didn’t)
Here’s a quick summary of what makes the 2022 Kia K5 LXS a strong contender and where it falls short:
Pros
- Attractive design with premium touches
- Excellent fuel economy for a turbocharged engine
- Wireless smartphone connectivity included
- Competitive starting price
Cons
- Road noise noticeable at higher speeds
- No all-wheel drive option on the LXS trim
- Steering feedback could be more precise
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2022 Kia K5 LXS?
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS offers a lot of value for its price. It’s stylish comfortable and equipped with the kind of features you’d expect on higher trims. For drivers looking for an affordable, well-rounded sedan, the K5 LXS is a solid choice. However, if you need all-wheel drive or are sensitive to road noise, you may want to explore other options.
Alex Collantes sums it up perfectly, "For the price, I couldn’t ask for much more. It feels premium without the premium price tag." That said it’s worth taking a test drive to see if the steering feel and cabin noise are dealbreakers for you.
The Bottom Line
The 2022 Kia K5 LXS delivers style, technology, and performance at an unbeatable price. It’s not perfect but no car is. If you're after a sedan that stands out from the crowd without stretching your budget too thin this Kia should be on your list. You just might fall for its sleek looks and modern interior just like Alex did.
Still not sure? Make sure to compare the K5 LXS to other models in the same class and schedule a test drive to get a feel for what it offers in person.