2022 Kia K5 EX Premium Package

Whichever 2022 Kia K5 you choose, know that eye-catching style comes standard. The Optima, which the K5 replaced, was all too easy to miss. No more—check out the zig-zagging headlights, sleek roofline, and modish taillight bar on Kia's revitalized midsize sedan. But you're probably eyeing the K5 because you already know that it looks like nothing else in the segment. So what are the differences among its five trim levels? And which is the best one to choose?

2022 Kia K5 LX Pros and Cons

Like every K5 trim besides the GT, the LX is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Some exterior details are basic, like the 16-inch alloy wheels or plain black plastic rear bumper. Others, including body-color side mirrors, an acoustically laminated windshield, or LED headlights, are nice for an entry-level sedan. Inside, the seats have cloth upholstery. The fronts are manually adjustable, and the rears do not fold down. Tech in the K5 LX contrasts its basicness; an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two front-row USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system are standard. There's also a decent amount of safety gear, like front automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams.

At about $24,700, the K5 LX offers a good amount of content for a low price. Still, we'd check out the trims above it. Those improve everyday usability for not much more money.

2022 Kia K5 LXS Pros and Cons

From the outside, the K5 LXS looks similar to the LX trim. Illuminated door handles and a gloss black rear bumper are the only differences. Inside, the primary changes are second-row USB ports and a split-folding rear seat. Convenience is enhanced on the LXS trim by way of hands-free keyless entry with push-button start, and split-folding second-row seats. Safety improves as well with blind-spot monitoring, as well as rear and side cross-traffic alert.

The LXS trim starts at $25,700. That $1,000 premium over the LX brings features that could prove useful over a long-term ownership period. LXS is also the first K5 trim that's available with AWD, which adds about $1,500 to the MSRP. Still, the trims above it gain equipment that could further improve everyday usability.

2022 Kia K5 GT-Line Pros and Cons

Edgy looks are a big part of the K5's appeal, and they increase on the GT-Line trim thanks to sport-styled front and rear bumpers and 18-inch machined-face wheels. Foglights, an LED taillight, and side mirror turn signal indicators make the GT-Line glow brighter. The cabin has a black headliner and leatherette-appointed seats bearing the GT-Line logo, as well as a power-adjustable driver's seat. Next to the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, the infotainment touchscreen increases to 10.3 inches in size. Other additions include a wireless charging pad and one-touch up/down front windows. New for 2022, the GT-Line also gets an integrated navigation system.

The K5 GT-Line delivers an appealing combination of style and equipment for its approximately $27,000 starting price. It's offered with AWD, which adds around $1,500. The GT-Line trim can be had with the Premium package, which costs about $1,600 and includes a panoramic sunroof, full LED headlights, intersection collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. So equipped, the GT-Line provides many features for under $30,000.

2022 Kia K5 EX Pros and Cons

Exterior details on the K5 EX trim include 18-inch two-tone wheels and LED exterior lighting. A sunroof is standard. More upgrades happen inside. Seating upholstery is full leatherette, and the front seats gain heating and ventilation. Trim details are done in a combination of faux woodgrain, piano black, and satin silver elements. An additional front-row USB port is added, and all the overhead lights have LED bulbs.

Price increases to about $29,600 for the K5 EX. That seems like a reasonable hike for the conveniences it provides, but the aesthetic changes don't quite seem worth the cost. Choosing the EX Premium package adds numerous upscale features, like a heated steering wheel, 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, power-adjustable driver's seat, built-in navigation, rear automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. Those are great, but for about $3,400 for the package, the value equation seems dim.

2022 Kia K5 GT Pros and Cons

For performance that matches the K5's looks, the FWD-only GT trim is the only option. It's powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that's exclusive to this trim, producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Joined to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it reduces 0-60-mph acceleration from 7.8 seconds in lesser trims to 5.4 seconds. In addition to sport front and rear bumpers and 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips indicate the GT trim's intent. Besides leatherette-covered sport bucket seats, interior features are largely shared with the EX trim.

Considering that it's the quickest K5, it's perhaps no surprise that the GT trim is also the most expensive, at about $32,000. That's before choosing the GT1 package, which adds a slew of additional features including ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, built-in navigation, rear parking sensors, and several driver assist systems like adaptive cruise control. With the GT1 package equipped, the K5's price rises toward some entry-level luxury sedans. We'd probably choose one of those instead of the K5 GT, even though it is quick and nicely equipped.

Which 2022 K5 Trim Is Best?

The GT-Line trim is our pick of the 2022 Kia K5 lineup. No, it's not as quick as the full-on GT trim, but its styling details highlight the K5's sporty exterior. Although it doesn't have all the niceties found in the LX trim, the GT-Line has plenty of features that improve its value and daily usability. That's especially true when the Premium package is equipped, which adds driver assist systems to make any journey easier. That it can all be had for under $30,000 makes the 2022 K5 GT-Line a value proposition worth considering.

2022 Kia K5 Trims:

• LX
• LXS
• GT-Line (MT's pick)
• EX
• GT