The K5 was launched with a 180 horsepower 1.6L turbo four, which sends power to all wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. This is a lot of unnecessary technology when Kia’s normally-aspirated 2.5L four would fit easily. All-wheel drive is stnadard with the 1.6L T engine, giving Kia a unique market position compared with the front-wheel drive-exclusive Hyundai Sonata. On the GT-DCT model, Kia offers a 290 horsepower 2.5L turbo four that is now making its way into various Hyundai-Kia-Genesis vehicles. The 2.5L turbo hooks up to an eight-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission. Kia makes a big point in saying the the dual-clutch transmission features “wet” clutches. Dry clutches were a factor in the poor performance and durability of the Getrag-Ford dual clutch unit in the Ford Fiesta and Focus. The 2.5L turbo is exclusively front-wheel drive. Kia notes that forward collision warning, blind spot, rear cross traffic and driver alertness warnings are standard, as are autonomous emergency braking and a lane keep assist system. .

The 2.5L turbo is fast, flexible and pretty smooth for a large-capacity, highly-stressed engine. The eight-speed dual clutch transmission on the car driven by the APA exhibited hesitation at low speeds to the point that passengers commented on it. Steering and handling are crisp but rear passengers complained of a choppy ride on poor surfaces. Strong air-conditioning and welcome seat chillers but the audio system performance was just adequate, especially given the ultra-premium specifications of the GT turbo model driven.

The base LX, with alloy wheels, L.E.D. headlights, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, blind spot monitors, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, forward collision warning and automated emergency braking, is well equipped. The EX upgrade adds a dual-panel sunroof, a heated windshield, wireless cellphone charging, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sonar and rain-sense wipers, is good value. The GT-Line includes ventilated front seats, navigation, alloy pedals, heated rear seat, a memory system, highway drive assist and a number of other comfort and convenience features, at a reasonable price. The GT, powered by the 2.5L turbo, is equipped with a Bose-branded audio system, a head up display system, a larger centre info-screen and 19 inch alloys wheels and represents about $3200 of the $4100 price bump, with the 2.5 turbo accounting for the balance. The additional power and equipment are balanced by a $2500 offset as the GT does not have all-wheel drive.

The K5 should exhibit average to above average reliability during the warranty period. The 1.6L turbo is one of Hyundai-Kia’s most durable engines but the 2.5L turbo is unproven. Unproven 2.5L turbo and dual-clutch transmission.