Mark Takahashi that’s actually an urban legend. The “KDM” badge was created by the US aftermarket. Granted that does say a lot about what people think about the Kia badge. It desperately needs a redesign.
@@jacobbwalters8133 Kia hasn't officially changed the badge yet. However, it has been confirmed that the new badge/emblem design is finished and will replace the existing one in the near future. They say it takes time since it costs them millions of dollars for the replacement.
The first gen Optima was also called Optima in S Korea. Then the first-gen face-lifted one got the name "Regal." The second-gen was then called "Lotze." And then finally the Peter Schreyer designed one became the first-gen K5
Kia nailed it again, i miss my original 2011 kia optima, got head turners everywhere i went back then....i think this new K5 will do the same!! well done Kia!!
Have a 2016 Optima and definitely will purchase the K5 next. Over 150k on my Optima with not one mechanical issue. Before the Optima I had a 2008 Kia Sorento with absolutely no mechanical issues and had over 350k miles on it. In my never to be humble opinion Kia's are the best cars on the market.
@@marktakahashi5024 I can remember when the conventional wisdom was that torque steer put an upper limit of 200hp on FWD horsepower, but I don't think that's true any more. For example, the Civic Type R has 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and I don't recall anyone complaining about its torque steer (Car & Driver said it was "all but eliminated" on the Type R). However, it remains to be seen if Kia's engineers have dealt with the problem, or not, on the GT.
Great review. Mark touches on the most important details in a very thoughtful manner. Probably one of the best presenters on RUclips. Him for every day vehicles and Andy Pilgrim for track focused cars.
I drove MB cla class recently, and with similar options, it costs more than $50,000. I started wondering why I need a $50,000 mb cla over this new Kia K5...
@@marktakahashi5024 I wouldn't call it a better quality on the inside. Sure it looks nice, but when you touch stuff on the CLA/A Class, it squeaks and rattles and the padding is very shallow. TBH a Golf 7 feels plusher in terms of materials and build quality than a CLA
@@vladsaghin7644 you must of not been in the current CLA had one as a courtesy car and it was great and those interiors make you feel like it's even more expensive than it is
Hummm, looks like the Korean car industry is headed the way of its electronics industry. Now for improvement at the dealer level, service departments are second rate!
@Der Schwindel That's true. However, Samsung doesn't literally receive all the parts from Japan/US. They just have a few critical components that they need, literally just like any other semiconductor companies like Huawei and Qualcomm. There's a reason Samsung is up there with other American/Japanese/etc. counterparts. You can't just say 100% of their success is because their supplies are from elsewhere. Because that's not it. It's really not the case and that wouldn't even make sense logically. That's like saying a majority of the stuff consumers use in the US are Chinese or whatever country that shipped the components because the supplies that were used to build the object was being supplied by that foreign country. We need distributors, but we also need those that build them. We can't have one without the other. Qualcomm, Samsung, and all other semiconductor companies are great, and we shouldn't not attribute success to Samsung just because they aren't able to manufacture their own parts. You can't holistically/vaguely attribute the entire success to other people when that's not really the case. Give credit where it's due; they've built some great stuff and are able to be one of the leaders in technology just as much as its competitors. I don't know about chaebol that much so I can't say anything about that; I'm not surprised however as corruption practices still exist. All the well-known people that have joined the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis team have done some great stuff and their contribution to the companies cannot be ignored. Some people blame Hyundai/Kia for copying in the early years, and yes, they may have did them. But what's the big issue about that? If it's a functional car that fits all the needs of the consumer, its up to the consumer to buy it or not. Copying isn't right and companies should start being more original if we're talking about fairness and morality, but between major car manufacturing competitors, I think that's the least they're concerned about; we're talking about not just Hyundai/Kia, other companies are suspected of copying designs, and at that point, it's all about perception. I honestly don't really see copies unless they are blatant, but relatively, I haven't seen any copying by Hyunda/Kia in the last five years. Other people may see it differently, and that's their opinion. They have every right to hold that opinion and express it. But you can't force other people to change their perspective. Of course they're going to have influence cause they literally are a part of the company now. Oh crap, a Genesis was a blatant copy of the Audi or whatever. Cool. I don't really see it that way; but if I did see some similar elements, I wouldn't be surprised considering the person who designed the Audi is now part of Hyundai/Kia or literally any other car company, for example. Literally people out there blaming designer of Genesis GV80 for copying the Bentley Bentayga when the designer, Sangyup Lee (a Korean), moved to Hyundai and played an important role in designing the GV80. Plus, the GV80 looks better than the Bentayga anyway.
That chrome strip is what has defined the Optima/K5 design since the 2011 model year. Without it there's really no point, and I think this is the best iteration of it yet.
Great review Mark. Really enjoyed your honest take. Other Mark is great too. This K5 also has me very excited for the update Stinger coming soon. Very impressed by the K5. Needs to lose the chrome on the rear bumper and around the doors. Otherwise it's all very well done
This is the first video I've seen from this channel. And I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The review was pretty objective, nice observations, and he seems to be a really nice guy. Definitely I'm subscribing. Nice video! I'm from Mexico, and I'm really hoping this K5 comes soon.
My feeds still giving me K5 videos, 2 weeks after buying the car and this doesn't bother me at all! I love the Kia utterly. The AWD eliminates any wheelspin and torque steer. Additionally, AWD adds heated seats and wheel to the mix, a super nice bonus. This GT Line is my second Kia, with my wife's 2015 Forte5 Turbo so reliable, I had no doubts about this purchase.
Is the 12.3 inch digital gauge cluster offered as an option in the US? And how about the gear shift dial instead of a normal shifter? Are these only available in the Korean market?
Hyundai Kia has very bright future. They're doing everything right! It just works! I wish them all the best for the future & US truck & SUV market. On the other hand Nisaan & Mazda(s) are doing everything wrong. They are likely to leave the US market if they continue these mistakes.....
Yes they have. Gotta a lot looks with the 2011. Everyone was like. Wow. That’s a Kia. Lol. On my 3rd now. 2016 loaded model sxl love it. Had that, time for a new car desire last yr. looked. Then was like why. Even with the 19 models they just didn’t have more to even justify the expense. 80,000 plus miles on my 16 now have taken very good care of it. Now with this. I’ll be looking but still wondering if it will be that much better than what I have. Gotta say it looks great.
Enjoyed this review.. It's really good to hear someone that has put a vehicle through the paces, give their opinion and make comparisons from their experiences in other vehicles of the same class... It looks like KIA really nailed it with the K5... I'll be taking one for a test run
They are gonna bring out a higher end luxury/sportier K5. They wanna see how well the new design sells. Give it about 2 months. More trim levels will come out
You showed us the trunk and _almost_ put the rear seats down like you should have. It would have been very nice to show us the pass-through opening and how flat the rear-seat backs get when folded. You get a 'ding' for not doing all that.
Nice review but, missed a few things like: Does it have blind-spot view monitor for left & right side (as in the Telluride)? How is the back-up camera resolution, does it have dynamic trajectory & is there 360-degree/surround view option?
The Korean version of the K5 and the US version of the Sonata (I believe) provides the blind spot monitor when changing lanes but I believe it's absent on the US K5. KIA customers in the US are thought to be somewhat more price sensitive than Hyundai customers, even after contrary evidence from the Telluride.
After seeing a few in person, I totally agree about the chrome wrap around. The front end is so edgy and sharp angled, but that strip and the lights (while cool) make the rear end look more rounded and disjointed from the front. Both the front and rear are great designs but feel like they're from separate cars.
Correction. Optima wasn't canceled, the name was. Kia K5 has always been the Kia Optima. Kia/Hyundai motor group is no longer changing the name depending on market. Its beautiful IMO.
Just picked up an awesome deal in this crazy car market for a Kia K5 GT line or MSRP expected time of delivery is mid December when most dealerships are charging 3 to 5,000 on top of MSRP
I love the Korean car designs, but I am a little skeptical to switch to it. I am seeing a lot of these 1-2 years old Korean vehicles with dead head/tail lights on the road, and that’s not a good durability sign..
Put six years on a 2012 Kia Sorento and another 2 years on its 2019 replacement and never had a loss of a headlight or tail light. In fact, literally nothing has ever gone wrong with either vehicle. Nothing! So while I appreciate the 5yr/60K bumper to bumper and 100K power train warranties, I'd have done just as well if the b2b warranty was two weeks and 50 miles.
Just bought the K5 GT-Line in Red with a sunroof for my daughter over Memorial Day weekend. No way I ever thought I would buy a KIA. We must have driven a dozen other cars. None drove as nice as this car. The Camry was maybe a little nicer in the interior, but the 4 cylinder Camry can't get out its own way, you have to step up to the V6 and then you are into the $40-$45K. Factor in the price of the K5 which was $27,000-- $5000 less than the Accord-- and the 10-year/100k mile warranty, it wasn't a hard call. Funny thing is, my daughter and I both hate that chrome strip around the back. Getting that taken care of next week as well as tinting the back windows. The only other thing I would say that is not good is the stereo. The top of the line speakers are not good--very average at best-- and the average speakers offered are flat out terrible. There are limitations to aftermarket improvements because of the tablet. I wonder what the aftermarket sound system companies are going to come up with? Daughter is shopping for a stereo shop now for improvements.
Did you go into the stereo settings? Adjust treble to 8, bass to 9. And midrange up by 1. The stereo is decent then. They come with all settings in the middle, which makes it sound dull.
@@johnfranklin5277 Tried all of that. Changed out all of the speakers to JBLs. Added a powered sub. Much better, but at the end of the day, the car needs an after market stereo head installed. That radio built into the tablet is just not good. A year into the car now its been pretty good for my daughter. She is getting through college and working. The wheel wells and under car splash shields are ridiculously thin, brittle, and break easy. The front windshield cannot take any type of rock strike. With 13,000 miles on it, two windshields, the third one, just two weeks old, already has a crack. The RF fenderwell splash shield and under car shield has been replaced. We'd still buy it again.
If they gave this RWD and a high performance V6 it would sell like hot cakes. Kia packs so much value in their cars and they’re proving they can make good sports cars as well. The interiors and exteriors are top notch as well.
I STILL think they should've kept the Optima name for this sedan. I mean the Optima is basically what put Kia on the radar for so many people starting in 2009/2010 but especially with the sixth gen model that came out in 2011
Whats with this trend now to make sedan "coupe" like with trunk seemingly shortened...I think it started with 16 Civic which I thought its hatchback first and it spread like wild fire.
kevin starski started way before that. As manufacturers stopped making traditional coupes and make more SUVs they started giving sedans “coupe like” appearances. Blame the insurance companies.
If you’re looking for features alone, then there’s no reason to pick this over the 2020 Sonata, outside of looks, since you can’t get the EX trim with AWD and it’s only $2K cheaper than the Sonata Limited... hardly a good deal. The fact that they aren’t offering real leather on any trim is ridiculous and the fact that they are promoting this K5 as ‘all new’ when it lacks features the previous generation Optima had, disappointing for sure.
The top of the line GT (not GT Line) will have a lot more hp and torque. Also, I believe the GT will also include the all-wheel option, along with a much more upscale interior. agree about that chrome...didn’t like it when KIA revealed it. The K5 looks a lot better than the Accord. The interior in the K5 is inception for its class.
Very good review. But, I do have two gripes, both with Kia: 1) I realize "K5" was the home market name of the "Optima", but alphabets, alphanumerics and numbers are best served hot in a bowl with crackers. "Optima" was inspiring. Besides that, how do explain "K9," if this is the move Kia's planning to make? Almost $70,000 for a car named for dogs hardly seems luxurious to me! 2) I wish car makers would give you their lowest-priced models to test. The less equipped the base model is, the better you can know how the actual car is and not have to rely on its options for your entertainment, I say. Then, you'll start to see how much you get for the money and who truly is the "cheap" car company, too! Still, I think Kia (and Hyundai) have a lot to be proud of and this car should do ok despite recent American sedan-hate due to incessant Crossover/SUV/Truck infestation. Cheers, Kia! 🍻! 🐰
Just nick picking : it would have been better to have the demarcation of the top of the front fender ( the 7''-8'' in front of the mirror ) in line with the edge of the hood opening
Mark Takahashi I never expected you to see my comment. I wanted to get a lot rougher with him but I do try to be civil. But that was uncalled for and stupid and he is a fool. And I guarantee these idiots would not say that in person. He doesn’t deserve this attention tho. Thank you for what you do Mark! I’m new to your channel and I will subscribe. Thank you for the reply. And what time is dinner? 🍴
Mark Takahashi Of all the things someone could say about a thorough, thoughtful, light hearted, entertaining & engaging review, that’s what someone comes up with. It’s beyond me. We live in a broken world and it’s ugly at times but there are far more good people here that appreciate your contributions. Keep doing life the way you want and know that the vast majority of us really enjoy these reviews & you as host Mark.
Ok. People everywhere need to chill. Look sorry you took offense to that comment. However I would be willing to bet the guy meant no offense. As I mean none now. I get. Hey you look like Bobby Ore. from time to time. It’s just an observation that’s all. I honestly couldn’t care less whether someone is white black asian etc. At times I see someone out there that looks like a famous person and I may say that to someone I’m with. It is said. “Hey that guy/ girl looks like so and so “. I’m not wrong for that. It’s just an observation. So that being said. Nice job on the review best I have seen on this car so far. Good luck to you and yours be safe ☮️
That grille needs to be gloss black or black chrome. Especially on a higher trim level. Plastic looks really cheap. I like the orange led drls though. 🍊🔦🦁😎
The face of the kia k5 has always been a problem for me. It looks blend from certain angles. The Sonata nails it in the design department, even though people say it has a catfish grill.
I was considering purchase of a new Kia, but the massive recall of the Theta-II engines has been very troubling. This is the 2.4L engine installed in most Optimas and many other Kia models, such as the Sportage. Engine failure and fire problems with Kias & Hyundais have affected more than 6 million vehicles since 2015, according to the NHTSA. QUESTION: Has Kia resolved the serious quality-control problems in the machining operations at its engine plants in the USA and Korea?
Gonna miss the Optima nameplate. Not super crazy about the looks here. Probably not a bad product but doesn’t look as solid and upscale as the Optima either.
Haven't watched an Edmund review in a while, enjoying this presenter
I actually always found him to be boring.
Listening to him, is like reading the owner's manual.
You get the facts, without any fanfare.
Takahashi has been with Edmunds for years and i find him informative and unbiased.
This is the review, that has convinced me to purchase the K5.
You didn't see the non US version did you?
Thomas Ravas still better then the sonata
Thomas Ravas I wanted the k5 until I seen what they did to the American one I’ll be buying the sonata now
@@zakm4012 what dont you like about the K5
@@chuckfan1 the US market K5 is nerfed compared to something like the Canada market one, for example the US doesn’t get a digital cluster.
I was eyeballing an Aud even a lexus IS but screw badging. This will be my first car purchase.
Mark Takahashi that’s actually an urban legend. The “KDM” badge was created by the US aftermarket. Granted that does say a lot about what people think about the Kia badge. It desperately needs a redesign.
@@jacobbwalters8133 I'd be dope if they just roll out their new logo along with their new models asap
기아? Hmm id rather choose KIA badge 🤔
@@marktakahashi5024 You're thinking of 20 years ago. We have the same badging you guys have. (Except on the Stinger)
@@jacobbwalters8133 Kia hasn't officially changed the badge yet. However, it has been confirmed that the new badge/emblem design is finished and will replace the existing one in the near future. They say it takes time since it costs them millions of dollars for the replacement.
KIA Optima has ALWAYS been called KIA K5 in South Korea! 🤦♂️
Optima -> Lotze -> K5 in Korea🙂
Jo...Not always. We did actually have one model of Optima...forever ago.
The first gen Optima was also called Optima in S Korea. Then the first-gen face-lifted one got the name "Regal." The second-gen was then called "Lotze." And then finally the Peter Schreyer designed one became the first-gen K5
Same in China, I have a 2017 K5. Kia's doing a great job in K5, unfortunately, Kia's only success is the K5
There's absolutely no need to give the same car different names. KIA is doing the right thing.
Kia nailed it again, i miss my original 2011 kia optima, got head turners everywhere i went back then....i think this new K5 will do the same!! well done Kia!!
Have a 2016 Optima and definitely will purchase the K5 next. Over 150k on my Optima with not one mechanical issue. Before the Optima I had a 2008 Kia Sorento with absolutely no mechanical issues and had over 350k miles on it. In my never to be humble opinion Kia's are the best cars on the market.
Seems to be a solid overall package. I am really only interested in the GT though, waiting for those reviews
@@marktakahashi5024 Only the "LXS" (pretty much the base) and "GT-Line" (not the actual GT) can get AWD right?
@@marktakahashi5024 I can remember when the conventional wisdom was that torque steer put an upper limit of 200hp on FWD horsepower, but I don't think that's true any more. For example, the Civic Type R has 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and I don't recall anyone complaining about its torque steer (Car & Driver said it was "all but eliminated" on the Type R). However, it remains to be seen if Kia's engineers have dealt with the problem, or not, on the GT.
@@marktakahashi5024 You're right, but that's not 100% confirmed yet. Sure hope it's available.
@@johnholstthe builder is available now and no AWD on ex or gt
From different reviews I read that it depends on which engine you get. The 286 hp? Engine won't come with AWD
Great review. Mark touches on the most important details in a very thoughtful manner. Probably one of the best presenters on RUclips. Him for every day vehicles and Andy Pilgrim for track focused cars.
This was on my short list for my next car before this review . This confirms its place on that list.
I drove MB cla class recently, and with similar options, it costs more than $50,000. I started wondering why I need a $50,000 mb cla over this new Kia K5...
The cla is lame
@@marktakahashi5024 I wouldn't call it a better quality on the inside. Sure it looks nice, but when you touch stuff on the CLA/A Class, it squeaks and rattles and the padding is very shallow. TBH a Golf 7 feels plusher in terms of materials and build quality than a CLA
You don't buy a Mercedes because they are a good value for money , that's literally not the point of Lux brands , this argument is tired
@@vladsaghin7644 you must of not been in the current CLA had one as a courtesy car and it was great and those interiors make you feel like it's even more expensive than it is
Mark Takahashi ...and the spending much less on maintenance!
I wish you guys shot the Qi charging area better. I'm curious about that "holder" you spoke of. Otherwise, great review, much appreciated.
@@marktakahashi5024 that's cool. Thanks Mark 👏👏👏👏 and I guess Kia 😝
Maybe look on Kia website photos for K5
Hummm, looks like the Korean car industry is headed the way of its electronics industry.
Now for improvement at the dealer level, service departments are second rate!
@Der Schwindel That's true. However, Samsung doesn't literally receive all the parts from Japan/US. They just have a few critical components that they need, literally just like any other semiconductor companies like Huawei and Qualcomm. There's a reason Samsung is up there with other American/Japanese/etc. counterparts. You can't just say 100% of their success is because their supplies are from elsewhere. Because that's not it. It's really not the case and that wouldn't even make sense logically. That's like saying a majority of the stuff consumers use in the US are Chinese or whatever country that shipped the components because the supplies that were used to build the object was being supplied by that foreign country. We need distributors, but we also need those that build them. We can't have one without the other. Qualcomm, Samsung, and all other semiconductor companies are great, and we shouldn't not attribute success to Samsung just because they aren't able to manufacture their own parts. You can't holistically/vaguely attribute the entire success to other people when that's not really the case. Give credit where it's due; they've built some great stuff and are able to be one of the leaders in technology just as much as its competitors. I don't know about chaebol that much so I can't say anything about that; I'm not surprised however as corruption practices still exist. All the well-known people that have joined the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis team have done some great stuff and their contribution to the companies cannot be ignored. Some people blame Hyundai/Kia for copying in the early years, and yes, they may have did them. But what's the big issue about that? If it's a functional car that fits all the needs of the consumer, its up to the consumer to buy it or not. Copying isn't right and companies should start being more original if we're talking about fairness and morality, but between major car manufacturing competitors, I think that's the least they're concerned about; we're talking about not just Hyundai/Kia, other companies are suspected of copying designs, and at that point, it's all about perception. I honestly don't really see copies unless they are blatant, but relatively, I haven't seen any copying by Hyunda/Kia in the last five years. Other people may see it differently, and that's their opinion. They have every right to hold that opinion and express it. But you can't force other people to change their perspective. Of course they're going to have influence cause they literally are a part of the company now. Oh crap, a Genesis was a blatant copy of the Audi or whatever. Cool. I don't really see it that way; but if I did see some similar elements, I wouldn't be surprised considering the person who designed the Audi is now part of Hyundai/Kia or literally any other car company, for example. Literally people out there blaming designer of Genesis GV80 for copying the Bentley Bentayga when the designer, Sangyup Lee (a Korean), moved to Hyundai and played an important role in designing the GV80. Plus, the GV80 looks better than the Bentayga anyway.
Great styling. Nit picks are very important in your review. They are just as important as everything else they did right with the car.
Great review. Mark touches on the most important details in a very thoughtful manner. Probably one of the best presenters on RUclips.
Great review.
First time to watch edmunds review.
I will definitely buy this over Japanese competitors.
That chrome strip is what has defined the Optima/K5 design since the 2011 model year. Without it there's really no point, and I think this is the best iteration of it yet.
Great review Mark. Really enjoyed your honest take. Other Mark is great too. This K5 also has me very excited for the update Stinger coming soon. Very impressed by the K5. Needs to lose the chrome on the rear bumper and around the doors. Otherwise it's all very well done
Yeah the days of "It's a KIA" are long gone. Way to go KIA!!!
Yeah, that tag line is soo old !
No CVT!!! YEAH!!!
NCOIC dual clutch sucks so much jerking and not smooth at all
@@saadtheman1 Old news. KIA/Hyundai have made major improvements in their DCT's.
@@saadtheman1 This is not a DCT. Regular 8 speed.
He really liked this car. It's not even the fully loaded model. That one really has a leg up in tech and features on the competition. Love this car!
The K5 front fascia reminds me of the sportier Charger front
Interesting. It reminds me of a Korean mustang
This is the first video I've seen from this channel. And I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The review was pretty objective, nice observations, and he seems to be a really nice guy. Definitely I'm subscribing. Nice video! I'm from Mexico, and I'm really hoping this K5 comes soon.
It's disappointing that AWD isn't offered with the ex line. It's so hard to find a well priced sedan with AWD and ventilated seats.
This or the Hyundai Sonata. Its a hard choice, but I think I could say at least I'd be happy with either one.
Easy choice for me. The Kia K5 will be manufactured in the USA along side the Telluride.
kia for outside looks / hyundai for interior and tech
@@henrygraterol And so is the Sonata.
My feeds still giving me K5 videos, 2 weeks after buying the car and this doesn't bother me at all! I love the Kia utterly. The AWD eliminates any wheelspin and torque steer.
Additionally, AWD adds heated seats and wheel to the mix, a super nice bonus. This GT Line is my second Kia, with my wife's 2015 Forte5 Turbo so reliable, I had no doubts about this purchase.
Is the 12.3 inch digital gauge cluster offered as an option in the US? And how about the gear shift dial instead of a normal shifter? Are these only available in the Korean market?
Yes, unfortunately the US spec model is pretty lackluster on the features the Korean model has :(.
@@cjsgamingworld7568 It's called meeting a competitive price point in a particular market.
If this had a Honda badge on the steering wheel it would be flying off the shelves.
The front reminds me of the early 2000s Mitsubishi Galant, especially how the face slopes forward. It still looks good though.
It's awesome!!! All it needs are cooled and heated seats on the GT-Line trim!
Hyundai Kia has very bright future. They're doing everything right! It just works! I wish them all the best for the future & US truck & SUV market.
On the other hand Nisaan & Mazda(s) are doing everything wrong. They are likely to leave the US market if they continue these mistakes.....
Man, I know exactly what you're talking about when you were talking about the 405 South. That patch of freeway is so annoying!
I love my optima. It’s a 2012. And they have just. Gotten better since.
Yes they have. Gotta a lot looks with the 2011. Everyone was like. Wow. That’s a Kia. Lol. On my 3rd now. 2016 loaded model sxl love it. Had that, time for a new car desire last yr. looked. Then was like why. Even with the 19 models they just didn’t have more to even justify the expense. 80,000 plus miles on my 16 now have taken very good care of it. Now with this. I’ll be looking but still wondering if it will be that much better than what I have. Gotta say it looks great.
Enjoyed this review.. It's really good to hear someone that has put a vehicle through the paces, give their opinion and make comparisons from their experiences in other vehicles of the same class... It looks like KIA really nailed it with the K5... I'll be taking one for a test run
They are gonna bring out a higher end luxury/sportier K5. They wanna see how well the new design sells. Give it about 2 months. More trim levels will come out
You showed us the trunk and _almost_ put the rear seats down like you should have. It would have been very nice to show us the pass-through opening and how flat the rear-seat backs get when folded. You get a 'ding' for not doing all that.
20:17 I agree with the presenter.
Nice review but, missed a few things like: Does it have blind-spot view monitor for left & right side (as in the Telluride)? How is the back-up camera resolution, does it have dynamic trajectory & is there 360-degree/surround view option?
The Korean version of the K5 and the US version of the Sonata (I believe) provides the blind spot monitor when changing lanes but I believe it's absent on the US K5. KIA customers in the US are thought to be somewhat more price sensitive than Hyundai customers, even after contrary evidence from the Telluride.
Gorgeous car, but i am so worried about your sunburn...
After seeing a few in person, I totally agree about the chrome wrap around. The front end is so edgy and sharp angled, but that strip and the lights (while cool) make the rear end look more rounded and disjointed from the front. Both the front and rear are great designs but feel like they're from separate cars.
Correction. Optima wasn't canceled, the name was. Kia K5 has always been the Kia Optima. Kia/Hyundai motor group is no longer changing the name depending on market.
Its beautiful IMO.
You're just going to forget about the Subaru Legacy as an AWD sedan? Okay...
It is a forgettable car haha.
Yes the legacy isn’t good and barely sells
I have a 2009 Optima that I picked up used. I'm loving this new K5. I wonder if I could swing a GT...
Notice the black headliner & flat bottom steering wheel on the blue GT-Line, gentlemen
Just picked up an awesome deal in this crazy car market for a Kia K5 GT line or MSRP expected time of delivery is mid December when most dealerships are charging 3 to 5,000 on top of MSRP
I love the Korean car designs, but I am a little skeptical to switch to it. I am seeing a lot of these 1-2 years old Korean vehicles with dead head/tail lights on the road, and that’s not a good durability sign..
Put six years on a 2012 Kia Sorento and another 2 years on its 2019 replacement and never had a loss of a headlight or tail light. In fact, literally nothing has ever gone wrong with either vehicle. Nothing! So while I appreciate the 5yr/60K bumper to bumper and 100K power train warranties, I'd have done just as well if the b2b warranty was two weeks and 50 miles.
I see, a lot of American and Japanese with burn out lights around where I live but this light thing is just a minor nickpick too
I'm getting this car
Me too.
Hey Matt, what is your opinion on the reliability and depreciation of Kia? Also how would you compare this K5 to the Sonata?
hiroshima thompson Yup turbos work hard. Change the oil and use synthetic. No sludge build up compared to Dino
Actually the Optima was not replaced. The Optima name was only in the US but in the rest of the world it was known as the K5.
Kia have always managed to outdesign its sister Hyundai, from sedans to SUVs.
Kia is sportier than Hyundai
Just bought the K5 GT-Line in Red with a sunroof for my daughter over Memorial Day weekend. No way I ever thought I would buy a KIA. We must have driven a dozen other cars. None drove as nice as this car. The Camry was maybe a little nicer in the interior, but the 4 cylinder Camry can't get out its own way, you have to step up to the V6 and then you are into the $40-$45K. Factor in the price of the K5 which was $27,000-- $5000 less than the Accord-- and the 10-year/100k mile warranty, it wasn't a hard call. Funny thing is, my daughter and I both hate that chrome strip around the back. Getting that taken care of next week as well as tinting the back windows. The only other thing I would say that is not good is the stereo. The top of the line speakers are not good--very average at best-- and the average speakers offered are flat out terrible. There are limitations to aftermarket improvements because of the tablet. I wonder what the aftermarket sound system companies are going to come up with? Daughter is shopping for a stereo shop now for improvements.
Did you go into the stereo settings? Adjust treble to 8, bass to 9. And midrange up by 1. The stereo is decent then. They come with all settings in the middle, which makes it sound dull.
@@johnfranklin5277 Tried all of that. Changed out all of the speakers to JBLs. Added a powered sub. Much better, but at the end of the day, the car needs an after market stereo head installed. That radio built into the tablet is just not good. A year into the car now its been pretty good for my daughter. She is getting through college and working.
The wheel wells and under car splash shields are ridiculously thin, brittle, and break easy. The front windshield cannot take any type of rock strike. With 13,000 miles on it, two windshields, the third one, just two weeks old, already has a crack. The RF fenderwell splash shield and under car shield has been replaced.
We'd still buy it again.
i love your reviews..very basic and simple
Tyvm for the excellent review
If they gave this RWD and a high performance V6 it would sell like hot cakes. Kia packs so much value in their cars and they’re proving they can make good sports cars as well. The interiors and exteriors are top notch as well.
gothops154....They already sell that car. It's called Stinger.
They do it's called the stinger...
gothops154 Kia stinger?
Great review! K5/Optima is now the top contender for my next car purchase.
Someone give this man some sun screen :/
I STILL think they should've kept the Optima name for this sedan. I mean the Optima is basically what put Kia on the radar for so many people starting in 2009/2010 but especially with the sixth gen model that came out in 2011
It hasn't been discontinued or replaced as much as gone through a name change. K5 has existed in other markets concurrently with the Optima namesake.
Whats with this trend now to make sedan "coupe" like with trunk seemingly shortened...I think it started with 16 Civic which I thought its hatchback first and it spread like wild fire.
kevin starski started way before that. As manufacturers stopped making traditional coupes and make more SUVs they started giving sedans “coupe like” appearances. Blame the insurance companies.
It’s started with the Mercedes CLS & Audi A7
Nice video. Very informative
this guy is so talented in car reviewing
The K5 looks nice but that silver stripe was a huge let down... moreso for me than the taillights people complain about on the Accord.
Wait, are the buttons around the infotainment screen in the GT-Line those touch-sensitive ones like in the new Sonata?
Great review!
1:52 and subaru legacy
If you’re looking for features alone, then there’s no reason to pick this over the 2020 Sonata, outside of looks, since you can’t get the EX trim with AWD and it’s only $2K cheaper than the Sonata Limited... hardly a good deal. The fact that they aren’t offering real leather on any trim is ridiculous and the fact that they are promoting this K5 as ‘all new’ when it lacks features the previous generation Optima had, disappointing for sure.
They cheated the US market with cars that are not as luxury as the Korean version.
Are those Acura “chicane” daytime running lights??
The top of the line GT (not GT Line) will have a lot more hp and torque. Also, I believe the GT will also include the all-wheel option, along with a much more upscale interior. agree about that chrome...didn’t like it when KIA revealed it. The K5 looks a lot better than the Accord. The interior in the K5 is inception for its class.
Great review, this man was detailed with a good personality. Looking forward to the GT review. #KIAK5
Very good review. But, I do have two gripes, both with Kia:
1) I realize "K5" was the home market name of the "Optima", but alphabets, alphanumerics and numbers are best served hot in a bowl with crackers. "Optima" was inspiring. Besides that, how do explain "K9," if this is the move Kia's planning to make? Almost $70,000 for a car named for dogs hardly seems luxurious to me!
2) I wish car makers would give you their lowest-priced models to test. The less equipped the base model is, the better you can know how the actual car is and not have to rely on its options for your entertainment, I say. Then, you'll start to see how much you get for the money and who truly is the "cheap" car company, too!
Still, I think Kia (and Hyundai) have a lot to be proud of and this car should do ok despite recent American sedan-hate due to incessant Crossover/SUV/Truck infestation. Cheers, Kia! 🍻!
🐰
I actually like the name K5. Optima sounded to close to Altima so I can appreciate the change in name.
Where did you get 70.000 dollars from?? They start at 23.000 and max at about 34.000.
Does it have the remote park assist?
Just nick picking : it would have been better to have the demarcation of the top of the front fender ( the 7''-8'' in front of the mirror ) in line with the edge of the hood opening
You made my decision super easy K5 AWD! Thank you
Perfect review ❤️
Glad I'm not the only one done with chrome. Manufacturers overdid it in the 90/00s.
Lol, you should see my 58 cadillac!! And tons of chrome inside too.
Did they kill the SX version?
I love the new k5 wolf grey or in blue this car is amazing planning to lease one this year 🙌
Thought this guy was Ming from the cooking show 😅
Yikes most people would construe that as a very racist remark these days. I’m not a snowflake but the comment did catch my eye.
Mark Takahashi I never expected you to see my comment. I wanted to get a lot rougher with him but I do try to be civil. But that was uncalled for and stupid and he is a fool. And I guarantee these idiots would not say that in person. He doesn’t deserve this attention tho. Thank you for what you do Mark! I’m new to your channel and I will subscribe. Thank you for the reply. And what time is dinner? 🍴
Mark Takahashi Of all the things someone could say about a thorough, thoughtful, light hearted, entertaining & engaging review, that’s what someone comes up with. It’s beyond me. We live in a broken world and it’s ugly at times but there are far more good people here that appreciate your contributions. Keep doing life the way you want and know that the vast majority of us really enjoy these reviews & you as host Mark.
Ok. People everywhere need to chill. Look sorry you took offense to that comment. However I would be willing to bet the guy meant no offense. As I mean none now. I get. Hey you look like Bobby Ore. from time to time. It’s just an observation that’s all. I honestly couldn’t care less whether someone is white black asian etc. At times I see someone out there that looks like a famous person and I may say that to someone I’m with. It is said. “Hey that guy/ girl looks like so and so “. I’m not wrong for that. It’s just an observation. So that being said. Nice job on the review best I have seen on this car so far. Good luck to you and yours be safe ☮️
They channelled the headlights from a 90s Mitsubishi Galant
The greenhouse of the K5 looks almost identical to the Lincoln MKZ
Why doesn't anyone post a review of the base LX model ? Most Kias sold are base models.
No, most are mid range.
Putting cheap vinyl scraps from eBay on the exterior of your brand new car. Just take it to a proper window tint shop. His fixes are quite ghetto lol
That grille needs to be gloss black or black chrome. Especially on a higher trim level. Plastic looks really cheap. I like the orange led drls though.
🍊🔦🦁😎
Odd numbers when compared to other reviewers. Alex on Autos had 0-60 at 7.3 seconds and 60-0 braking at 106 feet. LIke I said, odd.
The face of the kia k5 has always been a problem for me. It looks blend from certain angles. The Sonata nails it in the design department, even though people say it has a catfish grill.
Sonata does not nail it in the design department at all, it looks like a fish... This K5 is a consensus much better looking vehicle...
imagine if they named it 'K9' what a troll would it be for the police
"Be advised, we got a K9 in the area, over" 😂
You're referring to the K900 which in Korea is called the K9.
@@marktakahashi5024 But if they were really smart, they might've used the Australian name Quoris. At least it's a name.
I wish it had back vents for passenger but over disappointing since only the gt line is getting awd ;(
It's a name change, been called K5 in S Korea for some time.
Eric...Since 2010.
The grill looks like mosquito net
I was considering purchase of a new Kia, but the massive recall of the Theta-II engines has been very troubling. This is the 2.4L engine installed in most Optimas and many other Kia models, such as the Sportage. Engine failure and fire problems with Kias & Hyundais have affected more than 6 million vehicles since 2015, according to the NHTSA. QUESTION: Has Kia resolved the serious quality-control problems in the machining operations at its engine plants in the USA and Korea?
Worth to consider
Seems pretty nice other than the front end - it just looks compressed.
Your complaints tell me this new car is the new king in the segment.
Boring mid-size sedan class? Yeah, there are some, but the Chevy Equinox is so beige it should be called the Oatmeal.
unfortunately there is still a stigma againist Kia and Hyundai. I would take it over the bland accord and camry any day
Enjoyed your review and vlog. Nice job.
Gonna miss the Optima nameplate. Not super crazy about the looks here. Probably not a bad product but doesn’t look as solid and upscale as the Optima either.
Why couldn’t this have been a fastback 😭😭😭 it’s the only thing preventing me from wanting to buy it.
Kia is head to head with Honda what no way
We need the car with full option and head up display than sonata N line in USA we need it I can't wait we neeed The GT full option 😐😐🙂