2022 Kia K5 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The family-friendly sedan Kia K5 offers thrill with two available turbocharged engines. It's just the perfect size for most families, and embodies a distinguished style that sets it apart from the competitive market. Besides, there are various high-tech features for drivers to take advantage of.

Kia designs several versions of the K5. The lineup starts with the LX, moves up to the LXS, GT-Line, and EX, and ends with the flashy and athletic GT. This guide will highlight what makes each trim different than the others.

Compare the Kia K5 LX vs LXS. What is the difference?

The LX and LXS feature a powerful 1.6 turbocharged engine with four cylinders that crank out an impressive 180 HP for the former, as well as 195 lb ft of torque for its counterpart - both working together to create an exceptionally smooth ride through their 8 speed automatic transmission. Drivers who go with the sporty-looking LX have front wheel drive only; meanwhile those wanting more grip in wet conditions can opt into all-wheel drive on the NXS if they're willing to sacrifice some fuel efficiency along the way: 28 mpg combined compared to 31 mpg from FWD alone.

The LX is armed with an Idle Stop and Go function that shuts down the engine when the vehicle stops and turns it back on seamlessly when the driver is ready to move. This results in slightly better fuel efficiency compared to the front-wheel LXS. The LX has an estimated combined fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon.

When they're behind the wheels of their Kia K5s, drivers can choose from various drive modes. Eco mode saves gas, Sport mode makes the car more aggressive, Comfort mode makes the drive as smooth as possible, and Smart mode can adapt to the situation and switch between various modes. If all-wheel drive has been selected as the drivetrain, then there would be Snow mode as well.

Talking about the exterior, the LX and LXS offer a unique set of features. The LXS flaunts sleek illuminated door handles and a smart trunk - the ultimate convenience feature. With the smart trunk, simply having the key fob right behind the trunk will trigger it to open automatically. The LX and front-wheel drive LXS both ride on 16-inch wheels, but the all-wheel drive LXS takes it up a notch with its massive 18-inch wheels in stylish gray machine design.

Both these fancy trims get modern lighting. This includes multi-reflector LED headlights, automatic high beams, and amber LED Daytime Running Lights.

Other attractive components are found in the infotainment packages. The two trims have eight-inch touchscreens with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Voice recognition makes it easy to make calls, play songs, and give other types of commands. A standard six-speaker sound system is included with both trims, as is HD Radio. There's a USB data port and charging outlet available to those in the front row, and in the LXS, there are two additional charging outlets in the rear armrest/console. Unfortunately, the LX doesn't have a rear armrest nor does it have rear charging ports.

The LX has remote keyless entry, which can be very convenient. This is becoming quite commonplace, so it's expected to be the minimum that a new vehicle would have. The LXS takes things a little further by having a smart key system. With this system, it just takes a simple touch of the door handle to unlock it when the key fob is present. Along with the smart key comes push-button start and remote start.

In the LXS, the front seatback pockets might seem like a minor detail, but they make all the difference when it comes to stashing your stuff within reach. Whether you're carrying books, papers or other small objects, these pockets will keep everything in place. Besides, the LXS also features a 60/40 split-folding bench seat with adjustable headrests. So, when you need to haul extra gear, just easily fold down one part of the seatback to make room.

Kia grants all of its trims a set of driver-assist technologies. The K5 can hit the brakes if it's about to hit another vehicle or a pedestrian, correct steering to stay centered in a lane, and it can alert drivers when they seem to be losing their focus.

The LXS gains two extra features. Its blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist programs are likely to be used quite often, or at least their warning components will. Since it can be difficult to see all around a vehicle, K5 drivers will be able to use these programs to gain an extra pair of eyes.

Compare the K5 LXS vs GT-Line Trims. What is the difference?

A ferocious front grille and striking black accents conveys the GT-Line a bold image on the road. The GT-Line gains signature headlight and taillight designs plus a rear spoiler, a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class.

The GT-Line runs on 18-inch wheels with a gloss black finish. Remember that the LXS AWD has 18-inch wheels but that the LX only has 16-inch ones. The GT-Line gets even more LEDs. They're integrated into the front fog lights and the rear combination lamp. Further, there's the option to get full LED headlights as well as a panoramic sunroof.

The GT-Line interior feels upscale with a unique blend of cloth and leatherette (SynTex) upholstery, offering a touch of sophistication that the LXS's standard cloth seats cannot match. And, for ultimate comfort, the GT-Line boasts a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, complete with two-way power lumbar support, allowing drivers to easily find their perfect seating position.

Thankfully, you can choose the LXS and the GT-Line in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive based on your driving requirements. Yet, only the GT-Line AWD offers heated front seats and an available heated steering wheel. Both the GT-Line FWD and AWD feature a sporty and classy D-shaped, or flat-bottom, steering wheel.

Kia has given the GT-Line many upgrades when it comes to technology. This trim has wireless charging, which many people will find convenient, and its Bluetooth system can connect with more than one device. Importantly, the GT-Line has a 10.25-inch touchscreen instead of an eight-inch one, and it comes with navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and UVO link remote connectivity. UVO technology allows a personal device to connect with the vehicle so that people can remotely start their cars, call for roadside assistance, and more.

The GT-Line has the same safety components as the K5 does. However, it presents customers with the opportunity to upgrade. It's available with navigation-based smart cruise control, highway driving assist, and a forward collision-avoidance assist system that includes cyclist detection and assistance with junction turning.

Compare the GT-Line vs EX Trim Levels. What is the difference?

Get ready for an unforgettable driving experience with the K5! The Active Sound Design function allows you to feel like a race car driver, as audio effects roar in perfect synchronicity with your Sport mode acceleration. Buckle up and get ready for some serious excitement.

Offering a luxurious listening experience, the EX comes with an optional 12-speaker Bose premium sound system - perfect for anyone who wants to take their audio up a notch. Plus, travelers can enjoy ultimate convenience thanks to the USB charging outlet in its center console; no more fighting over which device gets charged first.

Like the other trims, the EX has dual-zone climate control. The difference is that it has rear air conditioning vents so that passengers can enjoy some cool air, too. The EX stands out from the lower trims because it has LED interior lighting and SynTex upholstery on its seats. Other standard features are a wood-graphic accent trim in various spots around the cabin and front seats that are both heated and ventilated.

The EX gets several upgrades to enhance your driving experience. Here, the passenger seat can also be power adjustable and can move in ten directions, just like the driver's seat. Plus the driver's seat acquires a memory system that can save up to two seating positions. This same memory system can also adjust the side mirrors.

While the EX may not boast all of the athletic exterior styling elements of the GT-Line, it still has plenty of attractive features. The EX does not have black accents, a rear spoiler, and LED fog lights, but it does have a stunning panoramic sunroof to get in the fresh air and warm sunlight. On hot days, simply activate the power sunshade to close things up. Like the GT-Line, the EX is elevated on 18-inch wheels, but it has a gray machine finish, unlike the GT-Line's sleek black one.

Compare the EX vs GT. What is the difference?

The entire K5 lineup operates on turbocharged engines. The EX and all the lower trims come stocked with a 1.6 liter turbo engine, while the GT-Line loads a powerful 2.5 liter turbo engine. This larger engine unleashes enhanced capabilities, allowing the GT-Line to do more.

Under its hood, the GT hides a powerful 2.5L turbo engine, producing 290 horsepower 311 lb-ft of torque. There is an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, and the GT presents drivers the opportunity to take some manual control over shifting using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. On top of that, the sport-tuned suspension and GT brake calipers give a thrilling drive that's impossible to forget.

Talking about fuel efficiency, the GT falls short compared to the other trims, having a combined fuel economy of just 27 miles per gallon. The best that the other trims can do is 32 miles per gallon (combined).

The GT mirrors the GT-Line's exterior style with its aggressive design and black accents. Additionally, it boasts a panoramic sunroof like the EX. The GT sets itself apart with 19-inch wheels and completes the look with a stylish quad-tip dual exhaust.

Inside the cabin, the GT has many of the same features as the EX does. It has the same type of infotainment system as the EX has, and it has SynTex seats, though it has special sport bolster front seats. However, it doesn't have ventilation as a standard component. This is only optional.

One thing that the GT shares in common with the GT-Line and not the EX is that it has a sport D-shaped steering wheel. Finally, the GT-Line is the only one to have a hair-line accent trim in its cabin.

Final Thoughts

If performance matters a lot to a prospective customer, then the GT would be the trim to select if the budget allowed for it. The others simply can’t match its power.

That being said, the standard turbo engine provides plenty of power. The smaller engine on the K5 is more than acceptable, and it’s intriguing that two trims have available all-wheel drive.

The LXS seems to be a well-rounded decision when considering key factors such as cost, technology, safety, and style. It offers additional driver-assist systems and a smart key setup, as well as many other appealing features.