The Kia K5 is everything Kia Motors fans have been waiting for and more from a sports sedan. The K5 replaced the Kia Optima in the lineup in 2020, but it’s really the same car with a different name and a different appearance. Needless to say, it’s different, but in a good way. Why Kia Motors America (KMA) changed the name from Optima to K5, which is what the South Korean market has known it as for years is unknown, but who cares when it can do some cool stuff?

The redesign of the K5 to a sportier look and feel is exactly what Kia Motors gave fans with the redesign. In fact, Kia Motors basically gave drivers a sports car that rivals its Kia Stinger sibling, except more affordable. The K5 starts at an MSRP of $23,490 (plus destination fees) and packs quite the punch. And now, Kia can add another award to its growing trophy case because the Kia K5 landed a podium spot during the 2020 CarBuzz People’s Car Awards. And because it is now the brand’s most powerful mid-size sedan ever with turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive configurations, and a tech lovers paradise interior, it rightfully deserves a spot in the winner’s circle.

The Award

So, who’s CarBuzz? Like most auto organizations and publications, CarBuzz prides itself on giving in-depth reviews of the newest rides throughout the year. On top of the reviews, CarBuzz provides free industry news to help prospective car buyers make informed decisions for their next car. While it’s a well-known name in the industry, it may not be for others who are just entering the car market portal for the first time. CarBuzz allows prospective buyers to do research from the palm of their hands and makes the buying process much less daunting.

“The K5 proves that the sedan still holds an important place in a crossover-dominated market…After driving the new K5, we came away impressed with its unique style, well-organized interior, premium materials, sporty driving manners, and outstanding safety technology,” said CarBuzz Senior Editor, Jared Rosenholtz. “Unlike the Optima before it, the K5 offers optional all-wheel drive, opening it to new customers in colder climates who would have otherwise only considered a crossover. The addition of the sporty GT model with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque will even give enthusiasts something to lust over at an affordable price point. We think the K5 offers the best blend of features and fun on a budget, making it the clear winner of this year’s People’s Car category.”

As you can imagine, the K5 received a people voted award. To qualify, the vehicle must cost less than the average transaction price of a new ride in the U.S. and the K5 undercuts that with plenty of room to spare.

Triple-Threat Stunt

Check out the Kia K5 in action with the first stunt Kia Motors put together for the now 2020 CarBuzz People’s Car Award winner. Three times the fun in one.

K5 LIVE Triple Threat Stunt | The All-New Kia K5 Sedan – YouTube

Specs

Now for the fun part—car specs

• Standard across all vehicles except K5 GT trim: 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (pushing 180 ponies and 195 lb-ft of torque)
• K5 GT: 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (pushing 290 ponies and 311 lb-ft of torque)
• LED interior lighting
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Kia Drive Wise technology

This car is jam packed with exciting features and is no doubt going to grow more in the future.

But why read about it when you can see it in-person and try it for yourself? Contact Miami Lakes Automall about the Kia K5 and schedule you’re at home test drive now.