Seats of the Kia K5 are luxurious, comfortable and fully adjustable, says the 6’ 7” tall,
260-pound writer of this article, who had more than enough room for his head and legs.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 135
However, this is more than just a
pretty face. The all-wheel drive gives
great traction, even in the rain. Likewise,
the turbo engine delivers power to
the quick shift 8-speed dual clutch
transmission, which combines to make
this car responsive and quick.
The high-tech displays, elegant
finishes and premium package 10.25-
inch touchscreen make you feel like the
captain of the Enterprise. Added to all
that is android auto and Apple CarPlay
with UVO connect routing to get you
where you want to go fast. It has five
USB ports, music streaming for multiple
devices and a wireless phone charger, so
it is easy to stay connected when you are
on the road. It is designed to use current
technology to the fullest.
For safety, items such as smart cruise
control and highway driving assist
automatically adjust to maintain your
pre-set speed to keep you at a safe
distance from the car in front of you.
In addition, there is forward collision
avoidance-assist to help detect a potential
collision as it automatically applies your
brakes to prevent an accident. The nineairbag
system in the K5 protects you
from the front and sides as well as the
driver’s knee space. Other features such
as an electronic parking brake with
auto hold, rear view camera, dual zone
automatic temperature control, remote
keyless entry, and a host of other driving
aids make this car safe and enjoyable
to drive. You will find yourself making
excuses to get in it and go someplace.
The car is available in several different
trim levels, so you can choose what items
are most important to you. One of the
features that we particularly liked was
the design of the 60/40 split folding rear
seat that let us carry some larger items.
After you drive the new K5, it is easy
to understand why Kia has sold more
than 8 million cars in the United States.
It is sure to win awards, such as the
Telluride did as the 2020 World Car of the
Year and the 2021 Soul EV did as World
Urban Car. That is probably why Kia,
which assembles vehicles in America,
has a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty
program. The innovative approach to
quality keeps them growing. Not bad
for a company that began in 1944 as a
manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle
parts. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Kia K5 can be
seen and driven at friendly Kia, 5819 U.S.
Highway 19, New Port Richey. Friendly
Kia President John Gilliss can be reached at
(727) 815-9611.
The head-turning
design of the K5
is a leap forward
for Kia that is
well matched
by its safety and
performance
enhancements.
This rearview
silhouette is
highlighted by a
chrome garnish
that spans the
roofline and
wraps around the
rear glass to give
the car a smooth,
glorious look.
The Kia K5
driver’s cockpit
has a 10.25-inch
touchscreen
as part of
the premium
package
combined with
an efficient
instrument
panel and a tilt
and telescopic
steering
column.
KIA
NORAA
KIA