Hey Readers!! Have you heard that Kia has discontinued the Kia K5? Listen up! We are not done, Yeah! Hyundai has also discontinued Hyundai Sonata and not working on next-generation models. We know it is not shocking as they have already lost market share to cross-overs. But do you know if the Kia K5 and Kia Stinger, considered Hyundai Sonata’s cousins, will also be discontinued?
According to recent reports, it has been reported that the Hyundai Motor Group also discontinued its Kia K5, along with its cousin Sonata, when its current generation model came to an end.
According to Automotive News, it has been noted that Not only Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 are going away, but Stinger is going to discontinue. The company is also believed to stop making the Stinger as early as this quarter.
Although, the company has not made this announcement officially about the discontinuation of Hyundai and Kia. But according to reports, it is indicating that the time has come to bid farewell to these models.
Even though we aren’t surprised if the reports are true. Because automakers have already discontinued several models, and some have been replaced with new ones. Mazda 6 is also going away along with Kia K5 and Sedan segment.
After hearing the news about the Sedan discontinuation, we are not shocked as it is no longer a popular model. Still, we are so sad to hear that Kia K5, Kia Stinger, and Sonata will be axed in the United States.
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Why Is Kia K5 Discontinued?
All these models have been discontinued; Hyundai is eliminating them from the production line because they are intended to manufacture electric vehicles. The company announced we will no longer be able to invest money in producing new models with internal combustion engines as we have planned to produce fully electric vehicles in the upcoming years; they have been expecting this goal to be completed by 2040.”
Kia K5 was introduced in 2000 in the United States after replacing the previous sedan model i.e., Optima Sedan. But at that time, Kia K5 was supposed to be a generic replica of the Hyundai Sonata, and it was tied to that sedan.
This way, K5 alleged to combine its name with the company’s global naming convention and moved away from Optima Sedan.
When Did They Stop Making The Kia K5?
When Kia K5 was introduced, it was initially known as Kia Optima, the midsize car manufactured and marketed worldwide by Kia since 2000 with various models.
The manufacturer stopped making Kia K5/ Kia Optima in 2021, which was introduced in 2000. Similarly, its other models, such as Kia Magentis (2000-2010) and Kia Lotze (2005-2010), come and go.
As we also know, not only is the Kia K5 eliminating, but several other models are also going away this year. Firstly, Kia Stinger will end, then Hyundai Sonata, followed by the K5.
Recommended Few Options To Kia K5/Midsize Sedans
Yeah! We know it is a matter of concern for car lovers who are about to buy any of these three models. At the same time, we’ve noted that they are abandoning it. You can still buy compact Elantra or subcompact Accent Sedan from the same company. And compact Forte or subcompact Rio are still there.
Other options that are similar to Kia K5 and midsize Sedans are there. Yes! We know the pie is reducing, but there are numerous models one can opt for… These are as follows:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan Maxima
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Subaru Legacy
- Volkswagen Arteon
Which Models Are Being Discontinued In 2023?
As we have already mentioned above in this blog post, the sedan is going away along with a new Kia K5. It indicates that the age of the sedan is now fading away.
There can be several reasons for the decline in the number of vehicles, but this time, the decline is not normal. Something else may be hastening the vehicles to decline, and it is that the market and people are demanding fully electric vehicles. Demand for utility vehicles can also be a major cause for its reduction.
Let’s find out which models are being discontinued in 2023.
Hyundai Motor Group eliminated its two supermodels, i.e., Sonata and Genesis brands. Kia Stinger resembles Genesis G70, while sedans resemble each other. These all have been discontinued along with the Kia K5.
Along with these vehicles, they have decided to cancel a few more models this year. Recently, Ford Dodge, Volkswagen, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and several more models have also faded.
Is Kia K5 Returning In 2023?
Yes! You’ve heard it right. Kia K5 Sedan is coming back in 2023. This 2023 model returns with a few other changes, but the base LX trim is not returning. Other changes to the K5 are minimal.
If we talk about its GT-Line, then you will find a new option package with AWD GT-Line and GT, a panoramic moonroof and gloss-black exterior trim, and a heated steering wheel. It also includes GT-Line, EX, and GT and acoustic glass for the front door windows.
Kia has not revealed anything officially so far about the updates for 2023. But this has been confirmed that there will be no LX trim. If you are one of those car lovers still obsessed with the K5, you can still buy this model with lots of new changes and choose one of the two powertrains.
It now has a 1.6 ltr four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It has GT’s higher performance turbocharged 2.5 ltr four-cylinder and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. All the trims are only front-wheel drive, and GT-Line is now available with AWD.
In a nutshell, the New Kia K5 model featured the following:
- 8-speed dual-clutch auto transmission, wet type
- 5L 4-cylinder and turbocharged engine with 290 hp and 311 lb – ft. of torque
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Quad Tip Dual Exhaust
- 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black machine finish
- Heated GT Sport Bolster Front Seats.
You can buy Kia K5 2023 model, as it is on sale now, and its prices start from 26,185 US dollars; pricing varies from model to model, such as:
- GT: $32,585
- EX: $30,085
- GT-Line (AWD): $29,285
- GT-Line: $27,585
- LXS: $26,185
Conclusion
Kia K5, when introduced in 2000, was known for its beautiful interior design and exterior. It comes with an upscale design and available all-wheel drive. But it holds no place in the market after maintaining a good record in the history of automotive industries due to its top-notch qualities and design.
But no worries, the model has recovered its vacant space, and its latest 2023 model has arrived with superior qualities.