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Test Drive: 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road

2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road in Lunar Rock/Ice Edge two-tone (a 500 option)

2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road

Miles driven: 809

Fuel used: 24.9 gallons

Real-world fuel economy: 32.4 mpg

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B+
Power and Performance	B-
Fit and Finish	B-
Fuel Economy	A-
Value	B

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	B-
Tall Guy	B-

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	203-hp 2.5L
Engine Type	4-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Driving mix: 10% city, 90% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25/32/27 (city, highway, combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $35,280 (not including $1120 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: TRD Off-Road Weather Package ($1185), Premium Audio/Dynamic Navigation ($1620), TRD Off-Road Technology Package ($1950), two-tone paint ($500), door-sill protector ($199), running boards ($549), door-edge guard ($140), mudguard ($129), blackout emblem overlays ($65)

Price as tested: $42,567

More RAV4 price and availability information

Quick Hits

The great: Cargo capacity, available high-tech features, towing capacity (for a compact crossover)

The good: Fuel economy, pleasant road manners despite off-road-focused gear

The not so good: Front-seat space isn’t great for big and tall folks, engine gets a bit noisy during fast acceleration, non-linear transmission feel

John Biel:

Automakers spent a good 25 years softening the sport-utility vehicle into something more “carlike.” The result was the crossover, a vehicle type that has succeeded perhaps beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, even seriously threatening the survival of the sedans and station wagons from which they richly borrowed.

The TRD Off Road is a new addition to the RAV4 lineup for 2020. It’s an all-wheel-drive-only trim level that slots in at $600 less than the top-line AWD Limited in the RAV4 model roster.

All pendulums swing, however. Lately, there have been moves by some manufacturers to toughen up the crossover. One of the newest comes from one of the oldest—the Toyota RAV4 that essentially pioneered the crossover field in the mid 1990s. For 2020, it adds a TRD Off-Road model designed to make the compact crossover more capable in the terra incognita that lies beyond the shopping-mall parking lot.

Toyota actually began moving in this direction in 2018, when the RAV4 added an Adventure model with a few terrain-taming technologies and a huge boost in towing capacity, wrapped up in a look that was more rugged than other RAV4s. It was continued when a redesigned fifth generation of Toyota’s top-selling vehicle came out for ’19. The TRD Off-Road, which starts at $36,400 with delivery—$2225 more than the Adventure—takes that concept to another level.

Test Drive: 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The TRD Off Road Pro’s red accents and contrast stitching add sporty panache to the basic RAV4 cabin. A wireless smartphone charging pad (locating just in front of the shift lever) is included in the $1950 Technology Package, as are a 360-degree around-view monitor, front and rear park assist with automated braking, and digital-camera rearview mirror.

Toyota Racing Development supposedly tapped some things learned from its RAV4 rally program to give the Off-Road a suspension with specially tuned red coil springs, twin-tube shock absorbers configured for better rebound control, and new bump stops for improving body control over large bumps and dips. The TRD Off-Road rides on black flow-formed 18×7-inch wheels (one inch shorter in diameter than the Adventure’s wheels) wrapped in rugged Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires. Appearance details include LED fog lights, dark-gray front and rear lower fasciae, red interior stitching and trim elements (including TRD logos sewn into the headrests), and TRD all-weather floormats and cargo-area liner.

Test Drive: 2021 Toyota Venza XLE

Back-seat passengers get HVAC vents and dual USB charging ports, and enough headroom and legroom for average-sized adults to ride in comfort. Likewise, the rear door apertures are large enough for unencumbered entry and exit.

The Adventure and TRD Off-Road are all-wheel-drive-only models—no surprise there—with dynamic torque vectoring that can send as much as 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels, and also disconnect the rear driveline when front-wheel drive is enough to move the vehicle. Ride is firm and the tires can be a little noisy on the highway, but they didn’t produce the wandering tramlining effect we’ve experienced on some other off-pavement specials where constant small steering corrections were required.

Test Drive: 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring

RAV4s boast generous cargo volume for their size, and a helpfully low load floor. There’s 37.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, and 69.8 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded. Rubber floor mats are standard in the TRD Off Road.

All gas-only RAV4s have a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine of 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power output is acceptable for most driving situations, but transmission shifts are not the timeliest. “Sport” driving mode seems to have more effect—and slight at that—on steering than it does on acceleration. The TRD and Adventure both have a 3500-pound towing capacity that is tops among RAV4s—by at least 2 to 1—and about as good as it gets in the entire compact-crossover class. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the TRD Off-Road are 25 mpg in city driving, 32 on the highway, and 27 combined, which Consumer Guide’s experience backed up. In fact, in a test that consisted primarily of a long highway road trip, we averaged 32.4 mpg–a bit better than the EPA highway number.

Android Auto smartphone compatibility is added for all 2020 RAV4s. (Apple CarPlay connectivity already was included.) Otherwise, the TRD Off-Road’s standard-equipment complement was much like that of the ’19 RAV4 Limited that CG tested: LED headlights; power moonroof; power liftgate; SofTex leatherette upholstery; dual-zone climate control; satellite radio; and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite with pre-collision warning and pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic headlight high-beam control, and road-sign recognition. It shares the Adventure’s raised roof rails and a 120-volt power outlet in the right side of the cargo compartment. An extensive load of options that raised the final price to $42,567 added things like navigation, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, Qi wireless smartphone charging, and an overhead-view camera.

Test Drive: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier

TRD Off Road models are powered by the same 203-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder as other gas-engine RAV4s. Flow-formed TRD 18×7-inch wheels on Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires are standard equipment. Thankfully, despite their aggressive-looking tread pattern, those tires don’t significantly upset the vehicle’s highway road manners.

Like some previously tested fifth-gen RAV4’s, the TRD Off-Road has a nicely done cabin with generous use of soft-touch surfaces, easy-to-use controls and infotainment system, but middling cabin-storage capacity. There’s good passenger space for four adults (a fifth might squeeze into the middle of the back row). There’s good cargo space in back, and 60/40-split rear seats fold almost flat for plenty more capacity.

The TRD Off-Road is docile enough for the middle-school drop-off lane but ready for the trails beyond.

Test Drive: 2019 Subaru Forester Touring

The new-for-2020 TRD Off Road model imbues Toyota’s likable compact SUV with better off-road capabilities and rugged looks. We suspect it will win over at least a few Jeep Compass and Subaru Forester shoppers.

Click below for enlarged images.

Listen to the very entertaining Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road Gallery

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on September 23, 2020.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Findlay Toyota TODAY!

Test Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic in Polar White

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic

Class: Premium Compact Crossover

Miles driven: 185

Fuel used: 7.8 gallons

Real-world fuel economy: 23.7 mpg

Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23/31/26 (city, highway, combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas required

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B+
Power and Performance	B+
Fit and Finish	A-
Fuel Economy	B
Value	C+

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	221-hp 2.0-liter
Engine Type	Turbo 4-cyl
Transmission	8-speed automated manual
Drive Wheels	AWD

Base price: $38,600 (not including $995 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Black/red-leather upholstery ($1450), natural-grain black linden wood trim ($325), AMG Line sport steering wheel ($360), black 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels ($1050), heated and ventilated front seats ($1030), panorama sunroof ($1500), suspension with adjustable damping ($990), SiriusXM satellite radio with free trial period ($460), Burmester surround-sound system ($850), 64-color ambient interior lighting ($310), wireless charging ($200), Driver Assistance Package ($2250), Parking Assistance Package ($1090), Exterior Lighting Package ($900), Multimedia Package ($1150), Night Package ($400), AMG Line Package ($2240), Premium Package ($1650)

Price as tested: $57,800

Quick Hits

The great: Fine passenger space within tidy exterior dimensions; luxurious cabin

The good: Crisp acceleration; high-tech dashboard layout and infotainment system

The not so good: Level of standard equipment is rather stingy, and options really drive up the bottom-line price

More GLB-Class price and availability information

John Biel

So, you’re looking for a crossover SUV, small—but not too small—maybe with three rows of seats. It should have all the conveniences you can imagine . . . and pay for. Oh, and it’s got to be a Mercedes-Benz.

This is your lucky year.

The GLB-Class is a new addition to Mercedes-Benz’s crossover SUV lineup for 2020. Size-wise, price-wise, and alphabet-wise, it slots between the subcompact GLA-Class and compact GLC-Class in Mercedes’s model roster.

The fine folks in Stuttgart have launched a brand-new premium compact crossover for 2020, the GLB, that you can order with 3-row seating and so much tech and comfort stuff that you might need another SUV to help cart it all home. There’s a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but only one fairly frugal powerteam—at least for now.

Consumer Guide got its first taste of the GLB250 as a 5-passenger 2-row model with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Base price with delivery of such a vehicle is $39,595 (subtract $2000 for front drive but add $850 for two third-row seats). However, the test truck was festooned with enough extras to reach a total retail price of $57,800.

Steve and Johnnie Road Test: 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport

The GLB250 offers lots of high-tech interior features… if you’re willing to pay extra for them. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch center display screen are included in the $1650 Premium Package. The $1150 Multimedia Package adds a full-feature navigation system with MBUX augmented reality–a feature that adds digital navigation-aid graphics to the video display from a forward-facing camera. The center console is home to a touchpad infotainment-system controller with a wrist support; this interface requires a bit of acclimation.

The GLB delivers good interior room within its tidy overall dimensions—it’s 182.4 inches long on a 111.4-inch wheelbase. There was comfortable clearance for passengers’ heads and legs in both rows of the model that CG tested, though there’s only enough room across the rear for two adults. Seats are comfortable and supportive, with leg-supporting cushion extenders in front. Rear seat backs are manually adjustable for optimal comfort.

In back, the cargo area doesn’t look all that big at first glance, but the 22-cubic-foot space is fairly squared off, maximizing its usefulness. (We’ll guess that the need to accommodate three seating rows ruled out any notions of rakish roof and tailgate designs that would reduce load space.) The second-row 40/20/40 rear seats fold flat with the cargo floor, adding another 40 cubic feet of capacity, but with a small gap between the surfaces. The cargo bay has tie-down hooks, with straps and net pouches to contain small items. There’s a 12-volt power point for added convenience.

Test Drive: 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec

Test Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250, Black/Red Leather

The extra-cost black/red leather upholstery on our test vehicle gives the cabin an extra-sporty ambiance. Thanks in part to the tall, upright roofline, occupant space is very good in both the front and rear seats.

The GLB250 powertrain is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automated-manual transmission. Rated at 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the powerplant is more than good enough for alert around-town driving and safe, swift highway operation while in default “Comfort” mode. “Sport” makes it perceptibly quicker answering accelerator inputs, while the automated manual really stands its ground against upshifts—so much so that it’s almost annoying at low speeds, where it can keep the engine revving a little shy of the shift point as you’re trying to be a responsible citizen on the streets of your neighborhood. The EPA expects the GLB250 4MATIC to make 23 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 in combined operation; we averaged 23.7 mpg over 185 miles of driving, 60 percent of which was in city-type conditions.

Summoning Sport mode conjures up a ride firm enough to let in some jolts you might not feel in Comfort, but it is better controlled. (Note that the test vehicle was equipped with extra-cost 20-inch wheels and adjustable-damping suspension.) The CLB250 handles smoothly with good response to steering inputs, and braking action is good too.

Among the standard-equipment features not replaced by options on CG’s tester were:

LED headlamps and taillamps
power liftgate
aluminum roof rails
power driver’s seat with 3-position memory
dual-zone automatic climate control
4-way manually adjustable steering column
heated power side mirrors
illuminated entry system
3 years of Mercedes me connect services
remote starting (via Mercedes me mobile app)
SmartKey with push-button starting
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment with voice control and touchpad controller
five USB-C ports
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility
hands-free Bluetooth interface and audio streaming
HD radio

Our test vehicle wasn’t equipped with the available third-row seat, but given the tidy cargo area behind the second row, the GLB’s third row is best suited for small children. The GLB is one of the smaller vehicles in its class, but it offers very respectable cargo space: 20.1 cubic feet behind the second-row, and 62 cu. ft. with the second row folded.

Heated and ventilated leather seats (in place of MB-Tex upholstery), satellite radio, and wireless charging are among extra-cost items that might be built in to some luxury-nameplate vehicles. Also available (as part of a $2250 Driver Assistance Package) are features such as Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change and Active Lane Keeping assists, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

As equipped, there was a premium look and feel to the cabin with the aforementioned red-and-black leather and optional natural-grain lindenwood trim. There’s no skimping on soft-to-the-touch surfaces in the cabin, including the entire upper half of the dash and all four doors. Cabin storage alternatives are a decently-sized glove box, modest console box with split-top armrest lid, net pouches on the front-passenger side of the floor tunnel and on the backs of the front seats, and four door pockets with bottle holders. Exposed cup holders are set in the console and the pull-down rear armrest.

Test Drive: 2020 Lincoln Corsair Reserve

The GLB250’s powertrain is a 221-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It supplies satisfying power, but it can feel a bit high-strung at times. Twenty-inch, black-finished AMG multi-spoke wheels are a $1050 option.

The Premium Package that was installed in CG’s tester brought in a massive screen with a digital instrument cluster and center display for infotainment that are 10.25 inches apiece. Thumb buttons on the steering-wheel spokes control the driver-information functions, but the touchpad on the console and surrounding buttons reign over a complex audio/nav/app display. This reviewer set up audio presets without much fuss, but using the pad to move around the screen requires more attention than a driver should be devoting to it. Separate climate controls have lots of buttons, including repetitive flipper switches for temperature selection.

If you are in fact looking for a well-turned-out and useful SUV like the one described at the start, bring your dreams—and a bit of cash—to the Mercedes store. You’ll find what you want.

Test Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

With its extra-long wheelbase, boxy roofline, and short rear overhang, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class strikes a unique profile in its class, and delivers a good amount of utility within its compact exterior dimensions. Plenty of cutting-edge technology features and luxurious trimmings are available, but adding them drives up the bottom-line price.

Listen to the very entertaining Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 Gallery

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on September 15, 2020.

Quick Spin: 2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT

2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT in Cinnamon Brown Pearl

2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT

Class: Midsize Car

Miles driven: 553

Fuel used: 22.1 gallons

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B+
Power and Performance	B
Fit and Finish	A
Fuel Economy	B
Value	B+

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A-
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	260-hp 2.4L
Engine Type	Turbo 4-cylinder
Transmission	CVT automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 25.0 mpg

Driving mix: 20% city, 80% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23/30/26 (city, highway, combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $39,695 (not including $1010 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: None

Price as tested: $40,705

Quick Hits

The great: Roomy, nicely finished cabin; promise of Subaru off-road/foul-weather prowess; comprehensive list of safety, comfort, and technology features

The good: Ample power from turbocharged engine; wagon utility

The not so good: Observed fuel economy falls a bit short of EPA estimates

Why the Subaru Outback is a Consumer Guide Best Buy

CG Says:

Subaru’s popular “SUV-ized” midsize wagon has been redesigned for 2020, and we at Consumer Guide were impressed enough with the new model’s improvements that we added it to our 2020 Best Buys list. The Outback deftly straddles the line between a traditional passenger car and an SUV—while leaning toward the former, since it’s based on the architecture of Subaru’s Legacy midsize sedan (which has also been redesigned for 2020). The Outback’s mix of car and SUV attributes make it a “best of both worlds” proposition for many family-vehicle shoppers.

The Outback wagon is based on a passenger-car platform, but is outfitted with SUV-style features such as rugged body cladding, an integrated roof rack, a raised ride height, and standard all-wheel drive.

Though its raised ride height means the Outback’s on-road handling is a step less nimble than the average midsize car’s, it nonetheless feels balanced and predicable in corners, with responsive, nicely-weighted steering. And since the Outback is a passenger-car-based wagon, the height of its cargo area isn’t quite as tall as the typical SUV’s. So, while you might not be able to carry extra-large cargo items in back, the upside is that the Outback’s roof—and its handy, built-in roof rack—are accordingly lower and easier to access.

Passenger room and comfort is commendable in both the front and rear seats. That high-ish ride height helps ease entry and exit, especially for adults who might not be as spry or flexible as they used to be. The generously sized windows make for fine visibility in all directions.

Quick Spin: 2019 Volvo V90 R-Design

Midline and above Outbacks come standard with a 11.6-inch vertically oriented infotainment touchscreen. Touring models boast handsome Nappa perforated leather upholstery, which gives the cabin a luxurious look and feel.

After previously testing an Outback Onyx Edition XT, we’ve taken a step up the model ladder and sampled the Touring XT—the Outback’s topline trim level. Not surprisingly, the Touring XT comes essentially loaded. Its standard features over the midline Limited model include perforated Nappa-leather upholstery, ventilated front seats (in addition to heated), and a sunroof. The only things it doesn’t come standard with are a wireless device charger (which is available as an accessory option for $245), and accessory items such as all-weather floor mats, a cargo net, and, if you’re really thinking of taking your Outback way out back, under guards for the engine and differential to protect them from damage on rugged off-road terrain.

Test Drive: 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT

There’s sufficient room for adults to ride in comfort in the Outback’s back seat. Passengers get HVAC vents in the center console, dual USB charging ports, and heated outboard rear seats (with a low and high setting).

That XT suffix indicates the presence of the Outback’s step-up engine choice: a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, which takes the place of the previous-generation Outback’s 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder. And, it’s quite a step-up in price–$2350, in the case of the Touring (though you also get insulated front-door glass in the bargain). And, the turbo four supplies fine acceleration that’s stronger all-around than the naturally aspirated 182-hp 2.5-liter base engine. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is mostly seamless in operation, with little of the high-RPM droning that used to be common with this type of transmission. The auto stop/start isn’t the smoothest such system we’ve tested—the engine restarts with a bit of a shudder. The system can be turned off, but it defaults to on every time you start the vehicle.

The Outback XTs are EPA-rated at 23 mpg city/30 highway/26 combined. Our observed numbers fell a bit below those estimates; we averaged 25 mpg even in a test that consisted of 80 percent highway driving.

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There’s 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down. A hands-free power liftgate–standard on Tourings–is a newly available feature for 2020.

The Touring’s interior ambiance is inviting—a nice mix of upscale and adventure-ready. The leather upholstery is supple, and the seats are comfortable on long-haul drives. We also appreciated the Touring’s standard heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, optional on Limiteds and standard on Tourings, is a rarity among mainstream-brand vehicles. It uses a camera and facial-recognition technology to monitor the driver’s eyes and face, and sounds a warning if it senses the driver is distracted.

Review Flashback! 2005 Saab 9-2X

Outback XT models are powered by a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Machine-finish 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on Tourings.

The vertically oriented, tablet-style STARLINK infotainment screen is impressively large—11.6 inches—and has clear graphics and usefully large icons. However, the virtual climate controls are located at the bottom of the screen, and some of those virtual buttons are small enough to be tricky to use while driving. Kudos to Subaru, however, for retaining a few physical controls, including the volume and tuning knobs.

Subaru’s all-weather hauler is a practical family vehicle that offers a comprehensive list of available comfort, safety, and technology features, along with an outdoorsy, go-anywhere attitude. At an as-tested price of $40,705 all in, the flagship Outback Touring XT presents itself as a compelling value when shopped against decked-out 5-passenger midsize SUVs.

Test Drive: 2019 Subaru Forester Touring

The Subaru Outback is a fine alternative to a traditional two-row midsize crossover SUV. Even in loaded topline trim it is a solid value, and it stacks up well in terms of features and everyday utility.

Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on August 14, 2020.

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First Look: 2021 Kia K5

2021 Kia K5

Kia unveiled an all-new version of its mainline midsize sedan today, and with it a new model name. “Out” is the Optima nameplate, replaced by a badge that Kia uses for this car in global markets: K5. “In” is dramatic new styling, available all-wheel drive, a choice of two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, and fresh technology features.

2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 is built on an all-new “N3” platform, which is a bit lower, wider, and longer in both wheelbase and overall length than the previous-generation Optima’s architecture. Kia says the N3 platform is stronger and quieter too.

2021 Kia K5

Kia says the K5’s striking exterior design incorporates DNA from its high-performance Stinger hatchback sedan, while expanding the brand’s future design language. Highlights of the new look include a “shark-skin” mesh grille, daytime running lights and taillights with a “heartbeat” shape inspired by an EKG pulse monitor, a gloss black applique on the rear trunk that emphasizes the fastback-esque profile, and a striking chrome accent strip that flows from the tops of the side windows to the forward edge of the trunk lid. The interior design is similarly sporty, with a cockpit-like horizontal layout, aircraft-style shift lever, and available flat-bottom steering wheel.

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The base engine, which comes in LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX models, is a turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Optional on LXS and GT-Line is all-wheel drive in place of the standard front-wheel drive. The AWD system (the first offered in Kia’s midsize sedan) comes with a snow mode for better all-weather performance.

Test Drive: 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo

The performance-oriented K5 GT gets a turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 290 horsepower and is paired with a new dual-clutch 8-speed transmission; Kia claims a 0-60-mph time of 5.8 seconds. The GT also gets a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels on Pirelli P-Zero tires, and a Sport + setting on the drive-mode control system.

The Kia Drive Wise suite of safety features is standard on all K5s. Available technology features include natural-language voice-command software, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, hands-free Smart Trunk, remote engine start, Bose 12-speaker sound system, and a 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen in place of the standard 8-inch touchscreen.

The 2021 Kia K5 is built in Kia’s West Point, Georgia, assembly facility alongside the Telluride midsize SUV. The K5 goes on sale this summer, with GT and all-wheel-drive versions following later in the fall.

First Look: 2021 Lexus IS

2021 Kia K5

CG Says:

Domestic manufacturers may be turning away from traditional sedans as of late, but import brands are remaining committed to this declining, but still vital, market segment. Kia’s press presentation for the K5 noted that there were 1.5 million midsize cars sold in America last year. With crossover SUVs taking over as the default family vehicles of choice, we’ve seen the latest iterations of traditional midsize sedans get more style-forward and performance-focused. The 2021 Kia K5 is in keeping with that trend. The K5 shares is basic architecture with the redesigned-for-2020 Hyundai Sonata, but there are significant differences in powertrain/feature availability between the two, and the interior and exterior styling is likewise completely different. The K5 strikes us as the sportier, more driver-oriented choice.

We’re not quite sold on Kia’s decision to ashcan the Optima name in favor of K5. Though the change better aligns with Kia’s global presence with this car, there was nothing wrong with the Optima name, and alphanumeric monikers have had a spotty success rate in the U.S. market. Names aside, the K5 strikes us as a winner overall.

First Look: 2021 Nissan Rogue

2021 Kia K5

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Written by: Damon Bell on June 30, 2020.

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