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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $32,637–$41,293 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2021 Kia K5 SL earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.6/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
The 8.4/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $32,637–$41,293, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Kia K5 SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Kia K5 SL as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Kia K5 SL ranks #201 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 85% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $32,637 starting price is about 18% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the K5 SL model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $36,942 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $35,867 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $34,790 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $33,714 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $32,637 |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.