2021 Kia K5 - Optima | Last Stand for the Sedan

We do a quick review of the new 2021 Kia K5 (Rebranded Optima). The car is a major change in the affordable sedan market while similar to the Sonata, the styling is more mainstream. We take a quick look at the good and bad. What would you choose? Subaru, Honda Accord Sport, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, or Mazda6?
#Kia
#K5
00:00 - 0:57 Intro
0:57 - 5:43 Interior Impressions
5:43 - 8:54 Mechanical, Suspension Changes, Engine and Transmission
8:54 - 11:32 Driving Impressions
11:32 Final Thoughts

[@xboxmods]

I had a 2013 Optima SX and I completely agree with your comments on the traction control. There were a couple of times where I needed to quickly make a left turn on a busy road, only to have the traction control almost bring the car to a complete stop. This can definitely create dangerous situations, and I ended up just manually putting the car in 2nd if I knew I had to make a quick left turn like that. Great video as always!

[@freddywayne]

Yep. My 2013 Optima LX (base) has the same issue. I always disable the traction control when I get in it.

[@future62]

I also had a '13 Optima SX! Sold it after 8 months because I couldn't stand how it drove. It was also incredibly loud inside. They put all the money into styling and features and none into the mechanicals or refinement. I sold it to my FIL who loves it! With AWD + the 2.5T and proper stability control calibration this could have been a contendah.

[@kdash3215]

Same, had to fully disable mine in snow. Drove better with it off on snow tires. Press and hold the Stability Control button for over 3 seconds.

[@tunedskillsz]

You should ask us Genesis coupe owners what we call the traction control, the "neck breaker", it stops the car incredibly violent especially when you are expecting it to accelerate but it does the opposite.

[@bUtMyRiGhTs]

Sometimes even when you disable the traction control the stability control is still on and when you hit the apex of a corner and the body rolls... it will cut your throttle input to the engine. So if you're making a quick maneuver to save your life for someone else's and you caused the little level to hit its maximum range the ECU cuts throttle. In a lot of new cars you can turn off the traction but you can't turn off the stability or the yaw control all the way.

[@chooseymomschoose]

This, Kia, is what happens when you don't let this man keep a car for a week. You get the back waxing jokes.

[@nachiketdhende8681]

*The pathetic attempt to cram Bible Class, illegal waxing and Anal Sphincter in the same line!* :) Leave the comedy to the Brits, guys. Just stick to the review. Comedy's not your cup of tea! :)))))))))))

[@acuras4ever]

Nachiket Dhende he’s funny, you can watch other reviewers. The brits are literally the unfunniest people on the planet.

[@Jackinacox]

@@nachiketdhende8681 In what world are the Brits funny? I hope that was sarcasm.

[@Daniel-tv9tb]

@@nachiketdhende8681 I really hope you were being sarcastic!

[@twystedhumour]

but the Brits are funny. just have a gallon of water ready for drinking as their humor's a bit dry. i guess if you get on all 4's in that back seat, you can have your back and scrotum waxed in a short period of time.

[@jaynumber4444]

“10 inches, that’s typically how I roll...” 😂

[@mrsj1417]

My ES has 12"...just saying...

[@joshuadavid3920]

If you liked this k5 review you'll love this kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml66gX-imLOLkMU

[@spetcnaz83]

Lmao this was excellent

[@VitariusLaszlo]

how original

[@chavez885]

he sneaked that one in there, nasty azz lol

[@CDNChaoZ]

I'm sure Kia appreciates their review containing the words "anal sphincter."

[@lennys.4588]

😂😂

[@ConLLee]

its what they get for only letting him have it for one day lol

[@trowercroy153]

It's also a bit redundant. I don't think there's a sphincter on any other part of the human body.

[@Alex74ch]

😂😂😂👏🏻

[@CDNChaoZ]

@@trowercroy153 I thought the human body had dozens of sphincters.

[@Cars701]

I love this channel.

[@CravenTheDarkLord]

I love that you love this channel

[@wking8]

@@CravenTheDarkLord I love that you love that they love this channel.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Then why don't you marry it.

[@Cars701]

@@PianoBlackTrimRep. It gave me the clap.

[@CravenTheDarkLord]

@@wking8 simp

[@Gamesrock22]

Oh my God, that bit at 4:17 and the thing with the trunk. Thanks for making my morning, Mark. This is why I love your videos.

[@EluciaDeLuteIma]

My sides hurt from laughing.

[@lionintu]

Yeah lol i had to rewind and replay that bit hahabah

[@ThirdBrainLives]

That air filter trick at 6:30 is ingenious!

[@michaellim4165]

My jaws, literally, dropped. Why didn't anyone think of this before?

[@wonminlee966]

It has been like that for Hyundai/Kia products since around 2015 models. :)

[@theofficialwizard2753]

And before the Koreans started doing this Infiniti and Nissan have several vehicles with similar easy access filters

[@white_shadow_123]

Well, I do that with my regular charger from the lighter port. I have a mount for a phone attached on one of the ventilator ports, and when my phone is there it is cooled. Interesting thing is it charges faster, because the battery doesn't get hot. Win, win ,win :D

[@spletest8977]

Nissan has been doing this for about 10 years now. Not sure about other brands but I assume others do it to

[@Matt-vw9nd]

Hands down best car channel with regular cars and throttle house. Production value is aggressively good, leaving me bruised by 8 minutes every time

[@Matt-vw9nd]

Also whenever the audio review graphics show, I ascend

[@bloozism]

Behemoth! Also, Zos KIA Cultus lmao

[@johnbacon4997]

Bruised?

[@kcav1255]

Goose saves his dirtiest reviews for the midsize family mobiles. SAVAGE

[@RC_KAI]

Savagegeese please don’t change anything on this channel. It is perfect! Your reviews are perfect, your editing is perfect! You have a wonderful consistency that I can expect from every video, And I thank you for that. Looking forward to many more vids!

[@ichallengemydog]

All the body lines are hinting at a lift back. So disappointed that it’s just a regular trunk :-(

[@FasterThanSoup]

Ya, it’s like why not go the extra mile ?

[@Aaron36983]

Because that would undermine a key selling point of the stinger

[@davect01]

I thought so as well

[@ConLLee]

i was convinced when he got to the trunk part that it did that. I was like "oh shit its like the stinger in the back" and then it opened and i lost my boner

[@JJ-ls7fq]

@@ConLLee tmi.

[@joskjj3625]

Hyundai and Kia make good cars now, unlike Nissan

[@muyaho420]

Nissan's been screwing themselves for a while now.... especially with their CVT

[@juanpablocorreiaecheverria2857]

Exactly, Nissan has gone backwards quality wise

[@jaysefmacmanus8858]

Unlike GM as well. You would have to be mad to get a Malibu over this. They're right in line in price. (that said, nobody buys a Malibu at MSRP, they're all heavily discounted)

[@kdrguru]

@@jaysefmacmanus8858 Malibu looks better. I bet it's more reliable too.

[@AIDAHAR210]

@@kdrguru yes definitly the Kia is more reliable. GM is long gone, except for the C8

[@angeljimenez2112]

"10 inches is how i roll" and being able to man groom in the back is all i needed to hear. Sold.

[@Xeonerable]

"It's totally comfortable to get bent over on this thing. And I guess that is a great time to talk abo..." lmao that cut.

[@berict]

Hahaha just great

[@Dowlphin]

He was really about to go off the deep end, so it needed a hasty cut. 😆

[@billyhughes9776]

This is vintage-style Goose -- love it.

[@xcg1234]

I'm getting more and more surprised by Korea cars and more and more disappointed by Japanese cars recently

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Scotty Kilmer leaves the chat.

[@sadmanh0]

Japanese cars will never blow you away, that's how they maintain the reliability reputation, they don't take risks

[@khoaphan8490]

Same. The new TLX looks really good but I can’t say the same for Lexus’ new IS.

[@sadmanh0]

@@khoaphan8490 probably because they didn't actually do a 'new' IS since unlike Acura their design wasn't 20yrs old.

[@joshuadavid3920]

Youll love this k5 review kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml66gX-imLOLkMU

[@serbzero]

The only review that matters. And the only reviewer that didn't piss his pants about how awesome K5 is, great job man!

[@wonderboy1998]

True

[@techpappee]

Disagree

[@ARentz07]

Lots of zingers in this video. Surprised Kia didn't make the K5 into a Stinger-lite.

[@cwx8]

One of the issues with Kia is there is zero cohesion across their lineup. The grille is loosely similar but it seems like they experiment heavily on each model.

[@JS-hw8ve]

@@cwx8 I had heard that they were doing their Forte line as Baby Stingers, but Fortes are too small to serve my needs so I never bothered to find out.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

The GT with AWD almost fulfills that role. Basically destroys the need for the base level Stinger

[@splatbubble]

@@air-headedaviator1805 Plus the Kia Forte GT with the manual is frigging' good. Zero rev-hang, and really nice and punchy. Only thing is, I had just gotten out of a GTI so it wasn't worth it to me to trade it in...

[@air-headedaviator1805]

splatbubble oh a GT trim with a manual? Thats nice. Most American focused products omit manuals past base trims now

[@borinvlogs]

Thanks for uploading in 4k really appreciate it. Looks fabulous on my 75" TV.

[@ottbee6976]

I said it before and I'll say it again. This channel has the best music to go with the video. Love it!

[@Xiphos86]

If Goose a jazz fan, then we all win.

[@ian-qw4ic]

I’m not even in the market for a new car but I watch every video. Keep up the good work!

[@snowfeather31]

Always concise and to the point reviews and I really appreciate the high quality jazz music. Iam looking forward to the K5 2.5 turbo review! Jazz music is the only way to roll!

[@anujkalsi6867]

Its way better than all the other channels on YT. The details are crisp, video part 10/10 and never boring. A huge effort results in this kind of content.

[@RaiderTheGhost]

I always love when you add in your sense of humor to these reviews. Another video knocked out of the park!

[@briandarlage9815]

Thank you for mentioning the terrible traction control. I have owned a Kia Optima and now an Elentra GT and the issue is the same. I will pull in to oncoming traffic and need to be aggressive and at times it will just kill the engine and I swear I am going to get killed because even after you are straight the engine is still severally restricted. Now I have gotten to the point of turning off traction control in these situations.

[@jsfbay1]

Can it accelerate hard if you roll into the throttle rather than floor it? I.E., avoid the wheelspin then nail it once revs are past where it can break the tires loose? Truly curious to know the answer.

[@briandarlage9815]

@@jsfbay1 It will sometimes kick in before you have wheel spin. the engine literally just dies and the peddle basically becomes non responsive no matter how you push it down. It's insane and incredibly unsafe and I have never experienced this with another car. My Optima was a 2011 and had this issue and my Elentra GT is a 2018 and is exactly the same. It is totally random and when it happens you go "oh shit" as you know you are screwed for the next 3-5 seconds before you have access to the full power.

[@gregkramer5588]

Weird, I have a 2017 Optima SXL and have not had this problem.

[@igeekone]

It's not a terrible traction control, just not built for sporty driving. There is only so much traction you get on a mainstream, economy, car with skinny tires.

[@jordanandrews4626]

I have a 16 optima sxl and as long as I don’t floor it and turn the wheel from a stop this isn’t issue. It’s never been an issue in what I would call normal driving.

[@IvanBosnjak89]

That sexy jazz music.. Mr. Goose you set a standard. 👏🏻

[@Birdman757]

My 16 sonata has a similar air box setup and filter changes are so easy. Loving the content as always, this is the only channel that actually puts a car on the lift.

[@gregmesemondo1401]

The best car show on KZbin. Love it! I keep checking for new videos every day. I miss the technology videos that were promised.....

[@Closertotruth2]

Mark is always good for laughs on Monday morning! Love this channel.

[@BrilliantBenGaming]

I am shooketh. He said *sphincter*

[@threeplus4]

Oh man I got a good chuckle out of this after a hard day. Thank you, sir

[@PolishGator]

Thank god for humor AND quality car reviews in the same video. Thank you

[@pvtcmyers87]

Fricken love your videos man keep the jokes and awesome work coming!!

[@davisdesigns1153]

can we talk about how easy that air filter was to take out 🤯

[@RRSmurf]

I'm sure you don't need to ask permission 👍🏼

[@spletest8977]

As far as I know Nissan and apparently Kia are the only brands that do that with the air filter

[@jacobrael9872]

@@spletest8977 same with hyundai, I checked the filter for my mom's 2019 santa fe and was suprised how simple it was to take out

[@2010ngojo]

A few latches can do the same while being cheaper and less complicated in design.

[@TheImperfectGuy]

@@jacobrael9872 I mean, mechanically Hyundai and Kia are mostly the same anyway

[@Tripp55]

I love the really fast hashtags you put in these videos! I like when they're so fast that you have to go back and pause it. It's a fun little easter egg. Tatianna agrees.

[@jclean5323]

Always appreciate the content and information. I love the small details involved in your vids. Keep up the great work.

[@josht717]

Really good points about traction control tuning. I had a Kia Stinger GT2 and moved to a 2020 M340i, mostly because of Kia's lack of powertrain polish. Even with stability control completely deactivated it would still intervene and upset chassis balance. Some manufacturers just get it right out of the box, but for the moment I don't think Hyundai\Kia are among them. They make excellent products for the typical driver, continue to improve and perfect aspects of the user experience that no one else is even thinking about, and I don't hesitate to recommend them to friends & family. But as a driving enthusiast I find their sheer driving enjoyment and powertrain engineering to be really lacking.

[@akdomun]

This car looks like a Decepticon; it could have a role in a Transformers movie.

[@chrisoconnor3119]

Bud you are VERY entertaining! Bravo and thank you for tremendous reviews!

[@kennyrmrz]

Im really glad you got to review the new K5! I'm actually really happy that Kia is starting to use port and direct injection on the GT 2.5T. Takes away the anxiety of direct injection only problems.

[@moeharri]

Fact: the jazz music was created by Mr. Geese playing the skin flute.

[@TWOxTONE_773]

I really hope kia keeps making sedans. They have come so far over the last 10 years. This is by far the best looking car in this segment

[@gbajien]

Love your honest reviews bro! Starting to become my favourite car review channel, keep it up!

[@antonymwangi5483]

Always catching up with any Savageese uploads right here in Africa, Kenya. Boy is your stuff becoming more addictive!!!

[@FamusFace]

That interior review was funny AF😂🤣😂🤣

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Lets be honest, 95% of the buyers for this car dont give a crap about the way it drives.

[@starztrukk]

True, but Kia (under Biermann) wants buyers to actually give a crap about its drivability, since they're target-demographic is younger, and their cars are sportier than Hyundai.

[@Ziegfried82]

But it sounds like it may be a little bit too crappy of a driving experience, normies like boring but they aren't gonna like those acceleration issues with the traction control going wild. There's a difference between fun to drive, boring to drive, and crappy to drive. The K5 is somewhere between boring and crappy, not a good place. The fact that you have to spend well north of $30,000 to get decent power or AWD option puts KIA solidly out of the budget car segment too. At least the exterior and interior looks a lot better I guess?

[@johnfranklin5277]

Ridiculous statement, of course people want a car that drives well. Do think a person after a test drive would buy if it drove badly? No. There are degrees in how cars drive, of course. Based on what kind of car you want. A BULLET Mustang is a high performance car, and will drive accordingly. Not to be compared to a family sedan. Doesn't mean that the sedan shouldn't handle decently, but no one expects it to handle like a Porsche. And lots of car ENTHUSIASTS, buy regular, sedans all the time.

[@VfRuckus]

The better way to look at it, the transmission and engine does everything that the targeted market wants.

[@jordanandrews4626]

I have a 16 optima sxl and have test driven this. There is only one time when this issue comes up - when you turn the wheel and floor it from a dead stop. What to do? Don’t floor it when turning the wheel from a dead stop. Otherwise it drives really, really nice for the average person. Meaning it’s smooth cruiser that can punch past a slow poke in the highway.

[@rmelotto]

The quality of the audio in the intro was amazing!

[@craig5042]

Just catching up to this old video. Great writing and review as usual,.

[@billymania11]

Kia has come a long way. Their early cars were low-end but you could tell they were trying to make the most of the kit. The new models are pretty darn good.

[@andrewg2679]

Now if we could only upgrade the stinger interior to look like this :-/

[@devn3813]

Exactly

[@levaranoia]

It will get updated with the mid cycle refresh

[@WILSON-tc4bb]

This is the perfect video to have on in the background while I'm folding my laundry

[@TheMICELEBG]

All your reviews are like Hollywood Production and I really enjoy it. Keep it up.

[@davisdesigns1153]

absolute savage review😂

[@rdm925]

Nice car, but the trunk opening is a joke. Fastback sedans like this one should be 5-door hatchbacks. Makes more sense. Like my old 07 Mazda 6i 5-door was.

[@andybub45]

Good luck selling it. Thats the stinger's market

[@devskiiis13]

The 10th gen civic did a pretty good job with their fastback sedan design.

[@Dowlphin]

This design trend is what ruins it for sedan fans. Looks like a liftback but without the practical advantage of it. I either want a hatchback or if I want a sedan then I want a proper surface I can put things on. (Another reason why I love the S2000. Proper trunk lid and so small and handy so that it never feels clunky.)

[@kiaguy47]

I first discovered your channel with your 2016 Kia Optima review. Full circle.

[@NoGames0891]

You never disappoint ,this is the best auto review channel

[@VanishPenguin]

"10 inches... Which is typically how I roll" lmao

[@chimrichalds1422]

I was taking a drink when he talked about waxing immediately went into my sinuses. 😆🤣

[@2Meals]

Always straight to the point!! 👏👏

[@rosgoncharuk2403]

Will be waiting for your K5 GT AWD review!

[@leonardr9522]

HUGE LOADS of sarcasm

[@jaysefmacmanus8858]

Almost as big as the loads he is dumping in that trunk.

[@digitalgulby]

I don’t laugh at your jokes but I would really miss them if they were gone. Keep at it.

[@doodlebroSH]

The banter with the camera feels really natural lately, can't wait to see where you dudes end up in 10-15 years.

[@Judo_Judau-Sway86]

Loving the music Mark!

[@singular9]

When geese makes me a video for my birthday :D

[@DctorSkillz1]

The last time I was this early, Marisol Patel was still learning how to drive a manual.

[@billymaze4733]

Love this review.

[@keenanthornley7680]

Saw one of these just yesterday. I really love those running lights.

[@Wolfy400]

“Getting arrested” yeah sure

[@lopesanderson19]

My mustang has a 7” and my wife loves it. Just saying..

[@SAVAGEoLIFE]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Leon_der_Luftige]

Are we still talking cars?

[@lopesanderson19]

It’s a pony though. Hhahaah

[@enbardis]

I gotta say, the under body review really sets you apart. Its such useful information.

[@YourLocalGuatemalan]

new video to start the morning? let’s goooo

[@Yathuprem]

Tailgating party, HAHA, nearly spit out my coffee

[@andrelima5124]

I'm just glad this isn't another damn crossover or suv review !

[@morley3810]

Good looking car. Thanks for the review, excellent as usual!

[@viktorjanotka]

Elena and her wax kit...u killing me LOOOOOL. GREAT WORK LIKE 19838482 TIMES BEFORE!!

[@ImaDjentleman]

I can’t imagine trying to turn that thing and accelerate on a wet road lol

[@101chickendance]

Guess I am waiting for the Toyota GR86 next year :)

[@brodiwheeler7583]

I’m waiting for the GR Corolla

[@101chickendance]

@@brodiwheeler7583 yeah its more practical, depends what engine they put in there for me

[@brodiwheeler7583]

101chickendance I’ll take that 3-Popper from the GR Yaris!

[@brianperez3779]

Thanks savage for the subtle humor hahaha and the overall great reviews keep up the good work man I watch all your videos.

[@boliu83]

The sound track of this video is amazing

[@AtlasWilder]

It’s not a last stand if it was a suicide mission to begin with. 😂

[@mattman953]

Omfg.. hair removal specialist 🤣😭 I just died . . Well nearly did, I spit my redbull all over my phone!

[@anealsrikant9254]

5 min in and i realize this is the best review ever. im a hairy guy and been looking for a car to do special waxing when i cant go to the wax bar.

[@chinheng1015]

I like this channel and the way he present it.

[@tinhinnh]

The back side view looks heavy, the Stingers looks better

[@jayknight139]

The stinger is better

[@erics.5785]

jayknight139 they generally try to do that when they want double the price for a car in the same brand

[@OmphileCedrick]

The fact that the DRLs are orange really bothers me...

[@scottesfahan3406]

great channel and awesome review..

[@MrFuckinglogin]

thanks for the video! In terms of riding comfort and quietness, how does it compete against other sedans (G70, S60?)

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

"Oh yeah, look at that garbage can!"

[@brodiwheeler7583]

And then the double middle finger flip by the taillight 🖕🏼🖕🏼 Savage!

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

@@brodiwheeler7583 The savagest of geese by far~

[@GreatDrums.]

I can't lie, Kia and Hyundai are giving Toyota & Honda a run for their money. Definitely changing the sedan game.

[@kromahj]

there are 3 type of buyer, people who buy for look, people who buy for power, people who buy for reliability.

[@tails300]

Yeah maybe in the looks department, but there powers trains left a lot to be desired in reliability.

[@dannygloversshotgun211]

Even their resale value on older models are still holding strong, it really surprised and continues to amaze me

[@GreatDrums.]

​@@kromahj Good points, usually when you buy for power or looks you often have to sacrifice reliability.

[@GreatDrums.]

@Chris Ray Had no idea the safety wasn't up to scratch, good to know.

[@herrgolf]

GT seems like a really nice option, if the traction control, throttle lag and dual clutch allows for fluid driving and fast starts at low speed. I rented a 2019 Forte and was impressed by the rigidity and tightness of the steering.

[@1954saltydog]

Great video and thanks for the morning laugh!!!

[@agenericaccount3935]

Well its certainly less hideous than the Sonata. It is kind of a low bar though. Oh. My. God. That. Airbox. Tho. ❤️

[@anAmishGuy]

What a weird looking SUV. Is this one of those "car" things I heard people used to buy?

[@langhamp8912]

To be fair to the car, US SUVs cannot easily be sold outside the US due to them not meeting European safety regulations for hitting people outside the SUV. This car will barely sell in the US while selling well outside.

[@pwningsince93]

The music in the opening sequence reminds me of what I hear every time I walk into a Olive Garden

[@OnlineCitizenTV]

Hi Mark, It's great that you guys come up with all those fancy and detailed audio tests and graphs, BUT I bet no percentage of your viewers understand those when you show them in a blink. I'd suggest to explain them to make them worth your time and so the viewers time.

[@Marcus_972]

Give Mark one day to see the car you get ass crack hair and old wax strips left in the back seat. How ya like that Kia?

[@njnikusha]

Funniest car review ever 😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@Mr.Marbles]

oh man that front looks sick with the led strips and the big grille. they sure know how to make the modern design trends look amazing.

[@Loachie90]

This is going to be the first channel to do official Air Conditioning testing. I’ve always wanted to know which cars did a better job of cooling and heating.