placed the 2022 Kia K5 GT, formerly branded as the Kia Optima, on its 2022 Editors' Choice list for an impressive list of features. This vehicle features an interior that looks more like a luxury sedan, a roomy back seat, and is all included at the best price in its class.

The K5 isn't ready to replace the Honda Accord at the top of the family sedan models, but for $3,000 less, it's certainly friendlier to a family budget.

Along with sporting the new Kia logo, the 2022 Kia K5 GT offers the latest in safety technology and infotainment.

The K5 receives a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with key features on all models including forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Also available are blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Standard models feature an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity. Beginning with the GT-line (not to be confused with the GT), the K5 features a 10.3-inch screen. All models also come with a wireless charging pad.

The roomy interior also features such amenities as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting on the dash and doors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Consumer Reports

notes the low-slung roof of the K5 makes getting in and out more challenging, but not notably different than other mid-size sedans.

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What makes the 2022 Kia K5 GT stand out?

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With all the luxury touches and great value, the 2022 Kia K5 GT stands out from its cousins with a 2.5-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that generates 290 horsepower. That's a fair step up from the 1.6-liter turbo on other models that provides only 180 hp.

That extra power lets the GT go from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.2 seconds, compared to 6.0 seconds in other models.

The GT also features an all-wheel drive, which is a $1,600 add-on for other models. The GT rides on 19-inch rims — compared to 18 on other versions — bigger brakes, and a unique suspension tune.

The GT and EX also add a 360-degree camera system for added safety.

Cost of the K5

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The base price for the 2022 Kia K5 LX starts at $24,815 and climbs to $32,215 for the GT. Car and Driver rates the front-wheel-drive GT-line as the best value for the features with a starting price of $27,215, or with the additional $1,600 for the all-wheel-drive if you're in an area that gets more snow.

Fuel economy for the K5 rates highly, according to the EPA. The front-wheel-drive standard models are estimated to get 29 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway, with an overall average of 32 mpg. That drops to 25 mpg and 33 in all-wheel-drive versions. The GT pops in as 24 mpg in town and 32 on the highway, for not too much of a drop for the added horsepower.