Kia K5 Ground Clearance

The Kia K5 is a midsized sedan with a ground clearance of 5.3 inches.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The
Kia
K5 has a ground clearance of 5.3 inches, which is average for a midsized sedan. While this isn’t the right kind of vehicle to take off-roading it is a dependable car. You’re better off hitting the trails in a Kia
Telluride
or
Sorento
, as these SUVs have much higher ground clearance. 
When you think of the Kia K5, its off-roading capabilities probably don’t come to mind. Sedans simply aren’t built for rough terrain. That said, the K5 is a solid choice for a daily driver.
If you’d like to learn more about the Kia K5’s ground clearance and trim levels you’ve come to the right place. We're here to guide you through the K5’s specs and help score some serious savings on your Kia
car insurance
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

2022 Kia K5 ground clearance

The 2022 Kia K5 is available in five trim levels, and while the standard features differ depending on the trim level you choose, the ground clearance remains at 5.3 inches across all trims. 
The Kia K5 doesn’t have high ground clearance, but if you’re looking for a little more power, the LXS and GT-Line are available in all-wheel drive

Kia K5 ground clearance over the years

The Kia K5 was originally called the
Optima
and was first manufactured in 2000. Five generations later in 2019, Kia rebranded the Optima, and by 2021, all new models were sold under the name K5
Over the years, Optima’s ground clearance has gone through some changes. Let’s take a look at how it has varied from generation to generation. 
  • 1st generation (2000-2004): 6.1 inches
  • 2nd generation (2005-2009): 6.1-6.3 inches
  • 3rd generation (2010-2014): 5.1-6.3 inches
  • 4th generation (2015-2018): 5.1-5.3 inches
  • 5th generation (2019-present): 5.1-5.3 inches
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

Ground clearance is the measurement between the lowest part of your vehicle’s chassis and the ground. High ground clearance is important if you’re looking for a vehicle to take off-roading. Sedans like the Kia K5 are not designed to be taken off the beaten path for a joyride—that’s an adventure much better suited for an SUV. 
Experts recommend about 8.5 inches of ground clearance for off-roading without concern for damaging your vehicle.

Is the Kia K5 a good off-road vehicle?

No. In general, off-roading is best left to SUVs with more ground clearance, all-wheel-drive, and stronger suspensions. 
Although features like a turbocharged engine or all-wheel drive give some extra oomph to your car, the Kia K5 won’t crawl over rocks and unfinished roads the way a more rugged SUV would. 
Cars with low ground clearance could end up getting stuck on an off-road path, or the underbody could undergo serious damage from boulders or other debris. 

Guard against accidents with the best K5 insurance

Regardless of where the road takes you, you’ll need a solid car insurance policy that keeps you and your vehicle safe. To find the best-priced coverage out there, look no further than
Jerry
.
As a licensed broker and insurance shopping expert, Jerry gathers the most affordable online quotes from over 50 top-rated insurance providers and presents them to you in a customized list. In just 45 seconds, you’ll be browsing policies that suit your needs and fit your budget on Jerry's
trustworthy super app
Once you choose the coverage that’s right for you, Jerry helps you enroll with your new provider and cancel your existing policy. You won’t need to make a single phone call or fill out any confusing paperwork—just let Jerry handle it! 
The best part? On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on
car insurance
“I was paying $350 a month for my new car. With
Jerry
, I set up a new policy in under 30 minutes that will save me over $1000 a year!” —Mariah K.
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings