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Reggie Jackson’s Classic Car Collection2025 Kia K5 Review
The 2025 Kia K5 gets some nice updates for 2025. We review the K5’s interior, technology options, and more to see if it is the right car for you.
2025 Kia K5 – kia.com | Shop 2025 Kia K5 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2025 Kia K5?
Kia offers the 2025 K5 with more value than ever before. It’s available in four trim levels with two engine choices and two gearboxes with none that miss the mark. We especially enjoy the GT which includes a 290 hp turbocharged engine and a panoramic sunroof. Kia also includes more standard features than in previous years including a full safety tech suite and a flashy 12.3-inch infotainment system.
The 2025 K5 marks a significant update for the model. It now has a new front bumper with updated headlights and a new standard engine. It makes 191 hp but sees a decrease in torque down to 181 lb-ft. The K5 now comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
Carsforsale.com Score
9/10
Powertrain
Score
8.75/10
Interior
Score
9/10
Technology
Score
9/10
Value
Score
9.25/10
The Breakdown
Attractive styling
Great engines
Tons of value
Limited AWD availability
No hybrid
Behind rivals MPG
The driver’s choice
2025 K5 Specs
- 191 horsepower from base engine
- 181 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 16 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- Standard lane-keep assist
- 10-year powertrain warranty
2025 Kia K5 Powertrain 8.75/10
Kia’s biggest update to the drivetrain of the K5 for 2025 is removing the old base engine. Now, in its place is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. That’s up on power but down on torque and it’s a questionable choice. It actually gets worse fuel economy, 26 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway. The 1.6-liter turbo from last year made 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque while scoring 27 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.
At least now, the K5 delivers slightly more linear power. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is outstanding as well. Kia offers all-wheel drive on the GT-Line but curiously nowhere else. All wheel drive would be incredibly beneficial on other trims and especially on the GT. The turbocharged version of the K5 boasts 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Frankly, the turbo GT is way more powerful than the chassis can properly handle. In a way, that makes it wildly fun. At the same time, a RWD-biased AWD version of this K5 could put a dent in sales of Toyota and Honda products.
Speaking of them, the Camry now offers AWD across the entire lineup and more horsepower than the non-GT K5. Oh, and over 40 mpg combined. The Accord isn’t as compelling as it doesn’t offer AWD at all, but it does make slightly more power while offering up to 51 mpg in the city and 48 on the highway. Kia would do well to offer a hybrid powertrain too.
2025 Kia K5 Interior 9/10
Those familiar with other Kia products will like the interior of the new K5. It’s a distilled version of what we like so much about the brand. It’s elegant, simple, and easy to navigate. The styling should prove almost timeless as it’s without needless flourish and at the same time has a few nice inset details that add a layer of class.
The seats sit a bit high up, but we like the excellent lateral bolstering they offer. The switchgear feels good to use though perhaps not as sharp as it has been in previous years. The cupholders are larger now than they were last year, and the climate controls are updated too. Now, Kia employs its switchable haptic touch panel that we’ve seen in cars like the EV6.
It’s fine but can be frustrating at times since it switches between climate control and media control. The standard K5 comes with six speakers but there is a 12-speaker Bose system available for those who want it. Ambient LED lighting and a panoramic sunroof are also on offer. The rear seats don’t fold down flat but do provide a bit more storage flexibility for those who require more than the 16 cu.-ft. available in the trunk.
2025 Kia K5 Technology Features 9/10
Kia’s tech package in the K5 is very good overall. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard though buyers will likely find the native interface to be trouble free. Those who pick up the GT-Line or a higher trim also get integrated navigation. As is the case with most Kia infotainment systems, it reacts quickly and is logically laid out.
Safety is clearly a priority as well. Every K5 gets forward collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, driver-attention warning, safe exit assist, and rear occupant alert. Buyers who want more can also add navigation-based adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, and parking collision avoidance technology. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have released safety scores for the 2025 K5.
2025 Kia K5 Trims & Pricing
LXS – $28,145
The base K5 comes with 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED taillights, cloth upholstery, a sound-absorbing windshield, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 4.2-inch driver information display, six speakers, a smart trunk, and remote start.
GT-Line – $29,145
This trim adds sporty exterior trim, 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with leather wrapping, a leather-wrapped gear knob, faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, sound-deadening front windows, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated mirrors, integrated navigation, and a navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Those who buy one with AWD get a heated steering wheel.
GT – $34,245
This sporty K5 gets the turbocharged engine along with 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, unique brake calipers, rear AC vents, a panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, LED interior lighting, and unique GT trim seats.
EX – $35,645
This luxury-focused trim includes power-folding mirrors, 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, memory settings for the driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, faux wood trim, a 12.3-inch driver’s information display, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a surround-view monitor, and blind-spot monitoring.
2025 Kia K5 Overall Value 9.25/10
It’s hard to see the K5 as anything but a great value overall. No, it’s not as fuel efficient as the Camry or Accord but it’s the most engaging driver’s car of the bunch. That’s even more true when considering the GT trim which is by far the most engaging sedan in this class. In addition, the K5 carries with it a five-year limited warranty and a 10-year powertrain warranty. Nobody else comes close to that.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 9/10
2025 Kia K5 Rear Exterior – kia.com | Shop 2025 Kia K5 on Carsforsale.com
It’s hard to go wrong with the K5 but the Camry and Accord are good enough for other reasons that buyers should drive all three and consider incentives before choosing. In addition, Kia really needs to add a hybrid powertrain into the mix to compete just a bit better. Adding AWD to more trims, especially the GT, would be good too.
2025 Kia K5 FAQ
How much is a Kia K5?
The K5 starts at $28,145 and can cost more than $35,645.
Is the Kia K5 AWD?
The K5 is available with AWD, but it doesn’t come standard.
When did the Kia K5 come out?
The K5 came out in 2021 as a replacement for the now-out-of-production Optima.
