The 2025 KIA K5 has received a substantial refresh, introducing a slew of new features and upgrades. With a brand-new powertrain and significant design enhancements, this K5 might be the top choice in its segment. Let’s dive in and see what makes the 2025 KIA K5 stand out.
Under the Hood: New Powertrain
The most significant change in the 2025 KIA K5 is the introduction of a new powertrain. The previous 1.6L turbo engine has been replaced with a more powerful 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering 191 horsepower. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available. The combined fuel economy is rated at 29 MPG. We’ll provide a comprehensive review of this new powertrain’s performance, including acceleration, fuel efficiency, and sound level readings, in our upcoming test drive.
Table of Contents
Exterior Upgrades
The 2025 KIA K5 has always been a handsome midsize sedan, but the 2025 refresh has made it even more appealing. Key changes include:
– Revised Tiger Nose Grill: Narrower with a full gloss black finish and new texture.
-New Headlight Unit: Standard full LED with a distinctive daytime running light and turn signal indicator.
-Aggressive Lower Fascia: More openings and a gloss black finish.
-Updated Tail Lights: LED brake lights and turn signals with a premium design.
2025 KIA K5 Interior Enhancements
Kia has also upgraded the interior of the K5. Notable features include:
-New Dual Display Setup: Standard on all models, featuring a 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster.
-Premium Materials: High-quality faux leather seats with detailed stitching and perforation, available in a red interior package.
-Advanced Technology: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the new CnC infotainment system, and an optional 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Performance and Driving Experience
The new 2.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission enhance the 2025 KIA K5 driving experience. While it’s not as quick as some hybrid rivals, it offers a traditional driving experience with a smooth and responsive transmission. The ride quality remains excellent, with comfortable seats and good handling.
Fuel Economy and Pricing
The 2025 KIA K5 fuel economy is competitive, with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models achieving 29 MPG combined. The turbo model comes in at 27 MPG combined. However, the lack of a hybrid option might be a drawback for some buyers. What’s more, the 2025 KIA K5 starts at around $27,000, with the G.T. line priced at $27,990 and fully loaded models reaching just over $32,000, making it a smart financial choice in the midsize sedan segment.
Resale Value and Reliability
Kia offers a substantial warranty with the K5, including a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. We estimate that after 5 years, the K5 will retain around 49% of its original MSRP and around 21% after 10 years and 120,000 miles. While this is slightly lower than competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it’s comparable to the Hyundai Sonata.
KIA K5 2025: an Updated Version
Sadly, SUVs continue to devastate segments that were once very popular. The midsize sedan segment is one of the most brutal hits, and that is why we have very few representatives in Mexico. During its first years in the country, KIA offered us the Optima, which quickly convinced many customers, but due to the popularity of pickup trucks, it lost the battle and left the country. Fortunately, in some markets, the next generation continues to be active and even has a mid-life update, such as the 2025 KIA K5.
This midsize sedan still aims to compete against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. Therefore, its improvements are focused on the engine, offering more power. In this case, the most complete model, GT, will continue to use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo block with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
In models below the G.T., the 1.6-liter turbo engine is replaced by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This is intended to keep prices down more and offer more power, although a bit less torque.
In markets where it remains active, it can be had only with front-wheel drive or AWD. In any case, an 8-speed automatic transmission will manage its power in models with a naturally aspirated engine. The top-of-the-range turbocharged model uses an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In terms of design, KIA has opted for a slightly different look with slight changes to the shape of the headlights and daytime running lights. The same applies to the rear lights and subtle changes to the shape of the fascias and bumper.
Inside, the basic design remains the same, but both the instrument panel and infotainment system are now placed in the same frame to give the impression of being a single continuous screen despite being two 12.3 “screens each. In turn, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless across the range.
New equipment elements, such as adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, will be introduced throughout the range. In some intermediate versions, the Bose audio system, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and even the possibility of opening and starting the car with a digital key that we can carry on our cell phones are standard.
The 2025 KIA K5 will be unveiled at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Considering that this is already the mid-life update for this model,
KIA K5 2025: The sedan that seeks to make the Toyota Camry Uncomfortable
Although the trend is towards SUVs, Kia is not taking its finger off the line in the midsize sedan segment. It is betting on the renewal of the “2025 KIA K5” a model that competes head-to-head against models that have been leading the market for years, such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
To redefine the midsize sedan segment and thus increase its sales volume, this model, which already stood out for its sporty character, has received a series of improvements, mainly in aesthetics and performance.
Changes in the Exterior and Interior
Thus, the 2025 KIA K5 has changed its exterior design. The highlights are the redesign of the headlights, taillights, fascias, and rims, which, together with the body style, make this sedan look incredibly avant-garde.
Inside, this sedan is updated with a new curved panel that houses a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with new software, offering quick controls and OTA updates and a wireless connectivity system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New Engine with more Power
The “2025 Kia K5” gets a new engine for even better performance. This time, the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is replaced by a normally aspirated 2.5-liter mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With this new four-cylinder engine available in LXS, EX, and GT-Line trims, this sedan delivers 191 hp (up 11 hp) and 181 lb-ft. For those who live where the climate can be inhospitable, all-wheel drive is available on the GT-Line. The 2025 KIA K5 remains unchanged for the G.T. version. It continues to have a 2.5-liter turbo, producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.
In addition, safety has been enhanced with an increase in ADAS systems, including intelligent cruise control with Stop & Go and forward collision assistance with cyclist detection and turning at intersections.
The 2025 KIA K5 gets a more powerful base engine and a new Look.
The 2025 KIA K5 is one of the most attractive sedans on the American market today. Much of the company’s lineup has been stellar since the introduction of amber DRLs with the Telluride, but the K5 may have been the best overall: sleek, distinctive, and modern without ever looking too stylized or off-putting. But it was the best, in the past tense: Kia today announced an image wash that changes things.
Among a series of small changes, the newly redesigned K5 swaps that smooth line of amber lights for something more jagged, like magma about to burst through a fissure in the Earth’s crust. It’s a departure from the previous car, one that’s going to take some getting used to.
Fortunately, the running lights are not the only change on the 2025 KIA K5. The newly redesigned front bumper is an improvement over its predecessor. It adds pointed shark teeth to the lower jaw of the lower grille, while the upper grille hugs more firmly to the lower headlight portion. It gives it a nice look.
The rear is also an improvement over the previous car. While the original K5 had a fairly standard line of lights along its rear, the new vehicle carries that line to the bumper on the sides. It looks more sophisticated than the previous K5 and will stand out even more on the roads.
Perhaps even more significant than the changes on the outside, however, are the internal ones. The K5 ditches the turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four for a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4, which makes 11 horsepower in swap for a total of 191 horsepower. The top-tier G.T. However, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it doesn’t get the same oomph: It still has about 290 horsepower. All-wheel drive remains optional on some versions.
Kia’s midsize sedan also features interior updates, such as a simplified climate control panel and a redesign of the display setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android cars are now standard across the range to match the wireless charging pad in the center console. More intriguingly, Kia claims that the K5 is now capable of receiving over-the-air updates for software fixes.
The K5 still looks good, but the front end feels like a downgrade from that beautiful pre-facelift car. Hopefully, it all means deals on older cars as new stock starts arriving at dealerships later this year.
The New 2025 KIA K5 Makes Its North American DEBUT at The Chicago Auto Show
Kia’s popular midsize sport sedan gets significant updates. Design updates inside and out reflect the K5’s sporting intentions The 191-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine replaces the 1.6T; 11 life point increase, New and updated technology, and standard ADAS features highlight the K5’s extensive feature set, IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia America chose the concrete halls of Chicago to unveil the refreshed 2025 KIA K5 midsize sedan today at the opening of the Chicago Auto Show.
The show hosted the North American debut of the sports sedan, which features a new customarily aspirated 2.5-liter K5 engine, updated design cues inside and out, powertrain refinements, and numerous technological upgrades across five trim levels. : LXS, EX, G.T. -Line (front or all-wheel drive), and the hot-blooded G.T. turbo.
The 2025 KIA K5 can be almost anything for anyone looking for a five-passenger midsize sedan, said Steven Center, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Kia America. With a range of variants, including all-wheel drive, available for places like Chicago during winter,
The new 2025 KIA K5 continues to offer a unique and surprising alternative in an otherwise staunch segment. The updates for 2025 position the K5 in the sweet spot for those who need space for five people but prefer to make a bold statement when it comes to their vehicle.
For the 2025 model year, subtle refinements highlight more standard features across the lineup, with a focus on the popular EX trim. Standard items for the EX include a Bose1 Premium Audio System with Active Sound Design and a 10-way power driver’s seat that provides for two-way lumbar support. Digital Key 22, a Heated steering wheel, and power-folding mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are also standard.
Designed to Stand Out of 2025 KIA K5
Already a standout in the midsize sedan segment, the 2025 KIA K5’s design improvements better align with Kia’s “Opposites United” typography. Most notable are the new standard Star Map LED front DRLs. Standard amber position lights stand out against the standard LED headlights and accentuate the leading edge of the front fender.
Below these is a new front fascia. While lower models get a blacked-out lower air intake opening, the G.T. receives dramatically flared satin-metal-look fins that slope upward, further defining the new honeycomb lower grille.
The Star Map theme continues on the back. The taillights cut across the wide decklid and take a decidedly angular turn downwards into the corners, mimicking the aggressive nature of the front’s illuminated eyebrows. They emit a bright red glow just below the new decklid, which is highlighted by an integrated spoiler standard on all models.
The angularity continues in the new inferior fascia. Dual muffler trim and a dark lower bumper can be found on all models except the G.T. The exact satin-finished details found on the G.T.’s front clip make another appearance at the rear, with triangular fins complementing the quad-trimmed dual mufflers.
The 2025 KIA K5 wheel program includes several sporty multi-spoke alloy designs. The LXS rides on 16-inch wheels, while the EX and GT-Line come standard with their own exclusive 18-inch wheel designs. The G.T. has 19-inch wheels with performance-focused 245/40R-19 Pirelli P-Zero tires, and the available GT1 package found on the G.T. has 19-inch Custom Gloss Black wheels. Standard on the G.T. is striking bright green brake calipers that complement the seats’ interior stitching.
More updates can be found inside. Front and center for the driver is a new available curved single-panel display that houses the 12-inch instrument display and a new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay3 and Android Auto4 are complementing the new display, which is now standard across the K5 lineup.
Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system processes faster and with greater fidelity. Frequently used quick controls are available with a simple swipe across the screen. Over-the-air (OTA)5 updates are now possible, improving the ownership experience.
Below the new instrument panel is a revised HVAC/audio access display. Flanked by two easy-access knobs, the slim screen can be switched between the two functions with the touch of a finger. A revised center console with larger cupholders and a wireless charging pad, along with front and rear USB-C charging ports, round out the major interior upgrades for 2025.
New Year with more Power
Leading the improvements under the hood is a new normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Available in LXS, EX, and GT-Line, the new engine’s power increases by 11 horsepower over the previous 1.6-liter turbo. The torque is 181 lb-ft. For those who live where the climate can be inhospitable, all-wheel drive is available on the GT-Line.
The G.T.’s powertrain for 2025 remains unchanged. It is producing 290 horsepower and a robust 311 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.
2025 KIA K5 Specs and Technology Expert
The 2025 KIA K5 line sees an increase in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)6. Starting with the basic LXS:
Fusion Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC with S&G) with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) incorporating junction turning and cyclist detection.
Parking distance warning: ahead
Parking distance warning: reverse
Standard or available on EX, GT-L, and GT ADAS equipment adds:
Smart Navigation-Based Cruise Control (NSCC)7
Highway Driving Assistant (HDA)8
Blind Vision Monitor (BVM) (standard on EX, not available on GT-Line, available on G.T.)
Surround View Monitor (SVM) (standard on EX, not available on GT-Line, available on G.T.)
Park Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R) (standard on EX, not available on GT-Line, available on G.T.)
Park Distance Warning – Side (PDW-S) (standard on EX, not available on GT-Line, available on G.T.)
A GT-Line Premium package is available for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive variants and includes:
Panoramic sunroof
LED interior lighting
12-speaker Bose1 premium audio
GT-1 package upgrades available in G.T. add:
Digital key 22
Blind Vision Monitor (BVM)
Parking Distance Warning – Side (PDW-S)
19-inch gloss black alloy wheels
12.3-inch curved instrument cluster
KIA America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the top 100 global brands. Kia is the NBA’s “Official Automotive Partner” and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealerships in the U.S., including several automobiles and SUVs proudly assembled in the USA.
The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (except HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. parts sourced locally and globally.
1. Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation
2. Kia Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Average cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.
3. CarPlay runs on smartphone mobile data service. Standard data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple.com.
4. The Android Auto Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. It requires the Android Auto app on the Google Play store and an Android-compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.
5. Over-the-air features and updates may require additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and rates are subject to change. A Kia Connect subscription is required, and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
6. Advanced driver assistance systems are not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
7. When activated, Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop& Go is not a substitute for safe driving or cruise control procedures. This is not an autopilot feature. Always drive safely and use caution. The Smart Cruise Control system may not detect all objects in front of the vehicle.
8. When activated, forward collision avoidance assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
9. When activated, navigation-based intelligent cruise control (NSCC) is not a substitute for safe driving or cruise control procedures. It is not an autopilot feature, and it may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
10. When activated, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects around the vehicle, and only works on certain federal roads. Always drive safely and use caution.
Conclusion
The 2025 KIA K5‘s refresh brings meaningful design, technology, and performance upgrades. While it may not lead in every category, its combination of features, comfort, and style, along with its competitive pricing and warranty, makes it a compelling choice in the midsize sedan segment. Whether you’re looking for advanced tech, a comfortable ride, or a sleek design, the 2025 K5 has something to offer.
Ready to experience the 2025 KIA K5? Schedule a test drive at your local dealership and discover why this refreshed sedan might be the perfect fit for you.
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