MSRP: $25,981

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Overview

The 2025 Kia K5 brings sharper design, updated technology, and a revised base engine to the midsize sedan category. This four-door sedan continues to stand out visually, with a fastback profile that makes it look more expensive than its price suggests. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and LED headlights with Star Map daytime running lights. The lineup comprises four trims: LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, and spans from practical daily transportation to the 290-hp GT, which anchors the performance end of the range.

What’s New for 2025

The 2025 K5 receives a mid-cycle refresh that updates both the exterior and interior. Revised Star Map LED daytime running lights introduce a sharper eyebrow-style lighting signature above the headlights. There are new wheel designs, and the trunk lid gains an integrated spoiler. The GT gets green brake callipers, and there are additional driver-assistance features on all trims. Mechanically, the previous 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is replaced by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 191 hp, an increase of 11 hp. 

Inside, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen sits within a redesigned dashboard, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in a single curved display on the EX trim (and optional on the GT). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard across the lineup. Other interior revisions include redesigned cupholders, updated climate controls integrated into the touchscreen, and a rotary gear selector.

Exterior

The Kia K5 maintains its distinctive design with subtle refinements for 2025. Star Map LED daytime running lights create amber accents above the headlamps, while trim-specific details differentiate the lineup. The GT features flared satin-metal fins in the lower front fascia, while other trims use darker intake surrounds. LED taillights span the width of the trunk and curve downward at the corners. Wheel sizes range from 16 inches on the LXS to 19 inches on the GT, which also wears bright neon green brake calipers. The sweeping roofline reinforces the K5’s coupe-like appearance.

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Interior

The interior receives the most noticeable upgrade. The redesigned dashboard features either a standalone 12.3-inch touchscreen or an available curved display that combines the touchscreen with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster on the EX trim. But the climate controls move entirely to the touchscreen, requiring multiple inputs for basic adjustments. Wireless smartphone connectivity, revised air vents, and a rotary gear selector modernize the layout. 

Wood trim and ambient lighting add polish to upper trims. Front seats provide good comfort, while rear-seat access is limited by the sloping roofline. Legroom remains generous in both rows, measuring 46.1 inches in front and 35.2 inches in the rear. Despite the sloping roofline, the K5 offers a generous 15.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, slightly above the segment average.

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Price Range

The GT-Line at $26,973 stands out as the value pick in the 2025 Kia K5 price range. It adds sportier exterior styling, 18-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, and available all-wheel drive without the cost jump of the GT or EX.

Key Specs

Powertrain

The manufacturer claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for the GT trim, while real-world tests recorded an 8.5-second run for the base 2.5-liter model.

Fuel Economy

In real-world driving, the GT should achieve 36 mpg during a sustained 75-mph highway cruise, while the base engine should get at least 37 mpg under similar conditions.

Warranty

Kia provides extensive powertrain coverage, though it does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Pros

• Distinctive, stand-out fastback styling in a conservative segment
• Strong value with generous standard features
• 290-hp GT is quick
• Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Quiet highway ride rivals entry-level luxury sedans
• Available all-wheel drive on the GT-Line
• Spacious 15.6-cubic-foot trunk exceeds most competitors

Cons

• No hybrid option, unlike the Accord, Camry, and Sonata
• Base 2.5-liter engine feels slow with an 8.5-second 0-60 time
• Sloping roofline limits rear-seat entry
• Touchscreen-only climate controls reduce usability
• GT lacks a factory summer tire option
• No genuine leather upholstery or head-up display

Verdict

The refreshed 2025 Kia K5 sharpens an already distinctive midsize sedan. The updated interior adds a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity, while the new 2.5-liter engine delivers a modest power increase, but still feels slow. Styling remains the K5’s strongest asset, helping it stand apart from more conservative rivals. The GT-Line, priced at $28,190, delivers the best balance of features, design, and available all-wheel drive. The GT’s 290-hp turbocharged engine provides genuinely quick acceleration, with a 5.2-second 0-60 time. 

The absence of a hybrid option remains the K5’s biggest drawback, especially as key competitors offer fuel-efficient alternatives. Touchscreen-based climate controls, rear-seat access, and seating position are also points of frustration. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty continues to provide class-leading peace of mind. For buyers prioritizing bold styling, strong standard features, and overall value, the Kia K5 midsize sedan remains a compelling option. Competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and Nissan Altima.

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Competitors

• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry 
• Nissan Altima
• Hyundai Sonata

About the author

Cobus F. Potgieter

Reviews and Features Editor

Cobus F. Potgieter is a Reviews and Features Editor at Autoblog covering new car reviews, and technology and historical features. He moved to motoring media full time in 2021 after a career as a public relations practitioner and joined The Arena Group in June 2025.