Sedans might be out of favor with many Americans, but Kia is giving its stylish K5 model a substantial refresh for the 2025 model year. What is a Kia K5? It’s the family-sized four-door that replaced the well-known Optima in 2021.
The 2025 Kia K5 returns in LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT trim levels. All but the GT have a new engine this year, with Kia shelving the previous turbocharged four-cylinder for a slightly more powerful but less torquey four-cylinder. The 2025 K5 also has more dramatic styling, new technology, revised interior details, and added safety features.
You might not notice the styling changes to the 2025 Kia K5 with only a glance. Look closer, and you’ll see the redesigned front end with more dramatic running lights and angular forms. The performance-oriented K5 GT’s look is more aggressive and includes a new honeycomb-pattern grille insert.
Similar themes are evident at the rear of the car, where the taillights extend down into the rear fascia to emphasize the sedan’s width. The GT swaps round exhaust outlets for trapezoidal tips, framing a bolder diffuser panel.
All K5 models have new wheel designs ranging from 16 inches in diameter for the LXS to 19 inches for the GT. Add the GT1 Package to the K5 GT, and it has 19s dipped in a new black gloss wheel finish. All GT models have bright green brake calipers to match the contrast stitching inside.
Get inside a 2025 Kia K5, and a redesigned dashboard with a dual-screen curved display greets you. In front of the driver, the 12-inch digital instrumentation panel is new, replacing the traditional analog gauges in the previous K5. Next to it is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both are standard equipment in all 2025 K5 models.
In addition, Kia updated the climate control panel, installing a dual-function, touch-sensing system that allows you to switch between two different menus. Based on my experience in other Kias with this design, it looks modern and minimalistic but can be a hassle to use.
Kia kicks the K5’s standard turbocharged engine to the curb this year, replacing the turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
The new engine makes 191 horsepower, an 11-hp improvement. However, it makes 181 pound-feet of torque, a loss of 15 lb-ft. In addition, the turbo four supplied its peak torque from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The 2.5-liter likely requires extra revving to reach its lower maximum torque peak.
An eight-speed automatic transmission remains standard, powering the K5’s front wheels. All-wheel drive is an option with GT-Line trim.
If you want to go faster, the 2025 Kia K5 GT solves your need for speed. It continues to offer a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, delivering a robust 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It flows through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) to, what’s this? The front wheels? Yikes.
Kia adds more standard safety features and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) to the 2025 K5. For example, the base K5 LXS now has adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.
Thanks to the new digital instrumentation, all but the LXS offer a camera-based Blind View Monitor that shows a live video feed of what’s in the K5’s blind spots. It does not replace the traditional blind-spot warning system. Instead, it adds an extra layer of safety.
The Kia K5’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) infotainment system is a significant improvement over the car’s previous technology.
One example is the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which previously was unavailable for most trim levels. In addition, the CCNC provides modern and sophisticated graphics, faster response to inputs, and supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system remains available in the 2025 Kia K5.
In addition, the refreshed K5 will offer digital key technology that transforms your smartphone into the vehicle’s key. It lets you unlock, start, and drive the car using your Kia smartphone app.
In recent years, the midsize sedan segment has withered. However, the updated 2025 K5 will square off against several rivals, including the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry. Others may include the Chevrolet Malibu and Subaru Legacy if they remain available in 2025.
Kia is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 7, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with nearly 30 years of experience in test-driving vehicles. In addition to JDPower.com, his work has appeared in numerous new and used-car buying guides, newspapers, and automotive industry trade journals.
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