The introduction of the K4 is Kia’s most significant news for 2025. The compact sedan replaces the Forte in the Korean automaker’s lineup, but it’s distinctly larger and more stylish than its predecessor. Offering two powertrain options and nearly 30 inches of display screens, the K4 breathes some fresh air into what was becoming a stale segment.
Beyond the K4, Kia gives its EV6 battery-electric crossover a facelift and increases its range. The Carnival minivan also gets a styling revamp, making it look more like an SUV.
Changes to the individual 2025 Kia model lines are listed below alphabetically.
The refreshed 2025 Kia Carnival minivan has a bold SUV-like exterior featuring a sculptural grille, intricate headlamps, and amber-colored daytime running lights. The revised interior features a curved panoramic display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and an optional full-color head-up display. Seating up to eight, the Carnival offers discrete, minimalist controls and large-capacity dual cupholders.
The 2025 Carnival Hybrid has a new powertrain teaming a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, a 54-kilowatt (kW) electric motor, and six-speed automatic transmission to deliver 242 horsepower. With a 2,500-pound towing capacity, it offers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the conventionally powered Carnival continues to feature a 287-hp 3.5-liter V6.
Exterior changes to the 2025 EV6 include new headlights and daytime running lights. It also sees improved steering response and an electric tilt/telescopic steering wheel.
Kia equips the 2025 EV6 with a larger battery option to increase range. While the standard 63-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery teamed with a rear-mounted electric motor offers 240 miles of range, the 84-kWh battery offers the 225-hp rear-wheel-drive (RWD) versions of the Light Long Range (LR), Wind, and GT-Line trim levels an all-electric range of 319 miles.
The more powerful all-wheel-drive (AWD) EV6 SUVs add a second motor to deliver 320 hp and 295 miles of range, while the EV6 GT makes 601 hp and delivers 231 miles of range. The GT also features a new virtual gear shift feature that enhances driving engagement. All 2025 EV6s offer DC fast charging with an 800-volt system, a charge port relocated to the left rear fender, and improvements to the Integrated Converter Control Unit.
The Kia EV9 SUV undergoes minimal changes as it flips from 2024 to 2025. Kia makes a front sunroof standard on the Light LR RWD trim, and it deletes the relaxation seat package from the Land AWD.
The 2025 K4 compact sedan replaces the Forte in the Kia lineup. Endowed with head-turning exterior styling, it also offers a spacious interior with what Kia claims are class-leading rear legroom and headroom. The well-designed cabin incorporates an acoustic windshield, Harman Kardon audio, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The multi-segment cockpit display includes nearly 30 inches of digital screens, and frequently used controls are available with a swipe on the screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all K4 trims, while the available Digital Key 2.0 allows customers to use their compatible Apple and Samsung smart devices to perform various functions remotely.
The K4 also offers a plethora of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features, including blind-spot warning and automatic emergency steering. The sedan has two powertrain options: a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an optional 190-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.
The 2025 Kia K5 features design enhancements that align with the automaker’s “Opposites United” brand theme. It features “Star Map” LED front running lights, flared satin-metal-look fins, and angular taillights.
The interior includes a single-pane curved display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system. The K5 line also features revamped heater/audio controls, a revised center console, and wireless device charging ports.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine muscles up 11 hp to 191 hp, while the GT's powertrain remains unchanged at 290 hp. The GT-Line offers AWD. The K5 also includes standard ADAS like navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and front and rear parking sensors.
Changes to all three Kia Niro variants—Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and all-electric Niro EV—are minor for 2025. All trims now have standard rear seat belt pre-tensioners. The PHEV SX Touring trim now comes with the Cold Weather package, which adds heated rear seats and a positive temperature coefficient heater to help preserve the all-electric range.
The Seltos small crossover sees several new features for the 2025 model year, including the standard rear parking distance warning on EX and SX trims and a power liftgate on EX AWD and SX trims. The S trim gets a new driver power window with auto up/down, integrated 4.25-inch TFT information cluster, and 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Lastly, a power sunroof is now available on the EX trim.
Kia gave the Sorento Hybrid and PHEV variants a facelift in 2024. For 2025, the X-Line and X-Pro trims get black Kia logo and Sorento liftgate badging.
For 2025, the Kia Soul launches a Soulmate Special Edition with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone roof, lower body cladding, umber interior color, synthetic-and-cloth seating, and Harman Kardon premium audio.
Kia has already announced and shown a significantly revamped Sportage, which will go to market as a 2026 model. At the same time, the 2024 Sportage carries over into 2025 with few changes. The EX trim now offers a Premium package with a panoramic sunroof and power liftgate, while the X-Line and X-Pro trims feature dark-themed exterior design enhancements.
While the Telluride SUV is largely unchanged mechanically for 2025, Kia has wrought some notable enhancements. All trims get new standard second-row side airbags and Highway Driving Assist 1.5. Upgraded technology includes a dual 12.3-inch-screen integrated display.
The X-Line and X-Pro exterior designs feature standard gloss black accents, including roof rails and emblems. The X-Pro AWD trim now offers increased towing capacity and improved off-road capabilities. At the same time, it and the X-Line now feature a new terracotta interior color and embossed front seats.
Kia is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 12, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
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