2025 Kia K5: Fresh Styling, Updated Safety Tech, New 2.5L Engine & Starting MSRP

2025 Kia K5 Summary Points

• The 2025 Kia K5 debuted at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show with new styling, a revised interior, and more driving aids.

• New for the 2025 Kia K5 is a more potent 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder to replace the outgoing variant’s 1.6-liter turbo engine.

• The K5 has a standard front-wheel drivetrain, although all-wheel drive is optional for the GT-Line.

2025 Kia K5: What’s New?

The 2025 Kia K5 has received a mid-cycle refresh to keep it savvy in the company of its popular Accord, Camry, and Sonata competition.

The mildly facelifted Kia K5 debuts more angular styling cues with new Star Map LED front daytime running lights that slice through the fenders and front bumper. The Star Map theme extends to the rear with redesigned taillights, a standard rear spoiler, and dual or quad muffler tips.

Meanwhile, the K5 GT gets upward-pointing fins in the lower front bumper for a more aggressive maw.

There are new 16-inch (K5 LXS) and 18-inch (K5 EX and GT-Line) wheel designs, while the K5 GT has redesigned 19-inch wheels garbed in high-performance 245/40R19 Pirelli P-Zero tires.

2025 Kia K5 Powertrain

Gone is the 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo that came standard in the 2024 Kia K5 LXS, EX, and GT-Line. Kia believes there’s no replacement for displacement, so it gave a new naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-banger a tour of duty in the 2025 Kia K5.

New Naturally Aspirated Engine

For the 2025 model year, the new 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine is standard for the LXS, EX, and GT-Line. The new engine produces 191 horsepower, 11 more than the 1.6-liter turbo, but pumps out less torque at 181 lb-ft. (the 1.6-liter turbo of the 2024 K5 is rated at 195 lb-ft. of torque).

For the 2025 model year, the 2.5-liter four cylinder connects to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels. The K5 GT-Line has an optional all-wheel drivetrain.

GT Engine

While the LXS, EX, and GT-Line will see an engine change, the 2025 K5 GT will soldier on with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. With 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. of torque, the K5 GT is Kia’s most powerful sedan.

The K5 GT is exclusively available with a front-wheel drivetrain