2025 Kia K5 Rolls Out With Revised Exterior Design, Larger Standard Engine

A member of the Gamma II engine family, the 1.6er belts out a respectable 180 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute and 195 pound-feet (264 Nm) between 1,500 and 4,500 revolutions per minute. For 2025, the Theta III naturally aspirated 2.5er makes 191 horsepower at 6,100 revolutions per minute and 181.5 pound-feet (246 Nm) of torque at 4,000 revolutions per minute. Gas mileage estimates sadly aren't available for the time being.

At the other end of the spectrum, the GT retains the 2024 model's turbocharged 2.5-liter mill. In force-fed specification, this engine develops 290 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute and 311 pound-feet (422 Nm) from 1,650 to 4,000 revolutions per minute. Unfortunately, the GT cannot be had with all-wheel drive. The GT further differs from lesser trims by means of a dual-clutch gearbox as opposed to a torque-converter tranny.

Regardless of engine, transmission, and trim level, the 2025 Kia K5 is equipped with a fuel tank rated at 15.8 gallons (make that 60 liters in the metric system). Also new for this model year, the K5 gets more standard kit in the form of a curved panel that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, over-the-air software updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an enhanced ADAS suite.

Standard advanced driving assistance goodies now include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with junction turning and cyclist detection, Park Distance Warning – Forward, and Park Distance Warning – Reverse. That's not all, though. From the EX trim level up, customers are further presented with the likes of Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and Blind View Monitor.

The list continues with Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, and Park Distance Warning. From the standpoint of exterior design, the easiest way of telling the 2025 model apart from the 2024 are the taillights. Kia redesigned the headlights as well, giving the K5 a more dynamic appearance. The entry-level LXS gets 16-inch alloys, whereas the EX and GT-Line feature 18-inch wheels. The 2.5-liter turbocharged GT dons 19s with Pirelli P-Zero rubber boots measuring 245/40 by 19 inches at every corner.

Below the touchscreen infotainment system, you will find a slim panel with touch-based controls. The driver can toggle between HVAC and audio controls, with said panel flanked by two good ol' knobs. Lower down, you'll notice a revised center console with a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone and slightly larger cupholders. USB-C ports fore and aft also need to be mentioned.

Pricing information hasn't been announced yet, nor has Kia revealed when the 2025 K5 will go on sale. In the meantime, remember that Kia's front-biased sedan could join the Stinger in car heaven in the near future. Hyundai is also expected to discontinue the Sonata at the end of the current generation's life cycle, although both the K5 and Sonata still have a few years left in them. After all, the current generations both rolled out in 2019 for MY2020 in the Sonata's case and MY2021 in the K5's case.

Based on their deliveries, Kia and Hyundai could very well discontinue their mid-size sedans in the near future. The K5 moved 64,772 units last year in the US market, whereas the Sonata couldn't do better than 45,344 units. By comparison, the segment-leading Camry sold 290,649 examples.