Kia’s inexpensive midsize sedan, the K5, is getting an replace for 2025. Modifications embrace a brand new engine, new cabin tech, and a love-it-or-hate-it lighting scheme you’ll immediately acknowledge if you see it. However the K5 retains the lengthy guarantee and sporty character that sneak it into the highest half of the midsize automobile class in our rankings.
Extra Highly effective Base Engine
Since its 2019 redesign (when Kia modified its title from Optima), the K5 has been among the many sportiest selections in household vehicles.
However the base engine within the present mannequin — a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder placing out 180 horsepower — has by no means been greater than enough.
For 2025, enough gained’t do. Kia will as an alternative put a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine in most fashions. It’s good for 191 horsepower, and its simplicity ought to consolation those that fear {that a} turbocharger simply provides upkeep issues years down the road. Energy goes to the entrance wheels by way of an 8-speed automated transmission, with all-wheel drive (AWD) out there on the GT-Line trim.
The sporty GT mannequin’s powertrain stays the identical for 2025 — a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powerplant mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission (DCT).
Mike Tyson Face Tattoo Lights
The automobile’s form stays principally the identical, however a brand new entrance fascia will earn a number of consideration. Kia has embraced a “star map” lighting theme with its current designs — lighting components made from strains of LEDs joined at sharp angles. The K5 will get a protracted, dramatic form in vivid yellow that has divided the KBB editorial crew.
Some see a dramatic form that can assist the automobile break by way of the noise and turn out to be recognizable. Others see Mike Tyson’s face tattoo or the headdress of an area villain in a Marvel film.
Like it or hate it, you’ll discover it.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Over-the-Air Updates
Inside, the 12-inch driver’s instrument display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen can be found mounted in a “single-pane curved show.” It’s a glance borrowed from luxurious vehicles and sister firm Hyundai’s EVs and lends the K5 an upscale really feel. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are actually normal on each trim stage.
“Kia’s new Linked Automotive Navigation Cockpit (‘ccNC’) system processes sooner and in larger constancy, with often used Fast Controls out there with a swipe on the display,” Kia says. The tech additionally permits over-the-air updates, which could save house owners a visit to the dealership for upgrades and recall service.
Beneath, you’ll discover a set of knobs that may be toggled between controlling the audio system or the HVAC system. Kia additionally makes use of that method in its Niro, and our editors have discovered it irritating. It’s straightforward to overlook which setting the knobs are controlling and switch up the warmth to listen to a track higher. House owners could get used to checking — however they’ll need to take their eyes off the highway to do it.
It’s a minor criticism, although. The K5 retains its most interesting characteristic — a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
