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Thanks: Greenway KIA Hickory Hollow 2025 Kia K5 Review Price $26,990 - $34,490 Pros Even more standard features Great safety record Bold exterior styling Cons Likely not as sporty as it looks Still no hybrid Tough competition from Accord 2025 Kia K5 Expert Review Reviewed by Billy Rehbock Kia brings uncommon style to the midsize sedan segment with the K5, once known as the Optima before this current-generation model was introduced for 2021. A significant refresh arrives for 2025 , with changes similar to those its platform counterpart, the Hyundai Sonata, received last year . Rivals to the K5 include segment favorites like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima . What's New Headlights look even more distinctive Prominent larger taillight Trunklid gains integrated spoiler Fresh wheel designs Naturally aspirated I-4 replaces turbocharged engine Larger infotainment touchscreen with new operating system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard Standard wireless charging pad and USB-C ports Center console gains HVAC touch panel and larger cupholders Additional driver assist and active safety features Bright green brake calipers and interior trim for GT trim What We Think With its updated and even more edgy styling, the Kia K5 is perhaps the most exciting looking sedan in the midsize segment. We just hope the refreshed model is more fun to drive. The previous base turbocharged powertrain was somewhat of a letdown, and we were unimpressed with the K5's ride and handling. The new naturally aspirated I-4 engine isn't one we know to perform strongly. However, the K5 GT, with its tire-smoking turbocharged engine and upgraded performance parts, cashes the checks written by its styling. We expect the updated K5 will remain a strong feature-per-dollar value. Even the base trim gains useful driver assist tech. Its subtly reworked cabin benefits from larger cupholders and a standard wireless charging pad, although the new dual-function climate control panel may not be so user-friendly, if our experience with other Kia models with a similar setup is any indication. That's contrasted by the enlarged infotainment touchscreen, which runs Kia's improved and faster operating system. Now to an even greater extent, the K5 looks more sporty and fun than it actually is. But if you're after a solid midsize sedan with plenty of space and useful features—that also just so happens to have stand-out styling—the 2025 K5 is a good bet. Performance and MPGs A new base engine is equipped in the 2025 K5. Instead of the turbocharged I-4 used previously, a naturally aspirated I-4 becomes standard. The new engine makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, changes from 180 hp and 195 lb-ft previously. An eight-speed automatic transmission carries over, with FWD standard and AWD available. Previous K5 models we've tested with the base engine have reached 60 mph in seconds, and the new model may yield similar results. If the 2024 Hyundai Sonata, which uses the same powertrain as the updated K5, is any indication, fuel economy may fall slightly from the outgoing 1.6 engine, coming in at about 25/34-36 mpg city/highway. Upgrading to the Kia K5 GT employs a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 290 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This model uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which enabled a 0-60 mph sprint of just 5.4 seconds in our testing. Fuel economy remains in the ballpark of 24/32 mpg. Safety Ratings and Features In every year from its 2021 introduction and onward, the K5 has earned the highest five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Expect the 2025 K5 to continue that trend. Read More
