2025 Kia K5 First Look Review: Giving The Sedan New Life (2024)

by Karl Furlong

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Assuming there are no powertrain changes for local models, the price of the 2025 Kia K5 will likely not stray too far from the 2024 version. The 2024 model begins at $25,390 and increases to $31,790 for the GT. A $1,500 increase seems reasonable for the updated model.

This car's primary rivals include the enduring Toyota Camry and fresh-faced Honda Accord. Both are offered with hybrid options, unlike local K5s. The 2024 Camry starts at a cost of $26,420, while the 2024 Accord's base MSRP is $27,895.

There was nothing wrong with the Kia K5's exterior, already one of the most stylish cars in this class, but the Korean automaker has updated its appearance, anyway. Not every picture shared from out of Korea at this point is of the best quality, but we can see enough to pick up on the K5's revamped front fascia, including new headlight clusters, a fresh bumper, and the latest Kia Tiger Nose grille. The headlight lighting signature looks like Spiderman had a hand designing it, as it juts out in multiple directions like jagged spider's legs.

There appear to be some new wheel designs, while the rear aspect features a more elaborate taillight design that stretches much lower into the rear bumper. The exhaust outlets are different, too.

We don't have confirmation of the exterior colors for the latest Kia K5, but the current model's palette should be retained. That should include shades like Ebony Black, Everlasting Silver, Passion Red, and Sapphire Blue. For Korea, the 2025 K5 will be available in two new colors, Wolf Gray and Moonscape Matte Gray.

The K5 is available with features like power-folding exterior mirrors, LED lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

As this is a facelifted model, the dimensions of the Kia K5 are unlikely to change much from the 2024 version. That suggests a 112.2-inch wheelbase with a length of 193.1 inches. The width is 73.2 inches, and the height is 56.9 inches.

If the powertrains don't change, the base model will weigh around 3,148 pounds, increasing to over 3,500 lbs for the powerful GT.

An engine change isn't expected for the 2025 Kia K5 in the USA, but this is unconfirmed. The range should start with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged mill that produces 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Most models are front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. With this engine, a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission is used. According to independent tests, a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds should be expected with this engine.

Kia K5 GT models have a larger 2.5-liter turbo-four making 290 hp and 311 lb-ft, far out-muscling the base engine. It needs about 5.2 seconds to hit 60 mph, an impressive time for a sensible midsize sedan. This model feels much sportier to drive with its eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Kia did not mention the 290-hp K5 in the release for the facelifted model, and we sincerely hope it hasn't been discontinued in this region.

We'd love to see a hybrid option come here to compete with the electrified Camry and Accord.

A series of smaller changes were highlighted to improve the K5's ride comfort and refinement. That includes a retuned suspension and revised suspension materials. Double-laminated sound-insulating glass has been extended to the rear for an even quieter cabin, and the front/rear wheel members have received attention to reduce road noise.

The most efficient K5 - based on 2024 EPA ratings - is the 1.6L with FWD. It manages 27/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined. With AWD, those specs drop to 25/33/28 mpg. The GT with the larger 2.5L only comes with FWD and returns 24/32/27 mpg.

Without a hybrid, the new Kia K5 sedan can't match the gas mileage of the Camry and Accord, which return up to 52 mpg and 48 mpg combined, respectively.

All K5s have a 15.8-gallon gas tank, enough for a range of between 427 and 490 miles.

Based on the Korean model, local Kia K5s are in line for quite a comprehensive interior update. In place of analog dials or the gauge cluster, there is a new screen, now sitting alongside a center touchscreen under a single panel. The gauge cluster measures 12.3 inches and seems to be about the same size as the new touchscreen.

For the latest infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will still be offered, but Kia mentioned new streaming content. Over-the-air software updates will be available, too.

We can also spot slightly restyled center vents and a new rotary gear selector inside, replacing the more conventional shift lever used before while freeing up extra storage space. The steering wheel has a fresh look, too. The model in these pictures seems to be a more expensive trim, as the seats in this Kia K5 have a classy quilted finish and brown color. Sand, Martian Brown, and black were the interior colors mentioned. A black package of sorts includes a black suede headlining for the cabin.

Tech upgrades include the Kia Digital Key 2, allowing drivers to unlock the car or start it remotely via their smartphones. Different user profiles can be linked to this system, and fingerprint recognition allows further personalized access. A built-in camera system can record and store footage, but as with the other features mentioned here, not everything has been confirmed for the local market yet. A Krell sound system was mentioned, but local models may stick with the optional Bose unit.

The cargo space in the latest Kia K5 should match the 16 cubic feet of the current model behind the second row. This makes the trunk larger than the Camry's but smaller than the Accord's.

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