Kia’s on a roll right now. From a feature-packed three-row SUV to a minivan that somehow manages to be cool, they’re nailing the value game. So it’s no surprise their midsize sedan, the refreshed 2025 K5, is stepping up as the smartest buy in its class.
The midsize sedan market is stacked with big names like theHonda AccordandToyota Camry, but Kia isn’t backing down. With a few sharp updates for 2025, the K5 is bringing serious style, tech, and performance to the table—all without the sticker shock.
In this breakdown, we’ll show you exactly why the K5 is such a standout. From its competitive starting price to theupgrades that make it feel like a class above, here’s how Kia’s latest sedan is ready to shake things up.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Kia website and other authoritative sources, including CarBuzz, Car and Driver, and the EPA.
Kia’s Sleek 2025 K5 Sedan Kicks Off at Just $27,190
While the 2025 Kia K5 got a small price bump over theoutgoing model, it brought enough upgrades to make it more than worth it. Starting at $27,190, it still undercuts big-name rivals like the Accord ($28,295) and Camry ($28,700) without sacrificing quality or features.
$27,190
$28,190
$33,290
$34,690
Kia really went all in with the K5. NoKorean sedancurrently packs this much style, tech, and value into one package.
You’ve got four trims to choose from. The GT-Line adds sporty touches and is the only one with available all-wheel drive, while the full-blown GT cranks up the performance with a punchier engine and sharper handling. Then there’s the EX, which leans into luxury with a cabin that feels more Euro than econobox.
What’s New for the 2025 Kia K5? Here’s What’s Changed
The K5 got a mid-cycle refresh for 2025 that shook up its look in all the right ways. New headlights and taillights give it a sharper, more modern vibe compared to the previous model.
Inside, the upgrades continue. Every K5 comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that cleverly shares a bezel with the gauges, while some trims offer a full 12-inch digital gauge cluster.
There’s been a big shake-up under the hood, too. The GT keeps its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, but the base trims ditch the old 1.6-liter turbo for a naturally aspirated engine that packs a bit more punch.
Why the GT-Line Is the Sweet Spot for K5 Buyers
We already know the K5 stands out as the top Korean ride around. But the GT-Line? That’s where you get the most bang for your buck.
For just a grand more than the base model, the GT-Line loads you up with a ton of extra gear—and opens the door to some seriously cool upgrades.
2025 Kia K5 GT-Line Highlights
Compared to the base K5, the GT-Line strikes a great balance between sporty style and a wallet-friendly price. We’d personally spring for the all-wheel drive option—it’s an extra $1,600, but totally worth it if you deal with unpredictable weather.
The GT-Line steps up with a sportier body kit, giving the front and rear a sharper look than the base model. It rolls on 18-inch wheels instead of 16s, and inside you get nice touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a wireless charging pad.
Level-Up Things Further With the GT-Line Premium Package
If you’re open to spending a bit more, the GT-Line’s Premium Package is definitely worth it. At $2,000 extra, it bumps the AWD GT-Line to $31,790—still a steal for an AWD sports sedan packed with features.
This package brings some seriously cool upgrades likeadaptive cruise control, advanced collision warnings, and bright LED headlights. Plus, you get mood-boosting LED interior lights, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system to elevate your drive.
The 2025 Kia K5 Has a New 2.5-Liter Engine Under the Hood
Kia swapped out the old 1.6-liter engine in favor of a beefier 2.5-liter for the 2025 model, giving the K5 a welcome boost in power. The best part? Fuel economy stays nearly the same.
It’s yet another smart upgrade in a long list of improvements—all while keeping the price hike minimal. Kia’s clearly aiming to give you more without asking for much more.
2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four
8-speed automatic
191 hp
181 lb-ft
Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
The 2024 K5 came with a 1.6-liter turbo pushing out 180 horsepower, but for 2025, Kia ups the ante with a 2.5-liter engine that adds 11 more ponies. Torque takes a slight dip, but it’s subtle enough that most drivers won’t feel a difference—overall, it’s a solid upgrade.
Front-wheel drive is standard across all trims, but the GT-Line is your only option if you want all-wheel drive. Every model gets an eight-speed automatic, though the high-performance GT scores a beefed-up version for a sportier feel.
26 mpg
37 mpg
30 mpg
24 mpg
33 mpg
27 mpg
Fuel economyon the non-turbo K5s is surprisingly solid, especially if you stick with front-wheel drive. For the best mileage, the base model is your go-to—the bigger wheels on higher trims, like the GT-Line, do shave off a few MPGs.
That’s also why the all-wheel-drive version sees a noticeable dip in efficiency—it’s only offered on the GT-Line, which comes standard with those larger 18-inch wheels. So, it’s a trade-off: more grip and style, slightly less fuel savings.
The K5 Packs Up to 290 Horses in Its High-Performance GT Trim
If you’re after something with a bit more punch, the K5 GT delivers serious bang for your buck. It builds on all the great features of the lineup and adds a much more powerful engine under the hood.
Starting at $33,290, the K5 GT is a killer choice for anyone wanting an affordable entry into theworld of sport sedans, without skimping on style or speed.
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four
290 hp
311 lb-ft
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
5.2 seconds (Car and Driver)
155 mph
The leap from the base K5 to the GT is no joke—the turbocharged engine cranks out nearly 100 extra horses. It also swaps in a slick dual-clutch eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters for a much sportier feel behind the wheel.
But it’s not just about power. The GT comes loaded with upgrades like bigger brakes, a stiffer sport-tuned suspension, and a sharp-sounding quad-tip dual exhaust that really brings the drama. If the standard K5 feels a little too tame, the GT is your ticket to turning up the fun.
