“The Bose systems are a nice mid range higher quality system, my vehicle has 12 speakers and enough power to drive them.”
2025 Kia K5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2025 Kia K5 gets a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised front and rear styling. It is a meaningful update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2025 Kia K5
Current U.S. K5 generation introduced for 2021; 2025 is the mid-cycle refresh.
Kia positions the K5 as the bold, sporty choice in the midsize sedan class. It mixes everyday five-passenger practicality with more dramatic styling than many rivals, a strong standard safety and tech load, and features some competitors do not pair together, such as available AWD and a true performance trim with 290 horsepower. For most shoppers, the K5 is the midsize sedan that tries to feel more expressive and more driver-focused without giving up comfort or daily usability.
The LXS is the straightforward entry model with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a broad safety package, while the GT-Line adds sportier trim, heated seats, navigation, and is the only version found with AWD. The EX focuses on comfort with ventilated seats, Bose audio, and paired 12.3-inch displays; the GT is the performance version with a 290-hp turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, and larger brakes.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The LXS, GT-Line, and EX replace the 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine with a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic. The GT keeps its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
Styling
The front and rear are restyled with Star Map LED daytime running lights, revised bumpers, and new wheel designs. Kia also updates the cabin and center-console layout.
Safety
Adaptive cruise control that can stop and restart with traffic and front and rear parking sensors become standard across the lineup. Automatic emergency braking expands to detect cyclists and help when turning across traffic at a junction.
Tech
Every trim gets a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims use newer touchscreen software that supports remote updates.
2025 Kia K5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 33 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 290 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 182 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 182 lb-ft | 182 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.6 cu-ft | 15.6 cu-ft | 15.6 cu-ft | 15.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Kia K5 a full redesign?
No. The 2025 Kia K5 is a mid-cycle refresh of the generation introduced for 2021. It receives updated styling, powertrain, technology, and safety equipment without moving to a new platform.
Did the 2025 Kia K5 get a new engine?
Yes, on most trims. The 2025 LXS, GT-Line, and EX switch from a 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine to a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The GT retains its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
Does every 2025 Kia K5 have the larger touchscreen and wireless phone integration?
Yes. Every 2025 Kia K5 has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
Which 2025 Kia K5 trim has AWD?
The GT-Line is the only 2025 Kia K5 trim found with AWD. The LXS, EX, and performance-focused GT use front-wheel drive.
What safety equipment became standard on the 2025 Kia K5?
Adaptive cruise control that can stop and restart with traffic and front and rear parking sensors became standard across the 2025 K5 lineup. Automatic emergency braking also gained cyclist detection and help for turns across traffic at a junction.
2025 Kia K5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2025 Kia K5.
4.0
2025 Kia K5
(22 reviews)
“If you want something that's not super common, nice infotainment, pretty fast with a DCT, and are ok with no LSD, the K5 GT is the car for you.”