New and Improved Kia K5: Powerful Performance and Enhanced Sporty Design

Coming to America: The highly-anticipated debut is just around the corner!

After being unveiled globally last year, Kia has now revealed the US specifications for their updated 2025 K5. The stylish midsize sedan will make its US debut at the Chicago Auto Show and boasts a refreshed exterior design, increased standard luxury and safety features, and a rare change in today’s market – a bigger naturally aspirated engine replacing the previous 1.6-liter turbo.The handsome 2025 Kia K5 has been given a makeover on the outside, with a more modern and sleek appearance. Moving inside, the interior has also received updates, including enhanced materials and features to provide a more luxurious driving experience.Safety has also been given top priority in this new version, as the 2025 Kia K5 comes equipped with advanced safety features as standard. These include blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and forward collision avoidance assist.But perhaps the most noteworthy update to the 2025 Kia K5 is the replacement of the 1.6-liter turbo engine with a larger, more powerful naturally aspirated option. This change not only increases the car’s performance, but also gives drivers a wider range of choices when it comes to engine sizes.With its impressive upgrades and improvements, the 2025 Kia K5 is set

Despite being a strong contender, the Kia has been met with challenge from the recently revamped Hyundai Sonata and the brand new Toyota Camry, a top-selling vehicle in the United States. Can the Kia maintain its standing in this fiercely competitive market?

No longer will you find the base 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in Kia’s lineup. Despite the current focus on smaller and more efficient engines, Kia has opted to replace this tiny motor with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine. For those interested, all-wheel drive can be added as an extra feature on the GT-Line model.

According to Kia, the latest powerplant boasts an extra 11 horsepower. Consequently, the improved engine now delivers a total of 191 horsepower and a torque measurement of 181 lb-ft. This power is transmitted to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking even more power, the GT-Line model remains an option with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. This version offers an impressive 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Hyundai recently made the decision to remove the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Sonata range, yet they did include a hybrid version. Surprisingly, the K5 models do not offer a similar hybrid option for efficient driving.

2025 offers a range of five different trim options: LXS, EX, GT-Line (available in FWD or AWD), and GT.

The sleek K5 receives a plethora of visual enhancements, as Kia adopts the ‘Opposites United’ approach to revamp the sedan’s appearance. Standard Star Map LED lights and DRLs add a touch of luxury, while the addition of amber-colored positioning lights gives the K5 a unique and eye-catching look. The bumper has also undergone a makeover, featuring a darker lower air intake for lower trims. GT models go a step further with satin-metal-look fins that perfectly complement the honeycomb grille pattern.

The back of the car has a comparable narrative, with the application of the Star Map concept to the latest taillight arrangement. The lightbar stands out more and curves towards a defined tip on the bottom bumper. It is evident that the K5 has taken cues from the EV9, especially at the back. Every model comes equipped with a built-in spoiler, but only upgraded trims boast dual exhaust tips and darker lower bumper accents. The GT features unique satin finishes on the bumper and quad exhaust tip finishers.

The base LXS model comes equipped with 16-inch wheels, while the EX and GT-Line options come with larger 18-inch alloys. For those wanting a more athletic look, the GT trim offers even bigger 19-inch wheels, wrapped in high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tires with a 245/40 size.

Kia has recently made enhancements to the interior of their latest model, the K5. One notable upgrade is the inclusion of a 12.3-inch touchscreen as a standard feature, which includes built-in navigation and supports wireless connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, drivers have the option to upgrade to a sleek curved display that combines the infotainment system and 12-inch digital instrument screen into one. Furthermore, the K5 now offers a wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C charging ports for both front and rear passengers.

The ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) presents a quicker response time, while ongoing OTA (over-the-air) updates continuously enhance the system with cutting-edge functionalities and configurations. The dashboard has been elevated to a more sophisticated level, featuring a fresh center console, revamped climate controls, and roomier cupholders.

Even the base LXS model boasts robust safety features. Standard equipment includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, as well as forward collision avoidance and park distance warning for both the front and rear of the vehicle. Higher trim levels such as the EX, GT-Line, and GT ADAS come equipped with Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist, providing enhanced assistance on longer journeys. Additionally, EX models are equipped with a blind view monitor, parking collision avoidance assist, and a surround-view monitor, which are all optional upgrades on the GT trim.

Customers who opt for the GT-Line have the option of adding a Premium Package to their purchase. This package includes a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system, and LED interior lighting. For those interested in the GT model, there is a GT-1 package available which includes features like a digital key, blind view monitor, Gloss Black 19-inch wheels, and park distance warning for the side of the vehicle, among other additions.

Kia has yet to disclose the release date, however, we anticipate that the 2025 K5 will be available at dealerships by the end of this year. The pricing details are likely to be revealed closer to the launch date.