- Kia drew back the curtains on the U.S. spec for the 2025 K5 sedan, showing updated styling in line with what we saw on the Korea-market car in October.
- The front and rear ends of the mid-size sedan are restyled with new daytime running lights, and the interior hosts a larger central touchscreen.
- The big news is the new 191-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which takes over as the standard engine for all but the GT trim. There's no official date yet, but we're expecting to see the K5 on dealer lots sometime in the spring.
After first revealing the Korea-market car back in October, Kia revealed the U.S.-specification K5 sedan at the Chicago auto show today. Along with revised front and rear ends, the mid-size sedan gains new tech, more standard features, and a new engine for the base models.
Fewer Turbos, More Power
When Kia revealed the Korea-market K5 back in October, we professed that we weren't expecting any major changes to the mid-size sedan's powertrain. Unfortunately, we can't bat a thousand (please don't tell your friends; our ego is fragile), even though we strive to be as close as possible. Thankfully, while we were wrong, we're happy to report that the 2025 K5 is up on standard power.
Gone is the 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder previously found in most K5s. In its stead is a new (for the K5) 191-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder for all but the GT trim. The new engine still pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard and all-wheel drive is available, though only on the GT-Line. Unfortunately, the loss of a turbo has resulted in less torque, with the 2.5-liter engine producing 181 pound-feet compared to the old 1.6's 195.
The much more powerful GT returns with an unchanged powertrain. It's once again propelled by a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-pot mated to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic that it shares with the Hyundai Sonata N Line. The sportiest K5 features bigger brakes, a unique suspension tune, and wider tires on larger 19-inch rims.
A New Look
Just like the Korean version, the U.S. K5 adds new headlights and taillights for its restyled front and rear ends. The re-visioned front end incorporates new amber-colored daytime running lights carved into the K5's front end in a zigzag pattern. Around the back, the taillights are larger than before and slash downward into the bumper.
There's a plethora of new wheel choices as well, with the base LXS trim riding on a set of 16-inch wheels and the EX and GT-Line coming standard with unique 18-inch wheel designs. At the top of the lineup, the GT earns 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/40R-19 Pirelli P-Zero rubber. The GT also gets a standard set of bright green brake calipers to match the seat stitching.
It's What's Inside That Counts
Speaking of seat stitching, the interior of the 2025 K5 is overhauled with new tech and a few quality-of-life improvements. Available as an option, the new 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and new standard 12.3-inch central touchscreen can be stuffed behind a single piece of curved glass. Kia has added the wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features across the K5 lineup. The screen is also more responsive, and over-the-air updates are now possible.
Controls for HVAC and audio are updated to Kia's familiar one-screen, two-function format. The small screen toggles between the two functions, letting you change the A/C or volume with a single dial. Changes for 2025 are rounded out with a new center console that gets larger cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and USB-C ports for the front and rear.
As for when you can expect the K5 to start showing up on sale, Kia hasn't offered any specific dates, but we're expecting they'll begin hitting dealer lots in the spring. Official pricing should be released in the months before then. Even with the new standard features, we aren't expecting to see a major jump over the 2024 model's $26,745 entry price.
Jack Fitzgerald
Associate News Editor
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
FAQs
Kia doesn't change much for the K5 for 2024, but what they have done is sweeten the equipment for the GT-Line trim level.
How much horsepower does the Kia K5 turbo have? ›
With the base LXS trim, the K5 comes with: 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Eight-speed automatic transmission.
What is the transmission problem on the Kia K5? ›
(Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power. Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary.
Is there going to be a 2025 Kia K5? ›
of torque, the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. The 2025 Kia K5 is expected to arrive at Kia dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.
Which Kia K5 is the fastest? ›
The GT we drove sprinted to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and stopped from 70 mph in 163 feet. The Sonata N Line, which shares the same engine and transmission, was slightly quicker to 60 mph (5.0 seconds) and stopped even shorter (152 feet).
What is the fastest K5 trim? ›
For those seeking enhanced performance and peak 2023 Kia K5 horsepower, there's only one answer: the 2023 Kia K5 GT trim. With its 290-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the K5 GT excels in speed and acceleration.
What is the most common problem in Kia K5? ›
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also noted complaints, with the electrical system, engine, and airbags being areas of concern. These issues have led to the 2021 Kia K5 being one of the years to avoid when considering a used purchase.
Which Kia K5 has 290 horsepower? ›
The price of the 2023 Kia K5 starts at $26,415 and goes up to $32,815 depending on the trim and options. For those who don't care about the extra firepower that comes with the GT's 290-hp engine, the GT-Line has a satisfying mix of racy styling elements at a very attractive price.
How fast is the Kia K5 1.6 Turbo? ›
With the proper configuration and driving conditions, the K5 should max out at about 155 miles per hour.
What is the Kia engine problem? ›
Hyundai/Kia: 2.0-L & 2.4-L Four-Cylinder
These engines have been known to spontaneously seize, leading to potential engine failure. The problem arises from metallic debris left behind during the manufacturing process, which restricts oil flow to connecting rod bearings, causing them to wear and fail.
Here are a few models with the most problems and suggestions of better options according to The Consumer Report.
- Chevrolet Traverse:
- Nissan Altima:
- Nissan Rogue:
- Infinite QX60:
- Nissan Murano:
- Nissan Pathfinder:
Over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2021 K5 has received 43 complaints, with the top trouble spots being the electrical system, engine, airbags, and forward collision avoidance.
Does Kia K5 last long? ›
With the proper care from Kia-trained technicians the K5 can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
Will there be a 2024 Kia K5? ›
KIA ANNOUNCES 2024 K5. IRVINE, Calif., June 12, 2023 – Entering its fourth model year, the boldly styled K5 sport sedan carries over into 2024 with only one change: the GT-Line FWD trim adds heated front seats standard.
What is the best Kia K5 model? ›
Kia K5 GT. The highest tier K5 trim allows for plenty of top-tier interior and performance features like: 2.5L Turbocharged engine. 8-Speed Quick Shift DCT Auto Transmission.
Will there be a Kia K5 2024? ›
KIA ANNOUNCES 2024 K5. IRVINE, Calif., June 12, 2023 – Entering its fourth model year, the boldly styled K5 sport sedan carries over into 2024 with only one change: the GT-Line FWD trim adds heated front seats standard.
What is the difference between the 2024 and 2023 K5? ›
The only difference between the 2024 Kia K5 and the 2023 Kia K5 is you get heated front seats as standard equipment for the GT-Line.
What is the difference between the Kia K5 2024 and 2023? ›
For 2024, the only change is the addition of standard heated seats on the GT-Line FWD trim. That follows Kia's habit of gradually adding new features to the K5 each year; for 2023 details like laminated windows, a heated steering wheel, and panoramic moonroof were added depending on trim level.
Will the K5 be redesigned? ›
Kia drew back the curtains on the U.S. spec for the 2025 K5 sedan, showing updated styling in line with what we saw on the Korea-market car in October. The front and rear ends of the mid-size sedan are restyled with new daytime running lights, and the interior hosts a larger central touchscreen.
