top of page

The Kia K5 midsize sedan is rolling into the 2025 model year with some revisions, which are essentially updates to styling, powertrains, and tech. The most notable change is the addition of a new naturally-aspirated engine for lower trims, as opposed to the current trend in which automakers are adding turbos everywhere.


Whereas last year's base engine came in the form of a 1.6 liter turbo, it has been replaced with a naturally-aspirated 2.5 liter inline-four engine. This enables a small gain in horsepower, with 191 hp as opposed to last year's 180, though though torque takes a hit at 181 lb-ft rather than the previous engine's 195 lb-ft. This engine sends power to the front wheels only through an eight-speed automatic transmission, though the GT-Line package upgrades it to all four wheels.


The range-topping K5 GT, meanwhile, is still powered by a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine. It continues to produce the same 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.




The K5 gets some cosmetic touchups as well, though you might have to squint to notice the changes at first. Up front, the thin "tiger nose" grille continues to feature sleek headlights at either side, which gain fresh DRL signatures. At the rear, the revisions are more noticeable, as the taillights now feature a sharp downward angle on each end. To round it all out, Kia has added refined bumper designs for both the front and rear, with the GT model in particular gaining larger intakes and a more aggressive rear diffuser.


The interior benefits from updates as well, with a more streamlined curved display atop the dashboard. It continues to integrate both the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment display, but it no longer has knobs and buttons in between. All models now support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia has also implemented its latest built-in navigation system for those who prefer not to mirror their smartphones.



More standard equipment is available on select trims, including the entry-level LXS, which adds smart cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and a parking distance warning. Moving up the trim ladder, the EX now comes standard with niceties such as a heated steering wheel, 10-way adjustable driver's seat, power-folding mirrors, a Bose premium audio system, and Digital Key 2.


The 2025 Kia K5 will begin arriving at dealers later in 2024, with pricing set to be announced closer to launch.


Image Credits: Kia
Revealed
Feb 21, 2024
 •

2025 Kia K5 Debuts With New Naturally-Aspirated Engine Taking Place Of Turbo

The refreshed sedan also benefits from the usual styling and tech updates.

The Kia K5 midsize sedan is rolling into the 2025 model year with some revisions, which are essentially updates to styling, powertrains, and tech. The most notable change is the addition of a new naturally-aspirated engine for lower trims, as opposed to the current trend in which automakers are adding turbos everywhere.


Whereas last year's base engine came in the form of a 1.6 liter turbo, it has been replaced with a naturally-aspirated 2.5 liter inline-four engine. This enables a small gain in horsepower, with 191 hp as opposed to last year's 180, though though torque takes a hit at 181 lb-ft rather than the previous engine's 195 lb-ft. This engine sends power to the front wheels only through an eight-speed automatic transmission, though the GT-Line package upgrades it to all four wheels.


The range-topping K5 GT, meanwhile, is still powered by a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine. It continues to produce the same 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.




The K5 gets some cosmetic touchups as well, though you might have to squint to notice the changes at first. Up front, the thin "tiger nose" grille continues to feature sleek headlights at either side, which gain fresh DRL signatures. At the rear, the revisions are more noticeable, as the taillights now feature a sharp downward angle on each end. To round it all out, Kia has added refined bumper designs for both the front and rear, with the GT model in particular gaining larger intakes and a more aggressive rear diffuser.


The interior benefits from updates as well, with a more streamlined curved display atop the dashboard. It continues to integrate both the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment display, but it no longer has knobs and buttons in between. All models now support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia has also implemented its latest built-in navigation system for those who prefer not to mirror their smartphones.



More standard equipment is available on select trims, including the entry-level LXS, which adds smart cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and a parking distance warning. Moving up the trim ladder, the EX now comes standard with niceties such as a heated steering wheel, 10-way adjustable driver's seat, power-folding mirrors, a Bose premium audio system, and Digital Key 2.


The 2025 Kia K5 will begin arriving at dealers later in 2024, with pricing set to be announced closer to launch.


Image Credits: Kia

More From 

Revealed

Tesla Reveals The Cybercab, A Driverless Taxi Set To Arrive In 2027 For Under $30K

Tesla Reveals The Cybercab, A Driverless Taxi Set To Arrive In 2027 For Under $30K

McLaren W1 Breaks Cover With 1,258 HP And F1-Inspired Aerodynamics

McLaren W1 Breaks Cover With 1,258 HP And F1-Inspired Aerodynamics

The Lamborghini Temerario Ditches The Huracan's V10, But You Shouldn't Complain

The Lamborghini Temerario Ditches The Huracan's V10, But You Shouldn't Complain

2025 Kia K5 Debuts With New Naturally-Aspirated Engine Taking Place Of Turbo

Sign up for our newsletter.

Get industry updates sent straight to you, designed to offer a simple glance at the motoring world.

bottom of page