What is it? This is it! This is your updated, upgraded 2025 Kia K5. This particular one is the top trim, the GT. But before we get into this revised midsize sedan, let’s talk about what’s going on here.
Kia has been focusing heavily on electrification. They’ve already introduced the EV6 and the EV9. But they’re not done with the K5. There’s still a big need for midsize sedans, especially with the new offerings from Toyota’s Camry, Honda’s Accord, and the updated Hyundai Sonata. Kia has decided to bring more style, more technology, and depending on the trim, more performance.
So, is this 2025 Kia K5 GT the best new midsize sedan with some performance? Let’s dive in and find out.
2025 Kia K5 GT Specs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,090 |
| Colors (Exterior) | Aurora Black Pearl, Wolf Gray, Steel Matte Gray, Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Yacht Blue |
| EPA MPG Estimates | 23/33/27 |
| Safety Features | Dual Front Advanced Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Stability Control, ABS, TPMS |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passenger |
| Convenience Features | Smart Key, Push Button Start, Power Windows, Climate Control, Rear A/C Vents |
| Warranty | 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program |
| Interior Features | Power-Adjustable Seats, Heated Front Seats, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, LED Lighting |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch Touchscreen, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM®, Bluetooth® |
| Exterior Features | Alloy Wheels (16-inch to 19-inch), LED Headlights, LED Tail Lights, Quad-Tip Exhaust |
| Dimensions | Height: 56.9 in., Width: 73.2 in., Length: 193.1 in., Wheelbase: 112.2 in. |
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5L 4-Cylinder, 290 hp, 311 lb-ft, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Fuel Type/Capacity | Regular Unleaded, 15.8 gal. fuel tank |
| Steering/Suspension | Rack & Pinion Steering, MacPherson Struts (Front), Multi-link (Rear), Sport-Tuned |
| Driver Assistance Technology | Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance, Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, Cruise Control |
2025 Kia K5 GT Engine & Performance
Under the hood of the GT trim is a 2.5L turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
It’s front-wheel drive, but lacks a limited-slip differential, which would have been a nice addition. Lower trims like LX, S, and EX get a new 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 engine, offering slightly more power than previous years.
2025 Kia K5 GT Exterior
Right off the bat, the color palette Kia offers really fits the design extremely well. Starting with the front, there’s a new interpretation of their headlight housing—very long and thin extensions with full LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, and integrated turn signals. I love the upper and lower extensions.
As we drop down, LED fog lamps are present, but I’m not a fan of the fake vent in this area. However, the overall sporty style is great. Moving across the front nose, Kia’s signature tiger-nose shaped grille is prominent, now with a new style. There’s a forward-facing camera, and below, a functional splitter adds to the aggressive look. The gloss black accents give it a sporty edge.
Moving to the sides, the K5 features new 19-inch wheels with an intricate geometric design. Bright yellow calipers with GT badging accentuate the sporty theme. The profile also showcases 360° cameras, a panoramic glass roof, and gloss black accents, though I would prefer darker chrome finishes for a more cohesive look.
The rear design continues the dynamic lines of the K5, with unique body contours and a clean, modern look. The taillights are sleek, slightly smoked, with a GT badge and functional quad exhaust tips. The overall rear diffuser design adds to the sporty appeal.
2025 Kia K5 GT Interior
Inside the 2025 Kia K5 GT, the door panels feature dark, soft-touch materials with neon yellow stitching that matches the calipers. The integration of the speaker grille near the door handle adds a unique touch. However, there’s an overuse of gloss black around the switchgear, which might require frequent cleaning.
The interior dash design is simple yet tasteful, with a new finish that avoids excessive gloss black. The centerpiece of the cabin is the dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and the digital gauge cluster.
Below these, you’ll find controls for dual-zone climate, heated and ventilated seats, multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, and ample storage compartments.
The center console houses an 8-speed DCT transmission knob, drive mode selector, and controls for heated steering wheel and seat ventilation. While functional, a lid covering the storage compartment could enhance practicality.
Seats in the K5 GT are comfortable and supportive, upholstered with quality materials and detailed stitching. Both driver and passenger seats offer power adjustments and memory settings. The rear seats provide ample space for passengers, complemented by AC vents, USB-C ports, and a center armrest with cupholders.
Driving Dynamics
Behind the wheel, the driver enjoys a flat-bottomed steering wheel with GT badging, paddle shifters for manual control of the transmission, and a comprehensive array of controls.
The cabin offers a sense of spaciousness and modernity, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements throughout.
In terms of practicality, the trunk offers substantial space, complemented by split-folding rear seats and a spare tire—a notable feature often omitted in performance-oriented vehicles.
2025 Kia K5 GT Price
The price for the 2025 Kia K5 GT hasn’t been officially announced yet. However, based on current models, the K5 GT typically starts around $30,000 to $35,000. This price range reflects its higher performance capabilities and premium features compared to base models.
2025 Kia K5 GT Release Date
The 2025 Kia K5 GT is expected to be released in August 2024. The first batch is currently being manufactured, and it should arrive at dealerships by September 2024.
What’s New in 2025 KIA K5?
Kia has recently released the 2025 model year changes for its newly refreshed K5 sedan. In this video, we’re going to cover the exact changes across the entire trim lineup, full pricing information, and some of the big news regarding powertrain changes for most trims.
Starting with the base LXS trim level, the 2025 refresh includes gains like the 12.3-inch CCNC light infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, smart cruise control as standard, and advanced Ford collision avoidance systems. Additionally, LED combination tail lights and USB-C charging ports are now standard.
Moving to the GT-Line, it also gains the 12.3-inch CCNC system with built-in navigation, gloss black windshield pillar and window frame trim as standard, and full SynTex seating surfaces. However, it loses the upgraded LED projector headlights.
The EX trim sees significant upgrades, incorporating what was previously part of the EX Premium Package as standard. This includes the 12.3-inch CCNC navigation infotainment system, fully digital instrument cluster, navigation-based smart cruise control, and a surround-view monitor system.
For the top-tier GT model, new standard features include the 12.3-inch CCNC navigation system, front and rear parking sensors, navigation-based smart cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist. Notably, it loses the LED projector headlights and the chestnut SynTex interior color option.
In terms of deletions across the lineup, notable changes include the discontinuation of the 1.6L turbo powertrain option across multiple trims, replaced by a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine.
Color availability includes four extra-cost options: Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Wolf Gray, and Steel Matte Gray, with the latter possibly being a new addition.
Regarding pricing, there are noticeable increases across most trim levels compared to their 2024 equivalents. For instance, the LXS starts at $28,141, marking a $400 increase. The GT-Line and EX see similar increments, while the GT models have more substantial increases, reflecting enhanced standard features.
