Trims, Powertrain, and Performance
The redesigned 2025 Kia K5 is a dynamic midsized sedan made in four compelling trims: LXS, GT-Line, GT, and EX. Most are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, but with the GT, you’ll get a punchier turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an output boost to 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. All trims receive an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the GT gets a more responsive dual-clutch upgrade. Every trim comes with standard front-wheel drive, too; the GT-Line is the only one that’s eligible for all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy varies from trim to trim. With the LXS, the EPA estimates a return of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The FWD GT-Line and EX both achieve 25 city/36 highway, but with AWD, the GT-Line fulfills 24 city/33 highway. Despite being significantly more powerful than the other K5 grades, the GT returns a commendable 23 city/33 highway.
Standard Features
The LXS is a well-stocked base trim that gets desirable amenities like remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, heated side mirrors, a power-operated trunk, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, a 4.2-inch instrumentation display, four USB-C ports (three charging and one data), automatic LED headlights, amber LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. The GT-Line adds heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, SynTex leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, wireless phone charging, exclusive GT-Line exterior accents, and LED fog lights. With AWD, the GT-Line will also get a heated steering wheel and a drive mode for snowy conditions.
The high-performance GT doesn’t have the heated steering wheel or snow drive mode found in the AWD GT-Line, but it adds a sport-tuned suspension, striking neon-green brake calipers, a panoramic sunroof, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, LED interior lighting, an extra USB-C charging port, a quad-tip exhaust, and rear AC vents. The top-of-the-line EX lacks the GT’s sportier attributes, but it retains many of its more luxurious amenities and gains Digital Key, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-folding side mirrors, a power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, position memory for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, ventilated front seats, wood interior trim, a 12.3-inch curved digital instrumentation display, and active sound control. Note that many of those upscale amenities are offered for the lower trims as options.
Active Safety Technologies
The all-encompassing Kia Drive Wise bundle of advanced driving aids is installed on every 2025 K5. All trims have forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection), blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane keeping/following assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist. The GT-Line and higher trims also get navigation-based adaptive cruise control and highway driving assist, but the EX is further sweetened with a blind-spot view monitor, side parking sensors, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, and a surround-view camera (all of which are optional for the GT).
Infotainment and Connectivity
Each 2025 K5 trim flaunts a large 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. The GT-Line and above receive built-in navigation. While most trims have a simple six-speaker audio system, the EX is enhanced with a 12-speaker Bose setup, which is optional for the GT-Line and GT. What’s more, all trims include over-the-air updates and Kia Connect remote vehicle services for the most seamless user experience.
