Fresh, Fierce, and Roomy: 2025 Kia K5's Turbo Power & GT Appeal

Looking at the many auto publications available online has always allowed us to get a clear idea of what the industry's best-trained “eyes and ears” think of the newest vehicles coming out on lots today. The staff on duty searching for the latest scoops at Motor Trend took a close look at the 2025 Kia K5 last week, which just enjoyed a significant refresh here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis and faces off with rivals such as the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima while holding down the midsize sedan segment.

Just for starters, this crew enjoyed the headlights' distinctive new look, along with the brand-new integrated spoiler for the trunk lid. There are numerous super-cool new wheel designs, and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 is the powertrain replacement for the outgoing 1.6-liter. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with an aspiring student's favorite in the form of a wireless charging pad and numerous USB-C ports. The bright green brake calipers are another excellent new addition that is one of the first things onlookers notice upon approach.

Since it now boasts some updated and much more edgy styling cues, the well-versed Motor Trend crew eagerly claimed that it is the most exciting-looking sedan in its segment. The GT model is where the true pavement scorcher's dream comes true, with seriously upgraded performance parts and a genuine swagger. Even the base level trim now screeches onto the scene with modern driver-assist tech, along with a very user-friendly dual-function climate control panel.

Kia’s new and improved operating system is the star of the show on the now-enlarged infotainment touchscreen, and this new package is sure to appeal to anyone who needs stand-out styling and plenty of useful features. The new 2.5-liter inline-four is the new standard powertrain, and it cranks out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The upgrade to the GT model is the way to go for anyone who is looking to enjoy a true sense of primo asphalt-inspired adventure while equipping you to enjoy the benefits of 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Kia has always enjoyed a heavily awarded vehicle lineup, and the K5 is off to a typically accolade-inspiring start! Every year since its introduction in 2021 and onward, the K5 has earned the highest five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The 2025 model sees some of today’s most popular and life-saving driver assist and active safety features increase, beginning with Lane Keep Assist and automatic high beams. Other new standard additions include front and rear parking sensors, as well as adaptive cruise control.

Higher K5 trim levels are equipped with camera-based blind spot monitoring, which is so incredibly useful on today’s hectic roads: if the sensors detect an oncoming vehicle within a certain proximity, an audible warning and signal appear on the side mirror. The Front Automatic Emergency Braking is carried over to this new model and is now an upgraded system that now includes cyclist detection and intersection collision avoidance.

There’s a brand-new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen now featured in the updated K5, which aligns with the current market’s demands for “bigger and better” each year. We have been so very excited for driving in its purest form to be enjoyed over the days of summer, and the 2025 Kia K5 is an example of the fullest-spirited and two-lane ready sedan to brighten up the open spots in each day’s commute!