Test Drive: 2025 Kia K5 Full Review – Performance Sedan
Test Drive: 2025 Kia K5 Full Review – Performance Sedan
The automotive world continues to evolve, and Kia is proving it’s no longer just a budget-friendly brand but a serious contender in the performance sedan segment. The 2025 Kia K5 enters the market with a bold redesign, enhanced performance, and cutting-edge technology, aiming to challenge established players like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and even sportier options like the Hyundai Sonata N-Line. After spending significant time behind the wheel, we’re delivering a comprehensive test drive review of the 2025 Kia K5—covering design, performance, technology, interior comfort, safety, and overall value.
Exterior Design: Sleek, Aggressive, and Modern
The 2025 Kia K5 continues to impress with its aggressive front fascia and streamlined silhouette. Building on the design language introduced in previous years, Kia has refined the K5's appearance with more sculpted lines, a wider tiger-nose grille, and updated LED lighting. The headlights now feature a more angular design that flows seamlessly into the grille, giving the front end a futuristic and athletic look.
From the side, the K5's fastback roofline stands out, enhancing aerodynamics and giving the sedan a coupe-like profile. Flush door handles and frameless windows on higher trims further elevate the premium feel. The rear end sports full-width LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, a subtle spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets on performance-oriented trims.
Available in a range of bold colors—including Abyss Black, Snow White Pearl, and a striking Gravity Gray—this Kia sedan stands out in any parking lot. The 2025 model also introduces new alloy wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim, with the GT-Line and GT trims offering sportier, dark-finished wheels.
Interior Comfort and Materials: A Step Toward Premium
Step inside the 2025 Kia K5, and it’s clear Kia has invested heavily in improving cabin quality. The dashboard layout is driver-focused, with a curved dual-screen setup that houses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display. High-quality soft-touch materials, real metal trim, and available leather or synthetic suede upholstery elevate the interior beyond what you’d expect in this price range.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, especially on long drives. GT trims come with heated and ventilated front seats, along with power-adjustable bolsters for added lateral support during spirited driving. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and a flat floor, making it easy for three adults to travel comfortably.
The K5 features a roomy 15.3 cubic feet trunk—larger than many competitors—making it practical for road trips or daily commuting. Interior storage includes a wireless charging pad, dual cupholders, door bins, and a center console with USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers.
Technology and Infotainment: Connected and Intuitive
The heart of the 2025 Kia K5’s tech suite is the dual 12.3-inch panoramic display. The left screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, offering customizable views including navigation overlays and performance metrics. The right screen hosts Kia’s latest infotainment system, powered by the latest version of their UVO Intelligence platform.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and cloud-based voice recognition. The interface is intuitive, with a responsive touchscreen and optional voice commands for navigation, climate control, and media. The optional Harman Kardon premium audio system delivers crisp, balanced sound through 12 speakers.
Additional tech highlights include a head-up display (HUD), ambient interior lighting with 64 color options, and a digital key that allows smartphone-based entry and ignition. Kia has also improved the connectivity suite with 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability, ensuring passengers stay connected on the go.
Performance: Power, Precision, and Efficiency
The 2025 Kia K5 offers multiple powertrains to suit a range of driving preferences. Base models come with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers smooth acceleration and a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg—ideal for commuters who value efficiency.
For those craving more excitement, the K5 GT trim steps up with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, shared with the Hyundai Sonata N-Line, is mated to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic (DCT) transmission, offering lightning-fast shifts and a sport-tuned exhaust note that gives the K5 GT a more aggressive character.
Our test drive of the K5 GT revealed impressive performance: 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, precise steering, and minimal body roll during hard cornering. The adaptive suspension system, available on higher trims, adjusts damping in real-time based on road conditions and driving mode, providing a balanced ride between comfort and sportiness.
Driving modes include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the GT trim adding a Custom mode. In Sport mode, throttle response sharpens, steering weight increases, and shift points delay for maximum performance. The K5 GT also features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD), improving traction and cornering stability.
Fuel economy for the GT model dips to 23 mpg combined, which is respectable for a performance sedan in this class. The K5 also offers a hybrid variant—the K5 Hybrid—equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor producing 202 combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 48 mpg city, 53 mpg highway.
Handling and Ride Quality: Sporty with Daily Usability
The 2025 Kia K5 strikes an excellent balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. The chassis has been stiffened compared to previous models, and the electric power steering is well-tuned—offering good feedback without being overly heavy at low speeds.
On winding roads, the K5 feels planted and responsive. The weight distribution is nearly 50/50, and the wide tires (245/40 R19 on GT trims) provide excellent grip. Braking performance is solid, with dual-piston front calipers delivering strong stopping power and minimal fade during repeated hard braking.
In city driving and highway cruising, the K5 remains composed. Road noise is well-suppressed, and the suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with grace. The optional adaptive damping system further enhances ride quality, adjusting stiffness based on driving conditions and selected mode.
While not quite at the level of a dedicated sports sedan like the Subaru WRX or Mazda6 (discontinued), the 2025 Kia K5 GT offers engaging dynamics that surpass most midsize sedans in its class. It’s a sedan that rewards enthusiastic drivers while remaining comfortable for daily use.
Safety Features: Comprehensive and Standard
Kia continues its commitment to safety with a robust suite of standard and available driver-assistance features on the 2025 K5. All trims come equipped with Kia Drive Wise, which includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) 2.0 – an improved semi-autonomous system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for hands-on highway driving
Higher trims add features like:
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) – allowing the car to park itself with the driver outside using a smartphone app
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA) – prevents doors from opening if traffic is approaching from behind
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) – adjusts speed based on upcoming curves and speed limits detected by GPS
The 2025 K5 also includes a surround-view monitor, rear occupant alert, and safe exit warning. It has earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and is expected to perform well in NHTSA crash testing.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Value Across the Range
The 2025 Kia K5 is available in five trims: LX, S, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each offers a compelling value proposition:
- LX ($25,990): The entry-level model includes LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and the full suite of Kia Drive Wise safety features.
- S ($28,490): Adds 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat.
- EX ($31,990): Introduces leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a power passenger seat.
- GT-Line ($34,990): Focuses on sporty aesthetics with a unique grille, rear spoiler, sport suspension, paddle shifters, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Powered by the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine.
- GT ($38,990): The performance flagship with the turbocharged 2.5L engine, dual-clutch transmission, eLSD, adaptive suspension, Brembo front brakes, and premium interior touches.
The K5 Hybrid starts at $30,990 and is available in EX and GT-Line trims, offering exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing performance or features.
With a starting price under $26,000 and a fully loaded GT under $42,000, the K5 delivers a lot of car for the money—especially when compared to rivals like the Accord Sport or Camry TRD.
2025 Kia K5 vs. the Competition
How does the 2025 Kia K5 stack up against its key competitors?
Kia K5 vs. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord remains a top-selling midsize sedan, known for its reliability and refined ride. The 2025 Accord now comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, offering strong fuel economy (up to 51 mpg combined) and smooth performance. However, the K5 GT outperforms the Accord in horsepower and driving dynamics. The K5 also offers more aggressive styling and a more modern interior design. While the Accord wins on brand reputation and resale value, the K5 offers better performance and more features at a similar price.
Kia K5 vs. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, especially the TRD and XSE trims, focuses on sporty styling and decent performance. The Camry’s 301-horsepower V6 (discontinued after 2024) has been replaced with a hybrid-only lineup for 2025, making the K5 GT one of the few remaining turbocharged performance sedans in the segment. The K5 offers a more engaging driving experience, better infotainment, and more standard tech. The Camry still wins on long-term reliability, but the K5 is closing the gap.
Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata N-Line
The Hyundai Sonata N-Line is the K5’s closest relative, sharing the same turbocharged engine and DCT transmission. However, the K5 GT has a more aggressive exterior, sportier suspension tuning, and slightly sharper handling. Interior quality is comparable, though the K5’s design feels more driver-focused. Pricing is nearly identical, but the K5 offers a more distinctive appearance and slightly better standard features.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Kia K5?
The 2025 Kia K5 is ideal for buyers seeking a stylish, tech-laden sedan with real performance credentials. It’s perfect for:
- Young professionals who want a sporty daily driver with premium features.
- Performance enthusiasts looking for a turbocharged sedan under $40,000.
- Families needing a safe, practical, and comfortable midsize car.
- Hybrid seekers who want excellent fuel economy without sacrificing too much power.
It’s especially appealing to those who value design and driving fun over traditional brand loyalty.
Pros and Cons of the 2025 Kia K5
Pros:
- Aggressive, stylish exterior design <