2025 Kia K5

Kia's K5 has five trims — the LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Each has a new honeycomb grille with a shark-like look. The base LX impresses with LED headlights and a rear spoiler, while the LXS adds 16-inch alloy wheels and heated side mirrors. The GT-Line borrows design cues from racier cars with 18-inch wheels, black mirror caps and window trim, plus a reshaped bumper with larger air intakes. EX models have chrome details, LED fog lights, and a panoramic sunroof. The GT has 19-inch gloss black wheels, quad exhaust tips, and a lowered stance that improves handling by dropping the center of gravity.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This motor pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The GT has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Kia paired this engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The GT hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Front-drive models clock 7.6 seconds, while all-wheel drive takes 8.3 seconds. Braking is solid across the lineup. The GT stops from 70 mph in 163 feet, while front-wheel-drive models halt from 60 mph in 117 feet. All-wheel-drive variants stop in 118 feet. In corners, front-wheel-drive K5s pull 0.83 g of lateral force, with all-wheel versions at 0.82 g. This means the K5 feels planted when taking highway ramps or winding back roads. The direct steering gives the sedan a sporty feel without relinquishing comfort.

Front seats give you 40.2 inches of headroom and 46.1 inches of legroom, while rear-seat passengers get 37.8 inches and 35.2 inches, respectively. The K5 has a 15.6 cubic-foot trunk, while car seats install easily. Twin 12.3-inch screens handle gauges and entertainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. The optional 12-speaker Bose system provides clear sound. USB ports keep devices charged, while heated and cooled seats make long drives comfortable. The quality of the materials exceeds expectations for this class.

Each model has automatic front braking with cyclist detection and intersection avoidance. These features helped earn the K5 a five-star federal safety rating. Other features include lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear sensors make parking in tight spots easy, while road sign recognition tracks speed limits. Auto high beams adjust for oncoming cars at night.