2025 Kia K5 Review: Does Sporty Design Translate to Driving Prowess?
Can the redesigned K5 sedan reclaim its position as a frontrunner in the fiercely competitive midsize segment, or will its enhanced aesthetics mask underlying compromises?
For years, Kia has been on a determined mission to inject a more dynamic and distinct character into its vehicle lineup, setting itself apart from its corporate sibling, Hyundai. The midsize K5 sedan has served as a particularly compelling canvas for these transformative efforts. Boasting a dramatically sculpted exterior and a refined powertrain for the 2025 model year, the question looms: can the K5 not only maintain its impressive momentum but also elevate its standing in the automotive hierarchy? While an uptick in horsepower and a modernized interior are welcome advancements, the discontinuation of its former turbocharged heart and a noticeable reduction in torque present a more nuanced picture.
As seasoned automotive observers, we approach the 2025 Kia K5 EX with a blend of anticipation and critical evaluation. The updated K5 presents a compelling argument for itself, with a design that garners widespread approval and clear evidence of Kia actively responding to consumer demands to better challenge stalwarts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. To qualify for this year’s prestigious Car of the Year (COTY) evaluation, the K5 now features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering a respectable 191 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque across most of its range. Notably, the high-performance GT variant, with its potent 290-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, remains unchanged and therefore is not eligible for COTY contention this cycle. The new standard 2.5-liter engine, while delivering 11 more horsepower than the 1.6-liter turbo it replaces, sacrifices a significant 13 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant is exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Stepping inside the 2025 Kia K5 EX reveals a surprisingly refined and inviting cabin. The newly integrated dual-screen infotainment and driver display system exudes a premium feel, offering crisp visuals and responsive touch inputs that make navigation intuitive. The thoughtful interior packaging is particularly noteworthy. Unlike some competitors where cabin ambiance and space diminish significantly in the rear, the K5 maintains a consistent level of quality, with design elements flowing seamlessly from the front to the rear seating area. This translates to ample legroom and comfort for rear-seat passengers, a crucial consideration for family-oriented buyers and those frequently transporting guests. When measured against our rigorous COTY testing benchmarks, the K5 scores highly in the “overall value” category, offering a diverse array of trim levels and a compelling selection of desirable optional features, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious yet discerning consumers seeking a well-equipped sedan.
However, as we delve deeper into the K5’s performance against our comprehensive evaluation criteria, certain areas reveal opportunities for enhancement. The exterior styling, while undeniably attractive, doesn’t represent a radical departure from the aesthetic introduced during the 2021 facelift, which established the current angular and modern design language. Several of our judges acknowledged the K5 as a capable daily driver, but its dynamic composure tended to falter under more aggressive driving conditions. This limitation directly impacted its score in the “performance of intended function” category, especially given the sedan’s pronounced sporty aspirations.
The newly adopted 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine drew criticism from multiple judges for its audible presence at idle and its somewhat unrefined character when pushed hard. Adding to this sensory experience is an artificial engine sound generator, offering three levels of amplification. We opted to disengage this feature entirely. One can’t help but ponder the potential benefits a hybrid powertrain, rather than solely relying on a larger displacement gasoline engine, could bring to the K5’s driving dynamics. Competitors like the hybridized Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have set a new benchmark for driving satisfaction in the midsize sedan segment, demonstrating the efficacy of electrification in this class. The current engine, when paired with the transmission, struggled to maintain a harmonious rhythm on winding roads. The gearbox exhibited a tendency to upshift or hold higher gears mid-corner, disrupting the car’s flow. A slight lift of the accelerator pedal often resulted in an immediate upshift, effectively stifling the engine’s responsiveness and leaving it feeling sluggish unless the throttle was consistently held wide open. This behavior can detract from the engaging driving experience that the K5’s sporty exterior suggests.
The introduction of an optional all-wheel-drive system for 2025 is a welcome addition, enhancing the K5’s all-weather capability. While it may not drastically alter the car’s fundamental handling characteristics, K5 models equipped with AWD exhibit a notable reduction in understeer during cornering, instilling a greater sense of planted confidence when navigating spirited drives. This stability is a reassuring trait for drivers seeking a more secure feel.
In summation, the updated 2025 Kia K5, despite its new engine and refined aesthetics, maintains a certain sporty allure. However, it falls short of realizing its full potential. Had the engine exhibited a smoother auditory profile, or if the transmission demonstrated greater decisiveness and adaptability, the K5 could have presented a more formidable challenge. The current iteration, with its series of “what-ifs” and its inability to consistently excel across our comprehensive evaluation criteria, struggles to ascend to the pinnacle of its increasingly hybridized segment, let alone vie for our coveted Car of the Year title. For those prioritizing advanced hybrid technology and ultimate driving refinement in their midsize sedan, alternative options within the competitive landscape may offer a more compelling proposition.
This review was meticulously conducted as part of our comprehensive 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) testing protocol. Each participating vehicle undergoes rigorous evaluation across six key pillars: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. To be eligible for consideration, vehicles must be either all-new or have undergone a significant revision for the model year.
Is the 2025 Kia K5 the right choice for your next vehicle? Explore available trims, financing options, and local dealerships near you to schedule a test drive and experience the K5’s sporty appeal firsthand.
