2025 Kia K5 Arrives With More Power

Kia showed off its updated K5 in October but said its full list of changes would have to wait. At the Chicago Auto Show this month, the wait ended, and the brand pulled back the curtain on the updated sedan. Changes are sweeping, including a new engine option, more standard features, and better, newer tech.

Starting with the powertrain, Kia says it has axed the K5’s previous 1.6 turbo powertrain in favor of its 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder. Here, it’ll produce 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque in all trims but the GT trim. The GT trim level is unchanged, still making use of sporty upgraded components like suspension, brakes, and more, as well as a 290-hp turbocharged engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The K5’s new look has already been seen, but it's worth going over the changes now that they’re in writing. Kia says the US-market K5 gets new headlights and taillights, as well as new amber DRLs. The bumpers have also been revised to accommodate the change. Kia will also offer new wheel designs across all trims, and the GT model will see green brake calipers (a-la EV6 GT) to match the interior stitching.

Inside, changes are comprised of a new 12-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a standard 12.3-inch center screen, all behind the same piece of glass. New revisions for the infotainment also include OTA update capability and better response times, as well as now-standard wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia has migrated climate controls into its oft-used two-for-one button format, which controls both the climate and media functions with the same set of buttons. 2025 also sees a new center console with larger cupholders, wireless charging, and new USB-C ports both front and rear. Kia has not announced pricing or arrival dates.

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