Kia K5 2025: Price, interior, engine, picture.
The Kia K5 is classified as a family sedan, but its exciting design and 290-horsepower engine option allude to something more sexist. Sure, the sedan formerly known as the Kia Optima isn’t about to usurp its perennial excellent rival, the Honda Accord , but the K5’s list of popular equipment and friendly pricing make it a strong value proposition. Every model comes with standard active safety features and infotainment technology, and the sedan’s attractive interior is helped by a roomy back seat.
Kia K5 sedan : what would you like to read next?
The K5 GT gets the souped-up engine, and its tire-spinning antics will either attract or deter buyers. The standard powertrain is largely benign, and it’s also the only way to access all-wheel drive. Despite a driver’s seat that’s too high and ride isolation that’s negatively affected by the largest wheel-tire combo available, the Kia K5 is an impressive sedan overall – whether bought for a family or not.
What’s new ?
Kia K5 models sport Kia’s new logo, and there are a few new standard features across the range. The front-wheel-drive LXS now has USB charging ports in the rear seats. The GT-Line now offers a base all-wheel-drive trim, essentially making the system a €1,600 option compared to part of last year’s €3,700 package. Most notably, the GT-Line and above now come standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system instead of the previous 8.0-inch unit. All front-wheel-drive GT-Line models also now have a wireless smartphone charger on the center console. Both the EX and GT get a new 360-degree camera system, power-folding exterior mirrors, and front parking sensors.
For those who don’t care about the extra firepower of the GT’s 290bhp engine, the GT-Line offers a satisfying mix of racy styling cues. That’s what we’d recommend, and for those who want the all-weather traction of all-wheel drive, it’s available for an extra €1,600 (Euro). Otherwise, every GT-Line comes standard with a sportier body kit, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging. We’d also opt for the Premium package, which includes adaptive cruise control, advanced forward collision warning, full-LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof.
Engine, transmission and performance
Most K5 models are powered by a 180-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional, but not on the GT model. The 180-hp front-wheel-drive K5 we drove showed decent acceleration around town, and our testing returned a 7.0-second run to 100 km/h. It was less impressive at highway speeds, however, where it needed extra time to execute passes. Still, its dutiful transmission and well-insulated cabin helped ensure that engine noise rarely rose above a dull rumble.
The full-monty GT model features a more powerful 2.5-liter turbo-four that produces 290 horses and 311 pound-feet of torque. In addition to its exclusive eight-speed automatic (with the same wet dual-clutch as the Hyundai Sonata N Line), the sportiest K5 also comes with bigger brakes, unique suspension tuning and wider tires on larger 19-inch rims. The GT we drove sprinted to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and stopped from 70 mph in 163 feet. The Sonata N Line was slightly quicker to 60 mph (5.0 seconds) and stopped even shorter (152 feet). However, the hi-po Hyundai we tested wore optional summer tires (the Kia only comes with all-season tires), which added to its performance advantage.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the Kia K5 with the base four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive will earn up to 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Both of those ratings take a big hit when all-wheel drive gets into the mix, dropping to 25 mpg city and 33 highway. Still, both numbers are similar to the all-wheel-drive Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. The 290-hp front-wheel-drive K5 GT is the least efficient at 24 mpg city and 32 highway. We rated a front-wheel-drive K5 with the standard powertrain in our 75-mile highway fuel economy test and it delivered an impressive 43 mpg, beating its government rating by 5. The GT also outperformed, beating its rating by 4 with a result of 36 mpg. For more information on the K5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
Inside, the K5 looks amazing for how much it costs. The layout is both refined and straightforward, and the cabin is finished with attractive materials such as wood trim on the dashboard and doors. The K5 also offers a number of upscale interior features, such as ambient interior lighting on the dashboard and doors, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and a wireless charging pad. While the driver’s seat feels high even at its lowest point, the comfortable space for the left foot and the floor-folding accelerator pedal are nice touches. The rear seat also offers generous legroom, and the boot has plenty of space for luggage. We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases in there.
Infotainment and connectivity
The K5 comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that shares a bezel with the instrument cluster. The larger 10.3-inch touchscreen is standard from the GT-Line onwards. Both systems have a volume control as well as physical buttons on the steering wheel. While the smaller display offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the larger screen oddly does not and requires a wired connection. However, the updated unit does have customizable profiles and the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The K5 is also available with a 12-speaker Bose audio system for those who want the best listening experience.
Safety and driver assistance functions
Kia’s family sedan also offers a variety of standard and optional driver-assist technologies. For more information on the K5’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist as standard
- Blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert available
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Kia offers one of the best warranties, bar none. Although it doesn’t include free scheduled maintenance, its limited and powertrain coverage is the longest of any automaker, alongside its corporate sibling Hyundai.
Price Kia K5
The Kia K5 has a starting price of €24,685 (all prices including destination) for the LX FWD, a modest €100 increase over the LX FWD. The GT-Line AWD’s starting price of €28,685 is reduced by €1,500 compared to , as features that used to come standard with the GT-Line’s €3,700 AWD option are split into the new GT-Line AWD Premium package, which is €1,900.
The Kia K5 is priced competitively among the midsize sedan class. It is frequently compared to the Honda Accord ($25,965 starting price) , Hyundai Sonata ($24,955) , Nissan Altima ($25,400) and Toyota Camry ($26,040) . The Subaru Legacy is also currently on sale and starts at €23,955 (Euro).
- LX FWD: $24,685
- LXS FWD: $25,685
- LXS AWD: $27,485
- GT Line FWD: $27,085
- GT Line AWD: $28,685
- EX FWD: $29,585
- GT FWD: $32,085
