A lot of car companies seem to have forgotten about actual cars these days, so simply being able to find a new midsize sedan at a Kia dealer can already be reason enough to be impressed. Beyond that, however, there are quite a few things that Kia has done with the 2025 K5 to help it stand out among a dwindling but still quite competitive crowd. Midsize sedans like the Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord tend to focus on nice interiors, decent performance, and an overall experience on the road that makes them excellent as daily drivers. With the K5, Kia has gone beyond that in ways that are clearly meant to impress, and I’d say the brand has hit the mark quite well, resulting in a car that’s a lot more than another quaint commuter ride.
Reason #1 – Big Power and Performance
There are a lot of things I expect from a midsize car: a comfortable interior, good but understated design, and a smooth ride for getting around town. What I don’t necessarily expect, however, is any sort of performance that will blow me away or get my heart racing—that’s just not what a sedan like this is generally about. Kia’s engineers didn’t seem to get that memo, however, because the 2025 K5 has been designed with shockingly bold performance and notable power. For starters, you have a standard 2.5L I-4 engine that provides 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Now, that’s not about to win any drag race competitions, but it’s some solid power for a car like this.
But I’m not done when it comes to the powertrain of this car because Kia offers a second option for folks who want to kick things up the proverbial notch. There’s an available turbocharged version of the 2.5L engine that boosts performance up to 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. You can see for yourself how much of an increase that is; not only is it significantly more powerful, but it’s best-in-class for a midsize sedan. Now, not everyone interested in this kind of car wants performance like that, which is fine, but the fact that it’s an option shows how Kia approaches the design and engineering of its vehicles.
Reason #2 – Available All-Wheel Drive
Speaking of impressive options, the available engine isn’t the only thing about the 2025 Kia K5 that is noteworthy when it comes to performance. Both engines come with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, which is to be expected with a car like this. In fact, getting that more-powerful engine with FWD allows for excellent maneuverability and handling compared to rear-wheel drive muscle cars that offer big acceleration and performance, but can get sloppy on the road. Few things are quite as cringe-inducing as someone so proud of their sports car that tries to tear out of a parking lot or maneuver through a curve and oversteers right into a ditch—or worse.
Kia exceeds my expectations (and those of many other drivers) by offering all-wheel drive (AWD) for the 2025 K5. I’ll admit that this isn’t absolutely essential, much like the available turbocharged engine, but it creates a fun and rewarding option for hitting the road. I’m a big proponent of AWD for drivers who deal with a lot of rough weather that creates slippery roads, or anyone who spends much time on dirt or gravel. Usually, you have to go with a truck or SUV to get that kind of traction; being able to enjoy greater control and steering in a midsize sedan is genuinely something to be impressed by.
Reason #3 – Great Tech Features Inside
I probably don’t have to tell you that tech features inside vehicles are big selling points these days, and for a lot of good reasons. Sure, some of the big flashy displays out there are more about bragging rights in the auto industry than actual functionality, but a large screen can make life easier in a lot of ways. Kia seems to get this, which is why you’ll find a 12.3-inch infotainment display standard in the 2025 K5, and it is paired with a six-speaker sound system. One place where Kia has dropped the ball a bit is the standard instrument display. What looks like the 12.3-inch fully digital display at first glance is actually a 4.2-inch TFT display inset in a lower-quality panel.
Fortunately, a 12.3-inch curved instrument display is available, which joins with the infotainment system to create dual panoramic displays. Kia also refers to this as a 24-inch panoramic display since the two screens come together. It’s a very nice upgrade; however, it’s only offered on the highest trims, which is a rare miss for Kia in my book. On the other hand, all but the starting trim come with a wireless phone charger, and every version has dual-zone climate control. There’s also a 12-speaker Bose sound system available for the K5, and although it’s only standard in the highest trims, it’s offered for most of the trim levels, which is good enough.
Reason #4 – Advanced Safety and Security Systems
Although different drivers focus on different things when looking at a vehicle, to me, there’s nothing else that really matters if safety features are lacking. One thing I appreciate about the modern auto industry is just how much focus there is on innovative safety tech. The 2025 Kia K5 is no slouch in this area, and not only does it have a lot to offer, but much of what it brings to the road is provided as standard. You’ll find all of the stuff you’d expect in a 2025 model, such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, and Front and Rear Parking Distance Warnings.
Where Kia starts to go above and beyond, however, is with other standard features like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, both provided on every trim. As you’d expect, more features are available, such as Parking Collision Assistance-Reverse and a Surround View Monitor that provides enhanced visibility while maneuvering at low speeds. Still, even things like Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go are included in all trims.
Reason #5 – A Refreshed Exterior for 2025
It might not be as impressive as its powerful engine, AWD, or dual-panoramic display, but Kia gave the exterior of the K5 an update and refresh for the 2025 model year. Overall, it’s received a styling makeover that includes sleek lines, graceful curves, and a body shape that’s quite nice without being overblown or visually offensive. This model has an updated grille, lighting, and front fascia that all come together nicely to create a distinct look that’s stylish and refined. New wheels are available in 16-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch designs that fit well and give the K5 a bold stance that feels stronger and more elegant than you might expect. There’s nothing necessarily revolutionary here, but it looks great and stands out nicely in a crowd.
Kia Gets It Right With the K5
Overall, the big takeaway with the 2025 model is that Kia has updated and upgraded things that needed it without going overboard or losing sight of what matters most. That’s why so many Kia fans are interested in the revised looks and enhanced features of the K5, and why a lot of first-time buyers are taking a closer look at this model. At the end of the day, it’s still a midsize sedan, so it’s not going to win over someone who really needs a spacious SUV or wants the power of a full-size truck, but for those of us who like cars, it’s a very fine entry. Kia has done well in improving its place in the industry over the years, and if it keeps making vehicles like the 2025 K5, then I expect it will continue to win over new drivers.
