The 2025 Kia K5 is a sometimes overlooked but competitive option among midsize sedans. It might not have the sales numbers of the most popular players in this class, namely the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, but it has a lot going for it. In addition to its daring design, the K5 boasts available all-wheel drive (AWD), an exciting GT model, a high-tech interior, and class-leading warranty coverage. The Kia K5 is for anyone looking for a sedan that’s sporty and stylish but more practical and affordable than a luxury car.
If the Kia K5 name is unfamiliar, it might be because it’s spent most of its life in North America as the Kia Optima. It’s been called the K5 in its home market of South Korea for a while now, and Kia gave it the K5 name worldwide with the car’s most recent redesign in 2021. It gets a welcome midcycle refresh for the 2025 model year, which includes revised styling in front and back, an updated infotainment system, and an upgraded base engine, a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 191 horsepower and returning up to 30 mpg combined. All-wheel drive remains optional exclusively in the GT-Line trim, and the exciting K5 GT is a veritable sports sedan with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia K5
- Vehicle segment: Midsize car
- Passenger capacity: 5
- Available trim levels: LXS, GT-Line, GT, EX
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety rating: 5-Star
- Combined MPG: Up to 30 mpg
- Top Competitors: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima
Learn more about the 2025 Kia K5 in our Expert Review
