2025 Kia K5 Photos, engines & full specs

Kia unveiled the refreshed version of the K5 sports sedan at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, and the facelifted version boasted an updated exterior design and an upgraded interior and drivetrain.

Five years after the launch of the fifth generation of the K5, the Korean automaker considered it was time to introduce the facelifted version of this model. During its unveiling in 2019, the K5 couldn't sell more than 100,000 units on the U.S. market, which was a big concern for Kia. Still, it hoped that the refreshed version, which came with significant improvements in design, technology, and safety, would bounce back and gain more traction. Between 2012 and 2018, Kia sold this model, together with the Optima, in six-figure numbers. After that, its sales plummeted until 2023, when the Korean midsize sedan couldn't reach the 70,000 mark.

At the front, the K5 boasted a striking look thanks to its new Star Map design element envisioned by the amber daytime running lights. The pinched grille resembled the non-facelifted version. However, its black honeycomb mesh design and the slim LED headlights were completely new. Depending on the version, the lower bumper featured an apron that integrated an additional air intake flanked by a pair of side scoops that housed the LED fog lamps.

Kia offered the K5 in five trim levels. The entry-level version, the LXS sat on 16-inch alloy wheels, while higher grades, such as the EX and GT-Line, rode on 8-inch ones. At the other end of the scale, the GT with or without all-wheel drive, boasted a set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40R-19 Pirelli P-Zero tires. Out back, the K5 featured new LED taillights with vertical outer lines that made the car look wider. In addition, the trunk lid sported an integrated spoiler. As an option, customers could order a diffuser installed under the rear bumper. The automaker installed advanced driving aid systems (ADAS) across the range, with radars that could detect cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. In addition, the K5 had a 360-degree around-view camera system.

Inside, the most striking look was the curved display placed atop the dashboard. The one fronting the driver was a 12-inch screen, while atop the center stack was a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The 2025 K5 featured standard navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, it featured OTA updates for the infotainment and maps. Customers could get the car with leather-wrapped high-bolstered front seats. At the same time, the rear bench seat could accommodate up to three passengers.

Under the hood, Kia installed two versions of the same 2.5-liter gasoline engine, with or without a turbocharger. All versions were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Besides the GT-AWD, which sent its power in all corners, the rest of the range was with a front-wheel drive system.