The New Kia K5: Our Comprehensive Review & Buyer’s Guide

Looking for a new Kia K5 for sale? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s our comprehensive vehicle review to help you decide if it’s right for you.

The new Kia K5 offers the best of both worlds: sports sedan aesthetics at an affordable price for most consumers. If you’re in the market for a mid-size family sedan, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more features and capabilities at this price.

The 2025 K5 specifically sees some styling updates—headlights, taillights, and interior. Additionally, the new powertrain offers a boost in overall horsepower.

In this article, we’ll rundown the new Kia K5 2025 model, including pricing, features, specs, and trim levels. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions we hear at Kia of Lagrange.

What does a new Kia K5 cost?

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a new Kia K5 is highly affordable no matter how you slice it. The 2025 model ranges from $28,145 to $35,645, depending on which trim level and customizations you choose.

Here’s a breakdown of the new Kia K5 base price by trim level:

Does the Kia K5 replace the Kia Optima?

Short answer: yes and no. In 2021, Kia discontinued the Optima brand in favor of the Korean market’s K5 label. However, the vehicle itself is fundamentally the same as the Optima, except for new features and functionality added over the last four years. 

2025 Kia K5: Specs, features, & performance

Powertrain & performance

The base K5 model includes a 2.5-L four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces 191 horsepower. If you upgrade to the GT model, you’ll get a more powerful turbo 2.5-L four that goes up to 290 ponies. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel is optional. 

Kia has also outfitted the new 2025 K5 with bigger brakes, a unique suspension tune, and wider tires. The sporty sedan can hit 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. 

Fuel economy

According to the EPA, the 2025 Kia K5 has a gas mileage of 23 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined. 

Interior features

On the inside, the 2025 K5 has a sophisticated cabin with plenty of high-end materials, especially the wood trim on the doors and dash. Other amenities include ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. 

There’s also plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Ample legroom in the back ensures a comfortable ride. Plus, the trunk has enough storage space to fit up to seven carry-on suitcases inside. 

Infotainment & connectivity

Additionally, the K5’s infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen. In some models, there’s a separate 12.0-inch digital unit that functions as the gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all models. There’s also the option to add a 12-speaker Bose audio system. 

Safety features

Standard safety features on the 2025 Kia K5 include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The K5 also includes available parking assist capabilities.

Warranty & maintenance coverage

One of the advantages of buying a Kia is the competitive warranty package. These coverage periods are longer than any other manufacturer (Hyundai being the notable exception). Kia offers a limited warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles, as well as a powertrain warranty covering 10 years or 100,000. However, no complimentary Kia service or maintenance is included. 

2025 Kia K5 trim levels

LXS

The base Kia K5 trim includes the standard powertrain: 2.5-L four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. In terms of appearance, you’ll have 16-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish, LED taillights and multi-reflector headlights, and amber LED daytime running lights.

The inside includes heated side-view mirrors, illuminated door handles, remote start, a 4.2-inch instrument display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Front seats are adjusted manually. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and USB charging ports also come standard.

Additionally, you’ll get the safety features and warranty coverage that comes with all the K5 trims. 

GT-Line

The K5 GT-Line comes with all the same features as the LXS with a few changes. You’ll get 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels and LED fog lights. The driver’s seat includes powered ten-way adjustment, and heated front seats come standard. 

The GT-Line also features more upscale materials, wireless phone charging, and navigation-based smart cruise control. You also have the option of adding all-wheel drive for increased vehicle performance. 

GT

The K5 GT offers a step up in performance, with the upgraded turbo-four powertrain and sport-tuned suspension. You also get a sportier look and feel with this trim, including 19-inch black alloy wheels, quad-tip dual exhaust, SynTex seat upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, and interior LED lighting. 

EX

The most luxurious of the K5 trim levels, the EX offers 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with a machined finish, heated and power-folding side view mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats. 

With the EX, you also get a curved, 12.3-inch instrument display, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, navigation-based smart cruise control, a surround view monitor, and more. 

New Kia K5 FAQs

Is the Kia K5 being discontinued?

In the U.S., the Kia K5 is not being discontinued. There are rumors that Kia may start to phase out the vehicle in 2027 or 2028 as they promote their electric vehicles. However, there is no official news on that front right now.  

Will there be a Kia K5 2024?

Yes, there was a Kia K5 2024 model. There were no major changes from previous years, except for heated front seats becoming a standard feature. 

When did the 2025 Kia K5 come out?

The 2025 Kia K5 started hitting dealerships in the second quarter of 2024. Here’s Kia of Lagrange’s inventory of 2025 models. 

Final thoughts on the new Kia K5 for sale

Are you looking for a new Kia K5 for sale? If so, Kia of Lagrange is the perfect place to learn more and make your purchase. Our team works tirelessly (no pun intended!) to make your buying experience as exceptional as possible. 

We’ll take the time to learn your specific needs, answer any questions you have, and help you find the model that’s right for you. And if you need help navigating the world of vehicle financing,  our in-house experts have got you covered. 

Ready to get started? Contact Kia of Lagrange today.