2025 Kia K5 Costs More Than Before, But Still In the Midsize Sedan Mix
With better styling, new tech, and a power bump for its base engine, the K5's ready to chase Accords.
After renaming the Optima sedan "K5," Kia has really been on its game with the stylish midsize sedan. Improved for 2025, the Kia K5 misses only one thing the Optima once had—a hybrid option, which the Honda Accord has leaned into, and the newest Toyota Camry has leaned into even harder. Regardless, its new 12.3-inch displays, greater standard power, and freshened look are sure to keep it in the mix with those segment stalwarts, and now that we know it'll continue to start at under $30,000, it'll be able to compete with them on price, too.
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You’d think a new standard engine would be a detriment to the pricing of a new vehicle, but it appears that Kia’s new 2.5-liter I-4 that replaces last year's turbocharged 1.6-liter engine won’t add much to the cost of a 2025 K5 sedan, though surely Kia saves some money by dropping the turbocharger. The base price of the LXS—a front-wheel-drive-only option—sees a small bump of $1,600 for the 2.5-liter's extra 11 hp (191 hp). That brings the K5 LXS's MSRP to $28,145.
How the move away from a smaller-displacement engine impacts fuel economy is yet to be seen, but it’s unlikely the displacement increase will change the entry-level K5's fuel thirstiness. This new engine is mated to a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission that also must deal with its 181 lb-ft of torque. That is a significant drop of just over 7 percent, but the average car driver most likely won’t notice.
The base LXS trim also comes standard with a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also new for 2025 K5s are OTA updates to keep the ownership experience fresh and regularly updated, but a Kia Connect subscription is required.
That sub-$30,000 base price of the K5 LXS is cheaper than the equivalent entry-level 2024 Honda Accord LX ($28,990), and though pricing on the new-for-2025 Camry is forthcoming but expected to land in similar waters. The Accord Hybrid costs more, but every 2025 Toyota Camry will be hybridized, one-upping the Kia somewhat if Toyota can hold the line on pricing. Most likely, those looking for a cheap, large sedan will have a tough choice between the K5 and its $845 lower out-the-door price versus the Accord or what's expected to be a pricier new Camry.
For an even sportier look, you can step up to the K5 GT-Line for $29,145; this trim level also offers all-wheel-drive for an extra $1,600 ($30,745)—and remember, AWD is something no Accord offers. Beyond the GT-Line is the K5 EX, which gets Bose Premium Audio, ten-way power driver’s seat, digital key, heated steering wheel, and power folding mirrors with LED turn signals for $35,645. Unfortunately, this trim doesn’t offer the option of AWD.
Next up is the K5 GT, which swaps in a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine making 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, though it's front-wheel drive only. It also gets an available eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in place of the lesser K5s' torque-converter auto, as well as 19-inc wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires. This GT trim will cost you $34,245 and is much cheaper than the roughly equivalent 204 hp, 247 lb-ft of torque Honda Accord Hybrid Sport-L ($35,970). The Accord Sport-L is also hybrid-only and that means it only has a CVT transmission option. You might save more on fuel with the Sport-L, but the 2025 K5 GT is more overtly sporty, at least on paper.
2025 Kia K5 Pricing
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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