New 2025 Kia K5 Makes North Amerıcan Debut at Chicago Auto Show

Kia America chose the concrete corridors of Chicago to pull the wraps off the refreshed 2025 K5 midsize sedan today at the opening of the Chicago Auto Show. The show played host to the sporty sedan’s North American debut, which features a new-for-K5 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine, updated design cues inside and out, drivetrain refinements and numerous tech upgrades across five trim levels: LXS, EX, GT-Line (in front or all-wheel drive) and the hot-blooded turbocharged GT.

“The K5 can be almost anything to anyone looking for a five-passenger midsize sedan,” commented Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “With a lineup of variants, including available all-wheel drive for places just like Chicago in the wintertime, the new 2025 K5 continues to offer a unique and striking alternative in an otherwise stalwart segment. The updates for 2025 position the K5 in the sweet spot for those needing room for five but prefer to make a bold statement when it comes to their vehicle.”

For the 2025 model year, subtle refinements highlight more standard features across the lineup with a focus on the popular EX trim. Standard items for the EX include a Bose1 Premium Audio System with Active Sound Design, a 10-way powered driver’s seat includes two-way lumbar support. Digital Key 2.02, heated steering wheel, and power folding mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are all standard.

Designed to Stand Out

Already a standout in the midsize sedan segment, the 2025 Kia K5’s design enhancements better align with Kia’s Opposites United typography. Most notable are the new standard Star Map LED front DRLs. The standard amber positioning lights cut a striking eyebrow over the standard LED headlights and accentuate the leading edge of the front fender. Below these reside a new front fascia. While lower trims gain a darkened lower air intake opening, the GT nets dramatically flared satin-metal-look fins that angle upward, further defining the new honeycomb lower grille.

Around back, the Star Map theme continues. The taillights reach across the wide deck lid and take a decidedly angular downward turn at the corners, mimicking the aggressive nature of the front end’s illuminated eyebrows. They cast a bright red glow just beneath the new trunk lid, which is highlighted by a standard integrated spoiler across all trims. The angularity continues into the new lower fascia. Dual muffler garnish and a dark lower bumper can be found on all but the GT trim.  The same satin-finish details found on the front clip of the GT make another appearance at the rear, with triangular fins complementing the dual mufflers with quad-tip garnish.

New Year, More Power

Spearheading the enhancements under the hood is a new 2.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that drive the front wheels. Found in LXS, EX and GT-Line, power for the new engine is increased by 11 horsepower over the previous 1.6-liter turbo. Torque comes in at a robust 181 lb.-ft. For those who live where the weather can be inhospitable, all-wheel drive is available on the GT-Line.

The GT’s powertrain for 2025 remains unchanged. Producing 290 horsepower and a stout 311 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine is mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.