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Kia’s inexpensive midsize sedan, the K5, is getting an replace for 2025. Modifications embrace a brand new engine, new cabin tech, and a love-it-or-hate-it lighting scheme you’ll immediately acknowledge whenever you see it. However the K5 retains the lengthy guarantee and sporty character that sneak it into the highest half of the midsize automobile class in our rankings.
Extra Highly effective Base Engine
Since its 2019 redesign (when Kia modified its title from Optima), the K5 has been among the many sportiest decisions in household automobiles.
However the base engine within the present mannequin — a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder placing out 180 horsepower — has by no means been greater than enough.
For 2025, enough received’t do. Kia will as a substitute put a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine in most fashions. It’s good for 191 horsepower, and its simplicity ought to consolation those that fear {that a} turbocharger simply provides upkeep issues years down the road. Energy goes to the entrance wheels by an 8-speed computerized transmission, with all-wheel drive (AWD) obtainable on the GT-Line trim.
The sporty GT mannequin’s powertrain stays the identical for 2025 — a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powerplant mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission (DCT).
Mike Tyson Face Tattoo Lights
The automobile’s form stays principally the identical, however a brand new entrance fascia will earn plenty of consideration. Kia has embraced a “star map” lighting theme with its current designs — lighting parts fabricated from strains of LEDs joined at sharp angles. The K5 will get a protracted, dramatic form in shiny yellow that has divided the KBB editorial staff.
Some see a dramatic form that can assist the automobile break by the noise and develop into recognizable. Others see Mike Tyson’s face tattoo or the headdress of an area villain in a Marvel film.
Find it irresistible or hate it, you’ll discover it.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Over-the-Air Updates
Inside, the 12-inch driver’s instrument display screen and 12.3-inch central touchscreen can be found mounted in a “single-pane curved show.” It’s a glance borrowed from luxurious automobiles and sister firm Hyundai’s EVs and lends the K5 an upscale really feel. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are actually commonplace on each trim stage.
“Kia’s new Related Automotive Navigation Cockpit (‘ccNC’) system processes sooner and in increased constancy, with often used Fast Controls obtainable with a swipe on the display screen,” Kia says. The tech additionally permits over-the-air updates, which could save homeowners a visit to the dealership for upgrades and recall service.
Beneath, you’ll discover a set of knobs that may be toggled between controlling the audio system or the HVAC system. Kia additionally makes use of that method in its Niro, and our editors have discovered it irritating. It’s straightforward to neglect which setting the knobs are controlling and switch up the warmth to listen to a tune higher. Homeowners might get used to checking — however they’ll must take their eyes off the highway to do it.
It’s a minor criticism, although. The K5 retains its most interesting characteristic — a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
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