CR purchased a 2025 Kia K5 GT-Line FWD to evaluate at our Auto Test Center. The K5 got a freshening, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, that replaced the 1.6-liter turbo, for the 2025 model year. These are our experts first impressions of the K5's driving dynamics, interior, infotainment and controls, second row spaciousness, and the differences between its trim lines, including the GT model.
Join CR to find out even more detail and data from our test results on the Kia K5:
It’s not just the same car since 2021 that rarely anyone buys?
Dealer stock on these has always been really low, they’re one of the fastest moving cars and have dealer markups. No idea why they don’t build more.
It’s been revised with a new 2.5L engine and interior so it might look the same, but tech and engines are different.
Smart move to drop the turbo. Better reliability and less drama.
I’m glad this guy is impressed with the “quality” of the interior as he can sit and enjoy it WHILE HE IS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK!”
Kia builds awesome cars. Personally I think the K5 is a step up from the Camry for less $$.
I made the boring choice and bought the Camry though. I don’t trust Kia to last 20+ years
Strange argument but in the end you made the right choice.
@@0HOON0 if you only lease the car for a few years and don’t put too many miles on the car then ok. If you buy the car -you will have problems!
In Australia the ride/handling compromise is almost perfect. Rough roads don’t faze it at all and it’s very well damped. Also zero squeaks and rattles, it’s tight.
I test-drove one for my dad a month ago. OMG, I loved it. I wish an estate version existed.
I have a general question: Saab (remember them?) put all the window controls in the center console. It makes so much sense but I haven’t seen a newer car anywhere, including Kia and Hundai, put them there. Placing them in the center console lets passengers operate them. My father had an older Mercedes that put the controls in the center console but they were forever failing electrically.
Gosh i don’t understand why K5s are still so rare. Actually its the badge.
Show people a blurred photo of k5 and 100% people will be awed and intrigued.