DecodedCars2025 Kia K5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan, GT 4dr Sedan, LX 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 26 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,320–3,572 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2025 large car (25.1 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Kia K5 is a large car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,455 lb (EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 37 highway), 20% better than the 2025 large car average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2025
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 K5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2025 K5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,455 lb | 60/40 |
| GT 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,572 lb | 61/39 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,320 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K5 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +20% | $2,250 | 298 |
| K5 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +16% | $2,300 | 310 |
| K5 AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 329 |
| K5 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 331 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia K5 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2025 Kia K5 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2025 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia K5 (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2025 Honda Civic | 49 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2025 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Toyota Crown | 41 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Toyota Camry | 51 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2025 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Structure › Exterior Trim · Jul 28, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V493000 · 100,063 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.
Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software · May 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V351000 · 82,281 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K5 vehicles. A software error in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) may cause the parking lights to flicker. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Parking lights that fail to illuminate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The PDC software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC341.
Not every 2025 Kia K5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Kia K5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Tires — 12 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,358 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Kia K5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other K5 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →