2025 Kia K5 Early Review | Consumer Reports

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.

[bboucharde]

Smart move to drop the turbo. Better reliability and less drama.

[jonnyh]

"it's a pretty good car" what a great, informative, objective, review!

[jamc]

Why are car reviewers so often concerned about passenger access to the radio/volume controls? I don't want my passenger messing with the controls.

[Handsanitzer]

I test-drove one for my dad a month ago. OMG, I loved it. I wish an estate version existed.

[kkiller]

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.

[dianag]

I've had two different Fortes for the last 6 years that I at leased. Loved them both no issues ever. This is my next one . Can't wait till jan!

[markgutierez]

No one touches my audio. This is a win

[carljaekle]

Seems like a solid choice. CR seems to have crossed the Rubicon on screens, we have gone from touch screens suck, to pretty nice premium feel big screen. I actually agree, a well designed large touch screen is a plus.

[Steve_in_NJ]

Interior "icons" same as my 2023/24 KIA Niro EV!! As I rarely have a passenger in my car, I'm fine with locking the controls (yes, you can do that) to HVAC, and using steering wheel to manage volume and channels. Let's see what happens in 2026, when my partner's 2023 Toyota Camry lease is up and we can compare the K5 to the Camry.

[Statusgrowth]

KIA leveled up the K5 so much. Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru have been real quiet since this dropped.

[roguedogx]

3:01 IMO it would have been better for them to pick one function to hide behind an additional press than to toggle back and fourth. a customer is more likely to learn a behavior if the reward is consistent IMO.

Although, yes, this is a band-aid solution for a bigger issue.

[gregholman]

I don't have the best eye-sight, I admit, but I didn't see any rear A/C vents, are you kiddin' me? If I was to buy the new K5 (I own a 2014 Kia Optima SX btw) it would definitely be the 275HP one, the look of the turbo with the larger wheels & exhaust pipes gives it a much more muscle look, like a baby Stinger, imo of course.

[RiceAndStuff]

I hate how there’s so much touch screen. I have to look away from the rode to make sure I’m tapping the right thing.

[tahsin]

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.

[aonforme]

"This price" is one way to put it. How about for 3-5k less price?

[abebueckert]

Love the styling! To bad it's not available in Canada.

[ak]

The extra money you pay for a Camry or Accord will be more than worth it when you go to sell the car.

[tomjanowski]

You make switching back and forth between HVAC and audio seem like the worst most difficult thing to do. It isn't.

[tonyw]

As much as I’m a big fan of Kia, this new “dual control” system used for most models is just frustrating. Thank God I have a 2022 Sorento PHEV which does not have that

[roo]

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.