The midsize sedan segment is not what it used to be. With the rise of SUVs and crossovers, many buyers have abandoned the traditional four-door car for more spacious and versatile vehicles. But that doesn’t mean that sedans are dead. On the contrary, some automakers are still investing in this category, offering new and improved models that aim to attract and retain customers with their style, performance, technology, and value.
One of these automakers is Kia, which has recently unveiled the 2025 K5, a refreshed version of its midsize sedan that replaced the Optima in 2021. The K5 is not just a facelift but a comprehensive update that brings a new engine, a new design, a new infotainment system, and new safety features. Now, we will take a closer look at the 2025 Kia K5 and see how it compares to some of its competitors, such as the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry, the Hyundai Sonata, and the new Mini Cooper.
What’s New for the 2025 Kia K5?
The 2025 Kia K5 is based on the same platform as the 2021 model, but it has undergone several changes that make it more attractive and competitive. Here are some of the main highlights of the 2025 K5:
- A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces the previous 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. The new engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which is slightly more power but less torque than the old engine. The new engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The K5 GT, the performance-oriented trim, retains the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- A new exterior design that features a new honeycomb grille, new LED headlights and taillights, a new trunk lid, and a new rear spoiler. The K5 GT also gets a more aggressive front bumper, a larger rear diffuser, and trapezoidal exhaust tips. The 2025 K5 offers new wheel designs, ranging from 16 to 19 inches in diameter, and new color options, such as Sapphire Blue and Crimson Red.
- A new interior design that features a new dashboard with a dual-screen curved display. The display consists of a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both of which are standard on all trims. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can receive over-the-air updates. The climate control panel has also been updated, with a touch-sensitive interface that can switch between two different menus. The center console has been redesigned, with larger cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and four USB-C ports. The K5 also offers new upholstery options, such as synthetic leather and suede.
- New safety features that include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver attention warning. The K5 also offers optional features, such as a surround-view camera, a head-up display, a parking collision avoidance system, and a remote smart parking assist system.
How Does the 2025 Kia K5 Compare to Its Competitors?
The 2025 Kia K5 is not the only midsize sedan that has been updated for the new model year. Some of its rivals have also received some changes, while others have remained largely unchanged. Here is how the 2025 K5 stacks up against some of its competitors:
- The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling and most awarded sedans in the market, and for good reason. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, a smooth and efficient hybrid powertrain, sporty and agile handling, and a generous list of standard and available features. The Accord has not changed much for 2025, except for some minor tweaks to the exterior and interior design and the addition of a wireless smartphone charging pad to some trims. The Accord starts at $28,990 and goes up to $38,590 for the hybrid Touring trim.
- The Toyota Camry is another popular and reliable sedan that has a loyal fan base. It offers a refined and quiet ride, a powerful and responsive V6 engine option, a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly hybrid powertrain option, and a standard all-wheel drive option. The Camry has also not changed much for 2025, except for some new color options, a new Nightshade Edition package, and a new XSE Hybrid trim. The Camry starts at $27,515 and goes up to $37,995 for the XSE V6 trim.
- The Hyundai Sonata is the sister model of the Kia K5, sharing the same platform and many components. It offers a sleek and futuristic design, a spacious and upscale interior, a user-friendly and feature-rich infotainment system, and a hybrid powertrain that can achieve up to 54 mpg on the highway. The Sonata has received some updates for 2024, such as a new 2.5-liter engine for the base SE trim, a new 10.25-inch touchscreen for the SEL Plus and Limited trims, and a new N Line trim that adds a 290-horsepower turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a more aggressive styling. The Sonata starts at $27,500 and goes up to $35,300 for the Limited trim.
- The Mini Cooper is not a typical midsize sedan but rather a compact hatchback that offers a fun and quirky alternative to the conventional four-door car. It offers a distinctive and customizable design, nimble and engaging handling, a peppy and efficient turbocharged engine, and a premium and retro-inspired interior. The Mini Cooper has been redesigned for 2025 with a new front and rear fascia, new LED headlights and taillights, a new digital instrument cluster, a new 8.8-inch touchscreen, and a new electric powertrain option. The Mini Cooper starts at $23,750 and goes up to $33,750 for the Cooper S trim.