Kia has unveiled the U.S.-spec 2025 Kia K5 at the Chicago Auto Show, revealing a refreshed rival for the Chevy Malibu sedan. The new Kia K5 offers an updated look inside and out, as well as a new naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine and new tech features. An official launch date has yet to be announced, but is expected for the spring.
Outside, the refreshed 2025 Kia K5 shows off new exterior styling with an updated fascia and signature Star Map LED front daytime running lamps, plus standard LED headlights. Certain trims also incorporate unique styling enhancements of their own, like satin-metal-look fins for the K5 GT. An integrated spoiler is standard across the range. Wheel sizing includes 16-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch options, depending on the trim level selected.
The updated cabin space offers an available 12-inch digital driver instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped as standard. There’s also new standard driver assist features, such as Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Park Distance Warning (front and reverse), while the mid-range EX trim now includes a Bose Premium stereo, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and power folding mirrors as standard.
As for the power spec, the 2025 Kia K5 cradles a new naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which replaces the outgoing model’s turbocharged 1.6L powerplant on all but the range-topping GT. The engine connects to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with output rated at 191 horsepower, an 11-pony upgrade over the turbo 1.6L engine. Torque output is down to 181 pound-feet, as compared to the 195 pound-feet produced by the turbocharged 1.6L. All-wheel drive is optional higher in the range. More output is available from the front-drive-only GT trim, which cradles the same turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder as the outgoing model, once again turning out 290 horsepower.
Pricing details aren’t out yet, but they shouldn’t rise much over the current model’s starting MSRP of $25,590.
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Comments
Base model to base model, the Malibu might be a rival of sorts, but the K5 far outpaces the Malibu when you go with higher the trim levels.
Doubt GM really cares as long as the fleet customers keep buying. Eventually I expect that GM will drop the Malibu rather than invest in the next generation of a fleet sedan.
it’s widely reported there will be 10th gen Bu – I believe GM (Mark Reuss) has even confirmed such. The question is when and will it be an EV or ICE (with just maybe a PHEV option).
Along with this refreshed K5, the new 2025 Camry looks pretty amazing and the current gen Accord looks good. GM needs to step it up with next gen Bu. Reported here last week, the next BU looks to ride on a variant of the GM VSS-F platform which is used in the Trax/Trailblazer – if so it does not sound promising. Should the new Bu be a stunner in the looks dept, powering it with anemic engine is a mistake given the new crop of midsize sedans.
This car already a generation beyond the Malibu and they have the high performance GT model.
Best looking sedan right now . GM is leaving the market.
A much better effort that the refreshed Sonata which tries to look like an Ev in the front with its plain shark nose and weird steering wheel devoid of an emblem. Very interesting they are dropping the turbo 1.6 also which makes me wonder if it will suffer reliability issues. So now these two Korean brothers have has several refreshes and the Malibu is the same basic thing as it was in 2016 or a shocking 9 years ago with a whopping 31 less HP to boot andan annoying CVT for your pleasure!
Chevrolet really needs to make a new body and make it stand out with a low profile roof basically a fast back , make a standard 1.6T 3 cylinder that put outs around 179Hp – 191Hp so it can compete with other base engine sedans. They need rearrange they trims like
Ls 1.6T 8 Speed Auto, 1Rs 1.6T 8 Speed Auto,
Lt 1.6T 8 Speed Auto Awd , 2Rs
Add the Cadillac 3.0 V6 that makes
335Â hp 405Â lb-ft 10 Speed auto with opinion Awd so it can compete with performance Rivals. And bring back the hybrid but ask Toyota for help because they demolishes the hybrid game.
All they can do is redesigning looks……
I say driving performance is better in malibu…
The last 3 generations of sonata has been on point without the engine’s reliability Ofcourse. Gm really need to get with the times otherwise Kia will be just like Toyota and the Germans and take more share in the us than the big 3 smh. How are you 3 not in demand in YOUR OWN COUNTRY.
Poor Malibu….It’s actually a great well rounded car (Own one now. Initial contact with Malibu was rental, liked it so much and eventually ended up buying one!)
But Chevy really failed at marketing them to make them stand out more, with almost no promotion or advertisement for them (Despite those it’s still the #3 seller in Midsize car segment….)
Even though the current gen is long on tooth, it’s still a great and pretty one (And one of the sleekest looking!).
If they added some flavor to it (Like having a performance version), maybe it would have stood out more (I do think it’s foolish of them to throw away the 2.0T option)