2025 Kia K5

When Kia introduced the K5 for the 2021 model year, it didn't just replace the Optima. It created a sedan good enough to become our top-rated midsize sedan. Four years later, the updated 2025 Kia K5 builds on that momentum. There's refreshed styling in the front and rear, an updated interior, and a new standard engine. For 2025, a new non-turbo four-cylinder engine replaces the previous turbocharged base engine. It makes a bit more horsepower but less torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is largely the same. The upshot? You won't notice a big difference in the way it drives. But you will easily notice a difference with the 2025 K5's interior.

While the exterior changes are blink-and-you'll-miss-them subtle, the interior updates are more substantial. A new touchscreen blends seamlessly into the instrument panel, and the new climate controls have a more modern appearance. Even the cupholders in the dash get a new design. Kia also upgraded the tech by adding wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the standard equipment list, and it made several features that were available through options packages standard. None of it's groundbreaking, but it's enough to make the K5 feel much fresher than you might think.

When it comes to competition, there are two all-stars to consider: the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Both lead the segment in sales and customer perception. While neither can match the K5 GT's power, they do get better mpg thanks to their available hybrid powertrains. Another top rival is the Hyundai Sonata. It's mechanically related to the K5 and shares many of the same features. The biggest differences are styling and the availability of a hybrid model with the Sonata.