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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 23 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 331 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $28,417–$37,607 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.3/10, the 2025 Kia K5 earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 7.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.4/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.7/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.6/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.2/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $28,417–$37,607, 33 MPG, seating 5, the Kia K5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 8.7/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Kia K5 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2025 Kia K5 ranks #31 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 98% of the segment. Its 8.3/10 overall score is 0.8 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $28,417 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Kia K5 scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 8.3 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.3/10 | $28,417 | Read review → |
| 2025 (this review) | 8.3/10 | $28,417 | |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $27,590 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $26,762 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $25,934 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $25,106 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Exterior lighting / Lighting control module / Software 27/05/2025 · 25V351000 | 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… |
|---|---|
| Structure / Body / Roof and pillars 28/07/2025 · 25V493000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.