Kia has introduced a facelifted version of the K5 midsize sedan, coming five years after its initial debut.
This generation of the K5, which replaced the Optima, initially gained attention for its stylish design. In this facelift, Kia has made visual and technological updates to enhance the car’s appeal.
The exterior changes are not radical but focus on giving the car a fresh and modern look. The headlights and taillights have been tweaked with new LED graphics. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, and the front intakes have a style reminiscent of the Kia EV6 GT-Line. The rear now features a more prominent ducktail spoiler. Additionally, there are new options for alloy wheels and two new exterior color choices: Wolf Gray and Moonscape Matte Grey.
Inside the cabin, the facelifted K5 showcases a sleek panoramic curved display with dual 12.3-inch screens, eliminating physical buttons for a cleaner look. This advanced infotainment system is compatible with over-the-air updates and offers remote control features through a smartphone app. It includes a fingerprint authentication system and support for music streaming services, which can be enjoyed through the optional 12-speaker premium sound system by KRELL. The climate controls have been revised, and the gear selector for the automatic transmission is smaller.
The interior upholstery can be personalized with three new color options: Sand, Martian Brown, and black. An optional “Black Fit” package adds black 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, a black suede headliner, and dark finishes for the mirror caps, rear diffuser, and tailpipes for those who prefer a darker look.
Mechanical changes are relatively limited, focusing on improving ride comfort with a revised suspension setup and enhanced sound insulation. Powertrain options in the Korean-spec model include a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter MPi engine producing 158 hp, a turbocharged 1.6-liter T-GDi with 178 hp, a 2.0-liter LPi engine with 144 hp, and a more efficient hybrid variant with a combined 192 hp.
The Kia K5 is available for pre-orders in Korea, with prices ranging from ₩27.84 million to ₩39.54 million. The updated 2025 Kia K5 is expected to make its way to North America in the next model year.