I've followed Kia's journey in the sedan market since the days of the Optima, watching as they evolved from a value-oriented alternative to a genuine contender in the sports sedan arena. The 2025 K5 GT represents the culmination of that evolution, and after spending time behind the wheel, I can confidently say that it's a legitimate option for men who want power, comfort, and style but want to avoid the expensive cost of more prestigious brands.
A Bold Statement in a Conservative Segment
At this point I'm no stranger to marketing teams slapping GT or other race-inspired badges on otherwise mundane vehicles to make them seem impressive. Indeed, seeing one of these 'trim packages' show up with bright red brakes is becoming more and more common. However, when the fleet manager dropped this one off with lime green brakes poking out between glossy black wheel spokes it made me take notice. It just looked shockingly cool for a vehicle that I had previously mostly appreciated as being reliable but conservative.
Ultimately, this is just one way that the K5 GT refuses to blend into the background of a world increasingly dominated by SUVs. The 2025 refresh doubles down on the car's already aggressive styling, with new "Star Map" LED daytime running lights that create striking eyebrows over the standard LED headlights. The front fascia features dramatically flared satin-metal-look fins angling upward through a honeycomb grille to project a design language that means business.
From the rear, this 2025 K5 GT is equally impressive, including that same "Star Map" taillight style that stretches across the deck lid before taking an angular dive at the corners, matching the aggressive front end design. The GT trim's satin-finish details return at the rear, where triangular fins complement quad-tip exhaust garnishes. Riding on 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero rubber and sporting bright green brake calipers, the K5 GT broadcasts its performance intentions before you even start the engine.
Where Comfort Meets Performance
Inside, Kia has managed to blend a sports car attitude with executive sedan comfort. The 2025 model introduces a new curved display that combines a 12-inch instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system.
But the real story here is what lies beneath the hood. The GT trim retains its muscular 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque gives it a 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds (something we wish we could have tried, but icy roads aren't exactly the right conditions for drag racing! Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels, it's a powertrain that transforms the K5 from a comfortable cruiser into a genuine sports sedan.
This boost is very noticeable when you consider that the GT-Line (and indeed even the base model) features a 191 hp @ 6,100 vs this one with nearly 100 extra horses at a slightly lower RPM.
While this trim has good power, more importantly is that it applies that power well for having fun on back roads, jumping forward at stop signs and helping to make you more than confident that you can pass on the highway and get up to speed as fast as safely possible when entering the highway ... all while looking good!
Now I get it - Kia isn't exactly the first name you think of when it comes to performance - but they've done a pretty good job over the years, including the now retired Stinger that competed competently going head-to-head with much more expensive competitors from other brands. The difference here though is that while there are some true performance differences between something like Stinger and K5 GT - engine mounting, front wheel vs AWD etc. For the typical man who's just looking for a great sedan with plenty of giddyup ... this is a great option!
However, I am disappointed that the AWD option that is available for the GT-Line - is not available here. While that may have cut down on the raw power, I feel like that's something a lot of folks look for, especially in cold climates where driving in less-than-perfect roads is a regular environmental factor.
From Coast to Coast - Now On to Track Day
A few years ago I drove a K5 from New York City to San Diego. While I initially didn't think it would be good for road-tripping, I can attest to the platform's fundamental strengths – its comfort, efficiency, and surprising practicality despite its low-slung sedan profile made that experience a lot of fun. Plus, there's plenty of trunk space and the rear seat legroom is pretty good for sedans like this. However, the GT takes these basic virtues and adds an entirely new dimension of performance that while riding a bit stiffer - also makes it a much more fun vehicle for getting back and forth around town so you can have some excitement between meetings.
The Verdict: We Dig It
The 2025 Kia K5 GT represents a great option for men looking for practicality for family needs with its decent-sized back seat and generous trunk space while serving that masculine craving for power and style. While other manufacturers are abandoning the sedan market or playing it safe, Kia has created something that manages to be both practical and thrilling. It's a car that proves you don't need to sacrifice everyday usability to have something that puts a smile on your face every time you press the starter button.
For those who remember the Optima days, the K5 GT might seem almost unrecognizable – and that's entirely the point. This isn't just another midsize sedan; it's Kia showing us exactly what they're capable of when they decide to push the envelope. In a world of increasingly homogenized vehicles, the K5 GT stands out as a bold reminder that the spirit of the sports sedan is alive and well.
The 2025 Kia K5 GT starts about $33,000 and as tested was just under $40,000 after adding the GT1 options package offering some nice luxury and tech enhancements.
