2025 Kia K5 GT

Sedan · 2.5L Turbo GDI I4 · FWD

81/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a sedan is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	2.5L Turbo GDI I4
Horsepower	290 hp
Torque	311 lb-ft
0–60 mph	5.8 sec
Top speed	130 mph
Drivetrain	FWD
Seats	5
Combined MPG	31 mpg (27 city / 37 hwy)
Range	527 miles
MSRP	$33,390
Body style	Sedan

The verdict

What's good

GT trim delivers near-sport-sedan acceleration at compact-car money
Standard ADAS suite rivals cars two segments up
Wide trim ladder lets buyers step up gradually as budget allows
Rear seat width and comfort outpunch the sporty exterior promise

What's not

Front-wheel drive limits traction off the line in wet conditions
Infotainment response can lag briefly when switching maps and audio
Trunk opening lip makes loading heavy cargo awkward
Interior plastics at door bottoms feel below the dash quality level

The engine

Smartstream G2.5 T-GDI

2.5L Turbo I4

A muscular four that pairs strong low-end torque with a quick-spooling turbo, giving the K5 GT genuinely brisk, torque-rich acceleration that belies its mainstream roots.

Part of Hyundai Motor Group's Smartstream/Theta III engine family, produced since 2020 and shared across Kia and Hyundai performance trims like the Sorento and Santa Fe.

It uses a dual-injection system, combining direct (GDi) and multi-port (MPi) injection to balance power and emissions.
The electronically controlled BorgWarner turbocharger is bolted directly to the cylinder head for faster throttle response.
An integrated thermal management module replaces the conventional thermostat to speed warm-up and manage cabin climate.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 81 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 5 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault