2025 Kia K5: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2025 Kia K5 scores well across safety and reliability. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1 average for Sedans.
- Starting MSRP
- $27,190 - $34,960
- EPA Combined MPG
- 27 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,200 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 39 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,013 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
The 2025 Kia K5 is a Sedan priced from $27,190 to $34,960 with 5 trims. For a daily driver, fuel cost and reliability matter most. Both are covered below.
- Avg repair cost $280 per year below Sedan average
- Fuel cost $355 per year above value Sedans average
- Base price $1,600 more than 2024 model
2025 Kia K5 at a Glance
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Kia K5 are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated five-year cost. The main caution is that the recall history is not a standout.
- safety
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2025 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Sedans 2025 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $3,697 below the similar-vehicle average.
Cautions in the data
- There are 2 recalls on file, above the current sedans average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
- NHTSA has 39 owner complaints on file, above the 16-complaint average for 2025 Sedans.
- Fuel cost lands in the middle of its comparison group rather than standing out.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2025 Kia K5?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2025 Kia K5 received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 99% of tested Sedans share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 10.7%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
A strong NHTSA score is a good starting point. IIHS testing adds scenarios NHTSA does not cover, including the small-overlap crash that accounts for a significant share of real-world fatalities.
How Did the 2025 Kia K5 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2025 Kia K5 across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | P Poor |
| Side | M Marginal |
| Seat Belt Reminders | A Acceptable |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize cars
Safety ratings measure crashworthiness. Recall data measures post-production quality. A vehicle can score well in crash tests and still have recall campaigns if a component turns out to be defective.
Does the 2025 Kia K5 Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for the 2025 Kia K5, affecting EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM. This is more than the 1 average for Sedans. A higher recall count does not necessarily indicate a less safe vehicle. It may reflect a manufacturer's responsiveness to potential issues. Repairs are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM
Most recent: July 2025
Units affected: 564,814
What Do 2025 Kia K5 Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia K5. This is well above the average of 16 complaints for 2025 Sedans. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
10 in the last 90 days · 32 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-04-09
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Tires13
- Visibility10
- Electrical9
- Engine4
- Structure4
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle driven daily, fuel cost compounds fast. The difference between 30 and 40 MPG is roughly $400 per year at average gas prices and 15,000 miles.
What Is the 2025 Kia K5 Fuel Economy?
The 2025 Kia K5 achieves up to 27 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,200. That is $355 more per year than the $1,845 average for value Sedans. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXS FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 23 | 33 | $2,200 per year |
| GT-Line FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 23 | 33 | $2,200 per year |
| GT-Line AWD GAS | 27 MPG | 24 | 33 | $2,200 per year |
| GT FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 23 | 33 | $2,200 per year |
| EX FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 23 | 33 | $2,200 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $11,000 based on EPA data.
For a daily driver, fuel is the cost you see. Insurance, depreciation, and maintenance are the costs you feel at tax time. AAA estimates all of them for the Medium Sedan class.
What Does the 2025 Kia K5 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Kia K5 ranges from $69,790 to $91,070 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
For a daily commute, the most fuel-efficient trim often delivers the best long-term value. The comparison below shows fuel economy, price, and estimated cost for all 5 options.
How Do the 2025 Kia K5 Trims Compare?
5 trims are available for the 2025 Kia K5, spanning $27,190 to $34,960. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXS FWD GAS | $27,190 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,230 lbs | $84,220 |
| GT-Line FWD GAS | $28,190 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,291 lbs | $69,790 |
| GT-Line AWD GAS | $29,790 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 3,463 lbs | $87,570 |
| GT FWD GAS | $33,290 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | FWD | 290 hp | 3,596 lbs | $91,070 |
| EX FWD GAS | $34,960 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,395 lbs | $76,560 |
The entry price has increased $1,600 since 2024.
Price changes since 2024
- EX FWD GAS $29,490 (2024) → $34,960 (2025) +$5,470
- LXS FWD GAS $25,590 (2024) → $27,190 (2025) +$1,600
- GT FWD GAS $31,990 (2024) → $33,290 (2025) +$1,300
- GT-Line FWD GAS $27,090 (2024) → $28,190 (2025) +$1,100
- GT-Line AWD GAS $28,690 (2024) → $29,790 (2025) +$1,100
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LXS FWD GAS | $25,590 27 MPG | $27,190 27 MPG | $27,490 27 MPG |
| GT-Line FWD GAS | $27,090 27 MPG | $28,190 27 MPG | $28,490 27 MPG |
| GT-Line AWD GAS | $28,690 28 MPG | $29,790 27 MPG | $30,090 27 MPG |
| EX FWD GAS | $29,490 27 MPG | $34,960 27 MPG | $34,990 27 MPG |
| GT FWD GAS | $31,990 27 MPG | $33,290 27 MPG | $33,590 27 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Trim selection is about the first year. Reliability is about years two through ten. The section below summarizes the available third-party data on how dependable this vehicle has proven.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Kia K5?
The 2025 Kia K5 scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for value Sedans. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
The warranty is the manufacturer's own bet on the vehicle's durability. Kia's coverage terms for the 2025 K5 are shown below.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Kia K5 Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 K5. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Kia K5 Specs?
Core specifications for the 2025 Kia K5 as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size car
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 290 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 110.3 - 161.3 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $115 - $183 |
| Torque | 181 - 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic, 8-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 427 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 193.1 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 73.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,230 - 3,596 lbs |
What Changed for the 2025 Kia K5?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2025 Kia K5. For a daily commuter, fuel cost and reliability are usually the deciding factors, and both are covered above. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2025 Kia K5 FAQ
Which 2025 Kia K5 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the GT-Line FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $69,790, starting at $28,190 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $91,070. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Kia K5?
Vehicles similar to the 2025 Kia K5 in price and segment include 2025 Nissan Altima, 2025 Hyundai Sonata, and 2025 Subaru Legacy. The Nissan Altima is the closest in price (starting at $27,000, 5-star NHTSA, 28-31 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2025 Sedans.
What changed on the 2025 Kia K5 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, the entry price increased by $1,600 for the Kia K5 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2025 Kia K5 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Kia K5 include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $183 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,013 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2025 Kia K5 may be assembled in a different country than where Kia is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our South Korea-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2025?
Each 2025 Kia model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Kia models page for the full lineup.
What does the 2025 Kia K5 cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2025 Kia K5 costs approximately 66.4 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.