2025 Kia K5 Early Review | Consumer Reports

[@bboucharde]

Smart move to drop the turbo. Better reliability and less drama.

[@B9M3]

Still has a GDI engine, though. I can't understand why manufacturers still proudly tout "GDI" on their engine covers. GDI is to be avoided, along with turbos and CVTs.

[@Tractshun]

Their 2.5 liter engine also has tons of problems. So, this is a no win situation.

[@iaaronteeit510]

No turbo equals fun. This new engine is slow and boring.

[@rinbine2713]

@@B9M3 You don't know about the engine. It has GDI+MPI. The engine has been like that since the first version. It's been several years already. Aren't you embarrassed?

[@rinbine2713]

@@Tractshun What is tons of problems? Show me in detail.

[@jamc204]

Why are car reviewers so often concerned about passenger access to the radio/volume controls? I don't want my passenger messing with the controls.

[@kellyaustin7487]

Absolutely

[@justinmusgrove2548]

Pretty much

[@jonnyh46]

"it's a pretty good car" what a great, informative, objective, review!

[@k9killer221]

In Australia the ride/handling compromise is almost perfect. Rough roads don't faze it at all and it's very well damped. Also zero squeaks and rattles, it's tight.

[@ak2112]

The extra money you pay for a Camry or Accord will be more than worth it when you go to sell the car.

[@eloisdejesuse780]

Is it just me or does anyone else dislikes these new rims?

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Interior "icons" same as my 2023/24 KIA Niro EV!! As I rarely have a passenger in my car, I'm fine with locking the controls (yes, you can do that) to HVAC, and using steering wheel to manage volume and channels. Let's see what happens in 2026, when my partner's 2023 Toyota Camry lease is up and we can compare the K5 to the Camry.

[@drmap5194]

I only buy Kia or Hyundai if they are cheaper as compared to Honda and Toyota otherwise what is the point to buying a Kia which has much lesser resale value as compared to Toyota and Honda I am using Kia Sportage LX hybrid because it was much cheaper 😊

[@rinbine2713]

Consumer Reports is really lazy. They still don't know that the temperature/volume control panel has default settings. You can set a default setting. It's been years since it came out... They are still complaining. Really Really Ultra lazy Consumer Reports.

[@RiceAndStuff]

I hate how there’s so much touch screen. I have to look away from the rode to make sure I’m tapping the right thing.

[@rockon8174]

Pull over, park car and touch screen.

[@mywifesboyfriend5807]

Get a mazda

[@ItsAlive111]

Looks way better than the Accord, and it’s a loooot of car for $31k

[@Handsanitzer792]

I test-drove one for my dad a month ago. OMG, I loved it. I wish an estate version existed.

[@tahsin28]

Gosh i don't understand why K5s are still so rare. Actually its the badge. Show people a blurred photo of k5 and 100% people will be awed and intrigued.

[@TheRazerazer]

K5 are not rare, I see them all the time

[@richh7608]

@@TheRazerazer Relatively rare here and the local Kia dealer has 10 sitting on the lot. They used to move pretty quickly, but in the current market (like many other mid-size sedans) seem to spend lots of time on the lot.

[@tonyw2167]

As much as I’m a big fan of Kia, this new “dual control” system used for most models is just frustrating. Thank God I have a 2022 Sorento PHEV which does not have that

[@joec1774]

oh no! not weak climate knob detents! thank God ya'll survived. phew.

[@dianag6476]

I've had two different Fortes for the last 6 years that I at leased. Loved them both no issues ever. This is my next one . Can't wait till jan!

[@roguedogx]

3:01 IMO it would have been better for them to pick one function to hide behind an additional press than to toggle back and fourth. a customer is more likely to learn a behavior if the reward is consistent IMO. Although, yes, this is a band-aid solution for a bigger issue.

[@Centurio-LegioX-Equestris]

I would have chosen the 2.5 non turbo. The 1.6L turbo is annoying.

[@aonforme3349]

"This price" is one way to put it. How about for 3-5k less price?

[@gregholman2930]

I don't have the best eye-sight, I admit, but I didn't see any rear A/C vents, are you kiddin' me? If I was to buy the new K5 (I own a 2014 Kia Optima SX btw) it would definitely be the 275HP one, the look of the turbo with the larger wheels & exhaust pipes gives it a much more muscle look, like a baby Stinger, imo of course.

[@Tron08]

Good eye, curiously, rear vents seem to only be on the GT or better trims, but not on the GT-Line for some reason...

[@tomjanowski8584]

You make switching back and forth between HVAC and audio seem like the worst most difficult thing to do. It isn't.

[@haroldz123]

Kia need better ergonomist to design their seat

[@carljaekle]

Seems like a solid choice. CR seems to have crossed the Rubicon on screens, we have gone from touch screens suck, to pretty nice premium feel big screen. I actually agree, a well designed large touch screen is a plus.

[@Tron08]

There's definitely some nuance. I think the biggest gripe with touchscreens is/was the trend of having EVERY major function stuck on the screen/in a menu. Whereas, car manufacturers are starting to change course and bring back buttons and knobs for things like media control and climate control, which is infinitely better!

[@toyota420xp]

It couldn't put the power down with the turbo and all it did was make a s***** car is this the same engine in the K4

[@RE.MadStag]

It’s not the same engine

[@dg7438]

zonk for no rear a/c vents

[@abebueckert5269]

Love the styling! To bad it's not available in Canada.

[@canadianaviator]

You can always import it in 15 years!

[@0HOON0]

Kia builds awesome cars. Personally I think the K5 is a step up from the Camry for less $$. I made the boring choice and bought the Camry though. I don't trust Kia to last 20+ years

[@Alexander-vp8gc]

Strange argument but in the end you made the right choice.

[@huntebj]

@@0HOON0 if you only lease the car for a few years and don’t put too many miles on the car then ok. If you buy the car -you will have problems!

[@yummy1234098]

I don't know Anyone, that keeps a car 20 years

[@jameskeys971]

Plus direct injection is problematic, back side of the valves don’t get cleaned. Carbon issues done the road.

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

They build junk.

[@rnlkt4962]

KIA and Hyundai they are featured packed and mostly stylish, however they are bad when it comes to reliability, safety and quality. No thank you!!

[@markgutierez9922]

These narratives don't always apply. It's like other manufacturers haven't had thier sheer amount of issues over the years. I'll give it a chance with the current 10yrs warranty I think it's worth another look.

[@roo1314]

I have a general question: Saab (remember them?) put all the window controls in the center console. It makes so much sense but I haven't seen a newer car anywhere, including Kia and Hundai, put them there. Placing them in the center console lets passengers operate them. My father had an older Mercedes that put the controls in the center console but they were forever failing electrically.

[@scott8919]

It uses up space in the center console, plus the general population prefers them in the doors.

[@drmap5194]

Why not buy a Honda accord LX or Camry 2025 LX in less then 30K plus hybrid 😊

[@richh7608]

Both of those are missing things like leatherette seats, power seat, heated seats, panoramic sunroof, etc. and have CVTs vs a traditional automatic. The base 2025 Camry LE is a good choice right at $30k but currently you'll see no discounts ....as you might with the K5 (which also as has a significantly longer warranty).

[@kellyaustin7487]

Because they're boring and I would much rather have this over either one of those cars especially equipped with the GT trim.

[@Fuerya]

The new Hondas are butt ugly

[@Chickenwingsinthedings]

No AWD option

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

Would never buy a Kia or Hyundai.

[@theshipmasterbanished3902]

Did you really come to this video just to say “i would never buy a kia or hyundai” as if people will clap for you for not buying these car brands?

[@KHD1982]

K5 or Camry ?

[@anotheran]

It's not just the same car since 2021 that rarely anyone buys?

[@victreebel170]

Dealer stock on these has always been really low, they're one of the fastest moving cars and have dealer markups. No idea why they don't build more.

[@NS327-t7h]

It's been revised with a new 2.5L engine and interior so it might look the same, but tech and engines are different.

[@prodigalsoniv48]

Pretty sure the digital dash is very different

[@huntebj]

I’m glad this guy is impressed with the “quality” of the interior as he can sit and enjoy it WHILE HE IS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK!”

[@TheLifetraveler1]

Not automatically true. My 2016 Sonata was an excellent car.

[@markgutierez9922]

People love narratives. True Kia/hyday has a lot of trust to restore. The 10yrs Warranty is a good first step. Keep the maintenance consistent and maybe you will avoid the tow truck.

[@njnikusha]

Good enough for 3 yr lease