2025 Kia K5 GT-Line: They Neutered It!

[@johnlloyd1388]

I just bought a K5 GT line last week. The car drives like a dream, and looks great (Blue). I took it on a trip to the NC mountains last week, and I didn't have any issue with going up the mountains. In addition, the K5 dealer was extremely easy to deal with. I'm 100% satisfied!

[@BandsOnBands30]

How much was the msrp n did u get fwd

[@dwayneobas9095]

Good job getting your hands on this really quick

[@HiiImChris]

The k5 is an awesome car. In 2013 the first car that got me interested in cars was a kia optima. It was my first job doing carts at a store, saw a really cool 1 parked and thought "damn that looks sick, of I want that I just need to work for it". After that I started paying more attention to the different cars in the lot and over time cars started to become interesting for me. Anyways, the k5 I think is the successor to the optima, and I executes what I liked about the original in a way that's modern and interesting.

[@ATRichard]

The Optima was the car that got me interested in Kia when the redesigned ones came out back in 2011! It’s been cool to see the evolution of their design over the years, like the chrome trim piece he mentioned. That harkens back to the 2011 models and was carried into the Stinger’s design language, too! I worked in product planning for a couple years at Kia when I graduated from college and made product proposals that ended up in production on the K5 and other Kias. I have a 2022 K5 GT-Line AWD in Wolf Grey paint now with the red interior - I made several of those product suggestions! Awesome ride to have been part of the planning process on! 🔥

[@YkCris]

just bought one and i absolutely love it

[@GoldRaven-oe4by]

Nah. The 2.5 is a significant upgrade over the 1.6, the power delivery is much more consistent and its obviously more reliable without sacrificing fuel efficiency

[@i.d.6492]

I'd take this over camry or accord personally. And no toyota fanboys, don't at me with your reliability, especially not after tundra trucks blowing up on left and right like crazy 🤣

[@BigdeesulOfficial]

The 1.6L engine was the best thing about the GT-Line. CVVT combined with CVVD was revolutionary. Peak torque at 1500rpm and staying there damn near to redline was great. I'm sure it's a cost cutting measure 2.5 NA is probably way cheaper to produce. Plus with all the EV's Kia offers they don't need the additional efficiency of the 1.6L anymore.

[@JDubbs07]

I would bet they're rerouting their pipeline of 1.6T production to their hybrid Sportage and Sorento, which are rapidly growing in popularity. I'm sure supply chain constraints/planning prevent them from simply making more.

[@johnw9245]

I have to agree that the 1.6L turbo is an efficient engine and a lot of fun to drive. I have a 2024 GT-Line with that engine and really love driving it! I took a long highway trip today and averaged 42 mpg. ** It seems to me that replacing that turbo engine with the 2.5L non-turbo is a downgrade 🙄

[@djambo318]

I will be getting mine next Tuesday !

[@ZACaro]

H/K have always been good with design and build quality. It’s the engines they put out that were the problem. K5 is one of the best looking cars on the market imo

[@jemsdiorlopez4627]

10 year warranty / 100,000 miles warranty. I must say KIA is pretty confident that they are a reliable vehicle brand.

[@sebastianpalos6889]

Just bought this vehicle and love the new matte steel gray!

[@MicahB98]

The rear is a lot better than last year, but yah still warming up to the front. But gosh that interior is wayyyy nicer

[@O2MEND]

You need to drive the GT. It's not neutered. Also, the camera up, please.

[@1Hooah6FA]

nah its not neutered he just didnt drive it right

[@ChrisM-dx8up]

I think if this engine ends up being much more reliable than that tiny 1.6 liter, it'll definitely be worth the change for Kia's reputation if ends up being really reliable. Kia really has the cool factor and the quality look and feel it seems, all they need is to up their reliability reputation, if this engine will do that despite just a bit less power, I think it'll be a worthwhile change. I'm sure once they come out with a hybrid version of this car and keep the 2.5 liter it'll help with the sluggishness.

[@johnfranklin5277]

Kias 1.6 liter turbo is not an engine that has had issues. It's already a proven reliable engine.

[@ChrisM-dx8up]

@@johnfranklin5277 The 1.6 can be a reliable engine and the 2.5 could also end up being more reliable. Two things can be true, doesn't mean one has to be reliable and the other isn't, but one is probably more reliable than the other. I could see the 2.5 potentially ending up being more reliable.

[@e.l.4019]

Kia/Hyundai engines equipped with the 1.6 turbo with GDI engines have been problematic. This car looks amazing. But the 2.5 liter engine is lackluster. Kia/Hyundai are looking for beta testers to show off their updated K5. Will this naturally aspirated engine save the day? Perhaps but at what cost. Dealers are already marking these cars well north of the msrp. And consumers are so impatient they simply must keep up with the neighbors. The biggest problem relates to major oil consumption from GDI engines. Have you looked at your exhaust tail pipe? Do you see metal or black sot from oil burning? People keep your service records. Kia/Hyundai will to go to extreme measures to not give you a new engine. Be smart and do oil changes less than the recommended service guide. Why do you think they promote waiting for extended oil change intervals...no wrong answer. They know your lack of knowledge will void any potential warranty claims....due to excessive miles and warranty limitations. Dealerships only goal is to separate you from your money....do not get screwed. If you screw me I want to feel it 😂😂😂😂😂!!!

[@JorgeSoto-el7ji]

You should check out the Elantra N-line. It’s a direct competitor to the GT-line. It produces 201 hp and 195Ibs of Torque. I personally think it’s much sleeker and better looking.

[@seanpark3106]

​@@JorgeSoto-el7ji Mid-size Vs Sub-compact

[@benlecluyse]

Insane K5 Ben !! ❤❤

[@forceuser609]

as a kia tech, they did that because the 1.6L are trash! they are losing millions on the warranty repairs.

[@sherrikwhiteside6107]

As a Kia Tech, what’s your thoughts on this 2.5L engine? I have read concerns about it, too. I am in the market, and exploring options. I need a car asap. I have a slight interest in this k5. Literally going to test drive this very trim today.

[@forceuser609]

@@sherrikwhiteside6107 set expectations, do not expect Lexus/ Toyota reliability from this engine, is this a good car? No oil changes at 7500 or 10000 miles, 5K max, it DOES matter.

[@sherrikwhiteside6107]

@@forceuser609 seriously, bro, thanks for responding. I had read where there were oil consumption problems with this 2.5L engine, which has been used in the Sonata. Kia/Hyundai make some great looking vehicles, but they need to put a lot more emphasis on building better engines, rather than something that just looks good, packed with tech.

[@DS-rx6uk]

How about the 2.5 turbo engine?

[@forceuser609]

@@DS-rx6uk junk

[@hutchinson54]

The 1.6 produces 195 ft. lbs. @ 1500-4500 rpm. The 2.5 produces 181.5 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm. You’re getting damn near all the torque from the 1.6 from the start. Plus that turbo helps at higher elevations. The 2.5? Not so much. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@johnfranklin5277]

Nothing like buying a new car that looks like it needs a paint job...on the upside, you never have to wash it, or wax it because it doesn't make any difference.

[@alanjg1]

I am considering the new K5 GT with the GT1 package as my next car. That being said, I actually like the white interior contrast color of the GT-Line better than the neon green of the GT.

[@j317]

yes it's stupid that they only offer 1 interior for the gt why limit the top trim? U should be able to get red seats or the brown seats and u should be able to get red calipers but this is a kia so i guess u can't ask for that much

[@wizels1403]

@@j317one word: classism The new GT is suppose to be worn as a badge, everyone driving one is ‘suppose’ to project this idea of speciality, because it’s one of its kind. also 0-60 in 5 seconds + a wet DCT turbo is no joke what so ever

[@j317]

@wizels1403 doesn't matter that doesn't mean u give it 1 option while lesser trims get more options what kinna sense does that make? In my opinion even the wolf grey color from the start of the k5 should of only been avaliable as a gt that way u would be able to distinguish it instead of seeing the color everywhere because it is avaliable in the cheaper gt line my point is kia is all over the place with the offerings for different trim levels only the best options should be for the higher trim that is how it's supposed to be

[@wizels1403]

@@j317 no I honestly agree, it was always off to me how Kia prices stuff, are they returded or is it intentional

[@kellyaustin7487]

The way it's geared and without the turbo lag of the smaller 1.6l it actually has more response on throttle.

[@Chaz386]

Pre refresh looks better on the outside but on the refresh is better in the interior with fully digital speedo

[@Aves_1]

I like the refreshed front but prefer the old rear imo

[@lONlQ]

I saw refresh in real life, it's the coolest design I ever seen.

[@edaddyx2hansonjr436]

These are really sharp cars. Agree

[@RichardJoashTan]

I prefer the refreshed version better.

[@wizels1403]

cmon guys you know we have to stay modern and innovate, ask yourselves, what drew you to the design in the first place, the awesome look, that was the goal here

[@Fyreballs9]

They still have the regular K5 GT that does come with the Turbocharged engine as a higher trim. 290 horsepower and 310 ft torque

[@KenMcCune-wb3jp]

Kia built a cool car

[@67wildwolf]

Sorry Ben but in Asia and in Europe for a very long time they have used turbos to make power and they don't have the reliability problems your talking about. Here in the states we suffer from we have to have a V8 to have power. Europe has/had V8s and V12s but they had more smaller turbo charged cars as well.

[@MyMason911]

I just got a new mazda cx50 last month leased. But when i see this man these koreans are putting way more quality and updated looks in their cars than the japanese unless you buy a 60k-80k lexus or infinity. But my car was 35k msrp this is 32k man i would trade in my lease today for this.

[@truthkl]

I’m gonna upgrade to this I’ve had a 22 AWD it hesitate a lot from stop and go and at 85MPH you can hear a whistle in the cab from the engine. Other than that I love it I just wish they’d kept those heartbeat DRL as a K5 signature and just make them start from one end and travel to the other end of the light.

[@Yazennnnnn]

It’s interesting to see differences between markets because I have a 2022 GTLine and I live in Oman (very hot desert climate up to 50°C/122°F). For my 22 GTL I got a digital gauge, this 2.5L Naturally aspirated engine, as well as ventilated seats which are amazing in summer. However, I guess we sacrificed with tech because we don’t get adaptive cruise and not even lane keeping assist. I guess that’s how they balance the price.

[@carguy-xv2cl]

Some people say that since removing the turbo its better in the top end, is this true? Obviously the low end torque is less.

[@chadxlr3978]

No more turbo engine in gtline 😢. Good thing I got mine last year

[@johnfranklin5277]

Yes, I am glad I have a 2021 GT LINE with premium package with the 1.6 turbo. Lots more pick up, ie fun. I test drove this new one with this 2.5 here in the Los Angeles area, its sea level, and was really shocked at how slow the pick up is...salesman says, so you ready to trade your 2021 in on this awsome new one? I said, no, sorry, I like mine much better. It's in like new condition, only 38.000 miles on it.

[@FT9chango5]

@@johnfranklin5277no Gt line has a turbo not sure wym

[@johnfranklin5277]

@@FT9chango5 The 2021 thru 2024 K5s only came with Turbo engines.

[@239seth]

Well I got a this exact one just with red interior and the gt does not have red interior, I’ll just wait to a turbo kit comes out and I’ll beat the gt and look better.

[@sroolsking]

I test drove it yesterday n I it's very smooth might get it or the Elantra N

[@DoubleAE]

Gonna be getting the GT trim with the GT1 package. Super excited for it as i prefer the new exterior and interior

[@LaiyaUnscripted]

is the 2025 GT already at dealerships?

[@DoubleAE]

@@LaiyaUnscripted most are still in transit I believe but yes. You can also build one if a dealership around you doesn't have one. Just call up your closest dealership and see if they'll put an order in for you

[@LaiyaUnscripted]

@@DoubleAE thank you for this information!

[@its_sych4448]

only problem is that it only comes with one option FWD, I need AWD or else GT obvious

[@tizodd6]

Small suggestion: Could you angle the camera a bit higher while driving?

[@fernandolazaro1364]

Listen I want to buy one of those K5 but I wantna know how good is the engine and how reliable are 2.5 turbo I have 2012 Kia 2.5 l 102000 but nobody does research and on the 2.5 turbo just everybody shows the car over and over

[@michaelkaiser5994]

How does it compare to the Camry 4?

[@E63_121]

Only flaw is light bar not going all across the back ! Coming from the pre update owner ! Much needed digital dash

[@byronrudnik2621]

Turn signal sounds like someone clicking a Snapple cap. 😅 K5 seems okay, looking fwd to new K4 reviews.

[@quintonhorne5152]

I’m looking into getting one. The car looks sharp but I haven’t driven it yet

[@1Hooah6FA]

nah i just bought one. she is quick you just aint stepping on the gas properly i can tell you were letting off too early.

[@brobob52]

These r on lots already?

[@sherrikwhiteside6107]

I have reliability concerns with both. But, would you go with a ‘24 Honda Accord Ex 1.5t or a 2025 KiA K5 GT Line?

[@sherrikwhiteside6107]

I’m considering this or the new Camry. Which would you go with, after spending some time in both?

[@Kosherperson]

Kia K5 the only one has AUTOMATIC transmission, Accord, Camry, Malibu have CVVT😬😬😬

[@leer4009]

The black if for thermal heat reduction . According to Kia website

[@ascanius_son_of_aeneas5344]

Im guessing the 2.5 specs are similiar to hondas 2.4. Peak torque around 4000 rpm and hp around 6000+. Those are rpm ranges most people dont drive in. Think its dumb they got rid of the 1.6.

[@iceman.83]

New K5 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@nellynel153]

the grill is smaller, looks like a sonata and stinger in one. very nice i have a 2021

[@representantesautorizados172]

Me too. the 185HP and it drives and feels great!

[@seansull]

I'm confused because they have the GT which is turbocharged but then the rest aren't

[@edaddyx2hansonjr436]

If they made the GT with available AWD.....look TF out. GTline AWD are cool but that needs to be applied to the GT. The stinger is dead. So let's go, c'mon kia. 😊

[@j317]

Gt is still fwd and only offers 1 interior color choice

[@wizels1403]

sigh.. maybe next year? perhaps they’re seeing how to market works this year especially, either way i heard if you replace your front tires with some high quality sticky summer tires you can cancel the traction issue 😱

[@SgawCules]

No orange interior like what was shown with the Korean model 😮‍💨​@@j317

[@kcindc5539]

I agree. It’s crazy to offer so much HP in the GT and only provide FWD with an open diff - no LSD no AWD. Just a ton of one wheel peel and axle hop.

[@simarlawrenz5628]

Is there a front camera for like parking??

[@exoacehj]

Doesn’t seem as exciting as pre refresh

[@BenRozmarina]

Do memory seats come standard on the GT line trim?

[@raaedsami]

When will this model come to Germany?

[@KoreanAmericanLawyer.NewPortBe]

Kia Hyundai are light years ahead of BMW BENZ and AUDI

[@kevindong4455]

Is this AWD?

[@seanpark3106]

You can get it fwd or awd. It comes in both for every trim

[@kevindong4455]

@@seanpark3106 even the trim with 300 hp?

[@kcindc5539]

@@kevindong4455no. Unfortunately the hot 2.5T in the GT only comes with FWD - and not even an LSD to help put that 300-ish HP down to the pavement. Prepare for lots of one wheel peel and axle hop.

[@MilesLopez-zm2gk]

i thought the trunk opened and closed by itself?

[@prescottlange]

Spent the whole drive review anguishing over how punchy it feels compared to its predecessor...a middling midsize grocery getting sedan. Ugh...these guys just don't get it.

[@KD-gw4hd]

When does the 2025 officially hit the dealership lots?

[@_LifeOfNeneDior]

There’s a couple hitting showroom floors now . I know a couple in my home state

[@emreboz1]

0-60?

[@stevencorbo1220]

Much more reliable car now much better without the 1.6 turbo

[@FT9chango5]

More boring as well

[@mohdsayedahmad7092]

They need to develop a new engine for their line ups. Literally GDI engines are trash in any way you could think of. Carbon build up is the number one cause of issues in the engine design.

[@KhrisWorld]

Do the side mirror go in when you turn off car

[@seanpark3106]

It's not auto, you have to fold it. I have same car in yacht blue

[@niiabbey]

Yes... only in the EX trim.

[@KhrisWorld]

That sucks bro im leasing a ebony black 2024 i love it I just don't like that part of it the folding of side mirror

[@mercilessff2295]

does it have ambient lighting??

[@LaiyaUnscripted]

that’s my question too

[@mercilessff2295]

@@LaiyaUnscripted ong cause no one’s saying anything about it so am just curious

[@ATRichard]

On top trims, I do believe the dash has some ambient lighting. Kia also has a mood light kit you can add as an accessory at the dealer. I added it on my 2022 K5.

[@LaiyaUnscripted]

@@ATRichard thank you for this information

[@ATRichard]

@@LaiyaUnscripted You’re welcome! You can also buy “mini USB or USB-C” mood lights to spice up the interior of your car for cheap too.

[@stevencorbo1220]

Prefer the 2.5 naturally aspirated motor it's more reliable

[@sherrikwhiteside6107]

Would you not be concerned of it having a gasoline direct injection engine, though? I am far from being a mechanic, but I know carbon buildup is a concern with those engines. I am in the market, and just exploring options.

[@kyron2092]

I'm glad Kia ditched the 1.6t. It's loud, coarse, thrashy, and can't put its power down without AWD. It just sucks N/A engines have trouble at elevation

[@chadxlr3978]

Completely disagree. I age the turbo one it’s great and fun to drive. It’s definitely not loud or trashy don’t know where u get that from lol. And I have the fwd one and power is not an issue.

[@kyron2092]

@chadxlr3978 the 1.6t is louder and less refined than the older 2.4 n/a engine. That's where I get it from. I've driven a lot of different cars and that 1.6t is an unpleasant engine in the K5, sonata and previous Sante fe. I had a k5 as a loaner while my car was in the collision center for a little over a month. I couldn't rev it above 3k rpm because the tires would squeal and the car would cut power for a second or so then give it back to me. I mean talk about dangerous lol. And no it's not because I stomp on the throttle, it's because the car has too much low end torque and immediately revs high unless you're very careful with the throttle. I shouldn't have to put that much thought into accelerating. I can forgive the much faster GT for that issue since it's genuinely quick. But for a car that can't even hit 0-60 in less than 7 seconds, the traction issue is unacceptable. Savagegeese spoke about that issue in his K5 review and after looking in the comments, other people had the same issue.

[@johnfranklin5277]

​@kyron2092 Turn off the traction control then. I've owned my GT LINE for 3 years this month. It never breaks the tires loose unless I'm really getting on it. You have a heavy foot from a stop. You won't have to worry about this new non turbo squealing the tires, it doesn't have enough power to do so. I tested here in the LA area at sea level. It's way slow.

[@kyron2092]

@johnfranklin5277 I've tried it with traction on and off, doesn't make much of a difference. I'm actually glad you don't have that issue but many do. The n/a powertrain has a little less tq but more hp. The 1.6t in the k5 is missing top end. I'm pretty sure the 2.5 feels slower but if you time them 0-60 it's probably a negligible difference if it isn't the same. The 1.6t k5 hits 0-60 in the mid to low 7 second range, and if my 2.4 optima can do the same thing, than I'm pretty sure the new 2.5 can as well. I'm glad Kia went with that choice. I just don't like the 1.6t in the k5, it doesn't fit that car to me. I adore it in the forte though

[@alexlauria4076]

The 1.6T is gone ?

[@tbld2827]

yes in all 2025 models

[@TheKingMarkell]

No spoilers 😭

[@fire_breathing_hamster]

I love the 25’s I have ‘24 might trade it in

[@j317]

definitely do it

[@nicky6726]

Hey Ben you need to slow down on talking. You are very hard to understand.,

[@roccodifranco7866]

I owned a 1.6 t k5 I can’t believe what Kia is doing I would not buy a GT line now

[@sherrikwhiteside6107]

Why not? Because of the change to the 2.5L engine?

[@roccodifranco7866]

@@sherrikwhiteside6107 yes the 2.5 is a fine SUV motor but not sporty at all it was the standard motor in the 2023 Hyundai Sonata’s you had to get a SEL plus to get the 1.6t and all Kia K5’s had the 1.6t it was a great thing that Kia did for the sporty K5 ow it’s gone .

[@seanpark3106]

That funny, the same reason I went out and bought the 25' because of stronger naturally aspirated engine

[@roccodifranco7866]

Actually on paper it looks like 10 extra hp but less toque so actually does not pull like the turbo the naturally aspirated engine is cheaper for Kia to make and they raised the price

[@Cra2y_Ukrainian]

Your description of things is “pretty cool looking” or “interesting”….

[@rolexer]

Wish it had 300 bhp

[@ClubZlut]

That's called the K5 GT with 290 HP.

[@BluRadoZ71]

The styling isn't bad, digital dash sucks, power numbers sucks.

[@Darthflips]

Chrome trim looks trashy

[@nicoharame]

My opinion they ruined the new model of the gt line

[@forceuser609]

Test

[@car-diologist]

There are only 3 reasons anyone would be foolish enough to buy a Kia product. -They have bad credit with limited options for financing -They are wealthy enough to not care and just like the looks -They know absolutely nothing about vehicles and or resale value Put this manufacturer out of business already will ya. They are making lives difficult for Americans who are already struggling as it is.

[@israsalme]

Explain

[@car-diologist]

@israsalme wow, you can't easily understand the comment says poor reliability and poor quality of Kia products without spelling it out ? There ya go, "Explained !

[@israsalme]

@@car-diologist lmao or maybe instead of making people waste their time having to reply to your dumbass vague comment just say it how it is off the start

[@BigdeesulOfficial]

Hilarious when someone that knows nothing about cars talks shit about other people bot knowing about cars. Kia makes some of thr best vehicles on the road. No other brand offers as much style, tech, efficiency, and as good a warranty as Kia. And they're on the top of the dependability charts for the last few years. Must be sad you can't afford one. Whatever helps you cope...

[@car-diologist]

@bigdeesul5280 My wife and I had a Kia, many people we know have had a Kia, all of them except for two hate Kia products and will no longer buy them. We and they couldn't get rid of the garbage quickly enough. Thankfully my wife and I no longer need to buy cheap, unlike yourself. Lol, your a real sucka. Kakakakakia. Lmao, you pimpin a Kia talking smack like others can't afford it....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Mary-py8jr]

Just purchase mine yesterday its Awesome 💯🔥🫶🏾 2025