The 2025 Kia K5 comes in four main trim levels, each with different standard features and price points

The 2025 Kia K5 is offered in LX, EX, GT, and GT-Line trims. Each step up adds features, technology, and comfort options. The LX is the base model with core features like a touchscreen and backup camera. The EX adds items like a larger display and upgraded upholstery. The GT brings performance-focused upgrades and sportier styling. The GT-Line sits at the top with the most premium features and technology.

Within each trim, you can also choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on most models. The engine remains the same across all trims — a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder — but transmission and drivetrain options vary by trim level.

Key Takeaways

  • The LX trim is the entry point and includes essentials like an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a backup camera.
  • The EX adds a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and upgraded interior materials compared to the LX.
  • The GT includes a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a more aggressive exterior design with a rear spoiler.
  • The GT-Line is the top trim with premium leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver information systems as standard.
  • All-wheel drive is available on EX, GT, and GT-Line trims but not on the LX in most markets.

LX trim: what comes standard

The LX is designed as an affordable entry point to the K5 lineup. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and a six-speaker audio system. Climate control is manual rather than automatic. The exterior has 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, and the interior uses cloth upholstery.

Safety features on the LX include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping information. These are standard across all trims. The LX does not include all-wheel drive as an option in most regions — it comes with front-wheel drive only.

EX trim: added comfort and technology

The EX builds on the LX foundation with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and automatic dual-zone climate control. The interior upgrades to premium cloth seating, and the exterior gets 17-inch alloy wheels. A power driver's seat with lumbar support is also standard on the EX.

The EX is where all-wheel drive becomes an option. Choosing all-wheel drive on the EX adds traction in snow and wet conditions but reduces fuel economy slightly compared to front-wheel drive. The EX also adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard safety features.

GT trim: performance and sportier styling

The GT trim focuses on a more athletic driving experience and bolder exterior appearance. It includes a sport-tuned suspension with a lower ride height, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. The front grille is more aggressive, and the overall stance is noticeably sportier than lower trims.

Inside, the GT keeps the 10.25-inch touchscreen and adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The seats are upholstered in a blend of leather and suede-like material. The GT also includes a power sunroof, which is not available on LX or EX trims. All-wheel drive is available on the GT and brings the same benefits as on the EX.

GT-Line trim: the top of the lineup

The GT-Line is the most fully equipped K5 configuration. It includes everything from the GT trim plus premium leather seating throughout, a panoramic sunroof that spans a larger portion of the roof, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings. The infotainment system remains the 10.25-inch touchscreen, but it includes navigation as standard.

The GT-Line adds advanced driver information features like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to match traffic, and lane-centering information, which helps keep the car centered in its lane. A surround-view camera system gives you a bird's-eye view when parking. All-wheel drive is available on the GT-Line and is a popular choice for buyers in colder climates.

Engine, transmission, and drivetrain options

All 2025 K5 models use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission across all trims. Fuel economy varies slightly between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, with front-wheel drive versions achieving slightly better mileage.

Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims. All-wheel drive is available on EX, GT, and GT-Line trims but not on the LX. If you live in an area with heavy snow or frequently drive on unpaved roads, all-wheel drive provides better traction. However, it adds weight to the vehicle and reduces fuel economy by a few miles per gallon compared to front-wheel drive.

Color and interior options

The 2025 K5 is offered in eight exterior colors: Ebony Black, Platinum Silver, Bright Silver, Snow White Pearl, Sapphire Blue, Gravity Blue, Sunset Orange, and Magnetic Red. Some colors may carry an upcharge. Interior color options depend on the trim — lower trims typically offer black or gray cloth, while higher trims offer black or brown leather.

Wheel designs also vary by trim. The LX uses 16-inch steel wheels, the EX and GT use 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels respectively, and the GT-Line uses 18-inch alloy wheels with a premium finish. Some trims allow you to upgrade to different wheel designs at an additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get all-wheel drive on the base LX trim?

No. All-wheel drive is only available on the EX, GT, and GT-Line trims. The LX comes with front-wheel drive only. If you want all-wheel drive, you will need to step up to at least the EX trim.

What is the main difference between the GT and GT-Line?

The GT-Line adds premium leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, navigation as standard, and advanced driver information features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering information. The GT has a sport-tuned suspension and sportier styling but fewer luxury features than the GT-Line.

Do all trims have the same engine?

Yes. Every 2025 K5 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower. The engine and transmission are identical across all trims. The differences between trims are in features, materials, and available options, not in engine performance.

Is the panoramic sunroof available on all trims?

No. The power sunroof is standard on GT and GT-Line trims. The LX and EX do not offer a sunroof option. If a sunroof is important to you, you will need to choose the GT or GT-Line.

What safety features come standard on every K5?

All trims include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping information. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and advanced features like adaptive cruise control and surround-view cameras on the GT-Line.