Kia has revealed midcycle refreshes for both the 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Kia Carnival at the Chicago Auto Show.
The 2025 Kia K5 features numerous subtle visual tweaks, including updated head and taillight designs, both with additional LED light signatures that jut downward. Inside, the 2025 Kia K5 features a simplified design with an available panoramic curved display that combines two 12.3-inch screens, one serving as the driver display, with the other serving as the infotainment display. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also find their way into the 2025 Kia K5.
Kia has also updated standard equipment for multiple trims of the 2025 Kia K5. The base LXS trim will now come standard with smart cruise control, while the higher EX trim will now come standard with Digital Key 2, a heated steering wheel, a Bose premium audio system, and more.
Kia has replaced the 1.6 liter turbo with a 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder, producing 11 more horsepower than the outgoing engine rising to 191 hp, though torque has dropped by 14 lb-ft to 181 lb-ft. 2025 Kia K5 buyers can opt for AWD when they order the optional GT-line package. GT models will continue to come with the 2.5 liter turbo four-cylinder producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Kia Carnival rolls into the new model year with its own raft of visual and mechanical changes.
The 2025 Kia Carnival features a comprehensively redesigned front end with more squared-off proportions and a wider grille. New daytime running lights with amber lighting elements echo those found on the updated 2025 Kia Sorento SUV.
Collision avoidance is newly standard on the 2025 Kia Carnival, while lane change assist, junction crossing, and evasive steering assist will be available as options.
The 3.5 liter V6 returns for 2025, though it loses three hp for a total output of 278 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The big news is a new hybrid powertrain that joins the options list. This hybrid powertrain features a 1.6 liter turbo and a 54 kW electric motor, making 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Oddly, Kia has yet to release fuel economy numbers for this new hybrid option, though we’d expect it to offer some meaningful efficiency improvements over the non-hybrid version.
Inside, the 2025 Kia Carnival also gets an available twin 12.3-inch screen display system and simplified controls, while a rotary knob has replaced the shift lever. Second-row passengers will be able to enjoy Kia’s newly optional rear entertainment system, which consists of two 14.6-inch monitors able to stream full HD content from multiple streaming platforms. A new voice assistant also joins the list of interior upgrades with the ability to tell the difference between front and second-row passenger requests, responding to them by taking action on their requests in accordance with where they are seated in the vehicle.
Kia will announce pricing for the 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Kia Carnival closer to their on-sale dates later this year.
