Kia K5 trim comparison
2025 Kia K5 GT vs EX
The K5 GT starts at $33,290 while the EX is $34,960. That $1,670 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L I4 Turbo to 2.5L I4. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 2.5L I4 every week, the EX makes sense. If not, the GT is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $30/month more over 60 months, or roughly $1,800 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The GT and EX are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $1,670 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $334 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | GT | EX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $33,290 | $34,960 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 36 |
| Combined MPG | 27 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8 gal | 15.8 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,596 lbs | 3,395 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 112.2" |
| Length | 193.1" | 193.1" |
| Width | 73.2" | 73.2" |
| Height | 56.9" | 56.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Kia K5 GT vs EX Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Kia K5 lineup, the Kia brand hub, the Midsize Sedans, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 K5 EX cost than the GT?
The EX starts at $34,960 compared to $33,290 for the GT. That is a $1,670 difference, or approximately $30/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Kia K5 GT and EX have the same engine?
No. The GT uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo (290 hp, 311 lb-ft), while the EX has the 2.5L I4 (191 hp, 181 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 8-speed automated manual.
Do the 2025 K5 GT and EX have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with FWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2025 K5 GT or EX safer?
Both share the same Kia K5 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Kia K5 come with?
All 2025 Kia K5 trims, including both the GT and EX, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Kia K5 EX worth $1,670 more than the GT?
The $1,670 buys the 2.5L I4. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the GT does the same job for less.
Which 2025 Kia K5 trim gets better fuel economy, the GT or the EX?
The EX is the more efficient of the two at 29 combined MPG, versus 27 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the K5 EX Worth $1,670 More?
Spending $1,670 more on the K5 EX buys the 2.5L I4 engine (+-99 hp). These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the GT has the 2.5L I4 Turbo, the EX the 2.5L I4. That means -99 more horsepower and -130 more lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The K5 EX gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $108 per year or $540 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The K5 EX costs $1,670 more than the GT (about $30/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $334 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Kia K5 GT
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the GT best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia K5 EX
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the EX when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.