The 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Subaru Legacy are midsize sedans with room for 5 and non-obligatory turbocharged engines to offer every an additional jolt of efficiency.
Of the 2, the K5 stands out because of daring exterior styling that mimics some aggressive design cues within the now-discontinued Stinger sport sedan. The outside look will get a gentle replace for 2025. It additionally will get an improved infotainment system with a brand new touchscreen unit. Entrance-wheel drive (FWD) is commonplace, and below the hood of the K5 is a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine coupled to an 8-speed computerized transmission.
Whereas it doesn’t have the identical diploma of design bravado, the Legacy is conservatively good-looking and has the added attraction of ordinary all-wheel drive (AWD). You will get all-wheel drive on the K5, however it prices you additional. The bottom powertrain within the Legacy is a 182-hp 4-cylinder that works along with a constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT).
This lays out the fundamental blueprint of those two sedans. However how do they examine when it comes to driving dynamics, consolation ranges, and tech options?
To search out out, let’s have a look at some highlights of the Kia K5 and Subaru Legacy.
2025 Kia K5


The 2024 Kia K5 is accessible in 4 main trims: LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Apart from the range-topping GT mannequin, each K5 comes with the aforementioned 191-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powertrain. All-wheel drive could be optioned, however solely on the GT-Line. Costs begin at $28,365, together with factory-to-dealer vacation spot charges.
Kia K5 Highlights
Accessible AWD: Having all-wheel drive on the choice sheet offers the K5 additional attraction for automotive consumers preferring realizing they’ve added street grip in case their voyage turns slippery with ice, rain, or snow. Granted, we wouldn’t thoughts seeing all-wheel drive provided on extra than simply the GT-Line or with the punchier turbo engine used within the GT.
Sporty GT mannequin: The K5 GT is a comparatively understated, speedy sedan that accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in lower than 6 seconds. Credit score goes to the GT’s energetic 290-hp 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain improve offers the K5 the zesty driving dynamics to match its glossy exterior.
Aggressive type: As soon as once more, now we have a handy segue to debate one other spotlight of the K5. On this case, the swept-back form supplies a coupe-like profile to this in any other case wise, family-friendly sedan. Kia should assume midsize sedan consumers want to not fade into the background as a result of the K5 is unquestionably not what we’d name an introvert.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the K5 fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Subaru Legacy


2024 mannequin proven
The Subaru Legacy is accessible in 5 trims: Base, Premium, Restricted, Sport, and Touring XT. Pricing begins at $26,380, barely decrease than the K5 and different rivals just like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. You get all-wheel drive commonplace throughout all the vary.
The Sport and Touring fashions profit from a 260-hp turbo 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Much like the K5, this bump in horsepower is enormously appreciated in all kinds of driving eventualities, particularly when fast passing maneuvers are on the menu.
Subaru Legacy Highlights
Commonplace AWD: Not like all of its primary rivals, the Legacy stands alone in having all-wheel drive commonplace. That is one key motive why this Subaru sedan is fashionable in locations the place fast modifications within the climate could make roads slick and dangerous.
Roomy rear seats: Rear passengers take pleasure in 39.5 inches of legroom when perched within the Legacy’s backseat. That is among the many finest in its class and about 4 inches greater than the rear legroom afforded by the K5.
Non-obligatory turbocharged engine: Many Legacy consumers shall be advantageous with the value, energy, and gas mileage offered by the usual 182-hp 4-cylinder engine. Nonetheless, we advise at the least taking a take a look at drive of the stronger turbo engine used within the Sport and Touring XT. It comes at a premium, however the stronger acceleration it supplies makes it a tempting alternative, in our opinion.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Legacy fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The Kia K5 and Subaru Legacy are eminently sensible sedans with almost similar gas financial system, adult-friendly cabins, moderately giant trunks, and a strong roster of driver aids like lane-keep help and computerized high-beam headlights. All-wheel drive is a typical hyperlink, too, even when it’s ubiquitous on the Legacy. Every additionally has a wild aspect courtesy of an non-obligatory turbocharged engine in racier higher trims.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia K5 Costs
$28,365 |
$26,997 |
|||
$29,365 |
$28,005 |
|||
$34,465 |
$32,876 |
|||
$35,865 |
$34,487 |
The Kelley Blue E-book Honest Buy Value for any particular person used automobile can differ enormously in accordance with mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here replicate what patrons are presently paying for New 2025 Kia K5 automobiles and automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s advised retail value (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
2025 Kia K5 | 2025 Subaru Legacy | |
Well-liked Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
Transmission | 8-speed computerized | CVT |
Gasoline financial system | 26 mpg metropolis/36 mpg freeway/30 mpg mixed | 27 mpg metropolis/35 mpg freeway/30 mpg mixed |
Additionally Accessible | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, AWD | Turbo 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
Specs | ||
Primary Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA General Security | 5-Star | 5-Star |
Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 108.3 inches |
General Size | 193.1 inches | 191.1 inches |
Width | 73.2 inches | 72.4 inches |
Peak | 56.9 inches | 59.1 inches |
Turning Diameter | 36.0 ft | 36.8 ft |
Headroom, Entrance | 40.2 inches | 39.4 inches |
Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.8 inches | 37.2 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 46.1 inches | 42.8 inches |
Legroom, 2nd Row | 35.2 inches | 39.5 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 58.0 inches | 58.1 inches |
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.1 inches | 57.4 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 15.6 cubic ft | 15.1 cubic ft |
Conclusion
The K5 and Legacy are very evenly matched in a number of methods. Each include a variety of consolation and comfort options, together with out there wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, heated seats, and bigger out there infotainment touchscreens.
We love a number of the Legacy’s perks, equivalent to commonplace all-wheel drive and extra rear legroom. But the K5 impresses with its extra refined base engine and sharper design inside and outside. Serving to to seal the deal is a class-leading guarantee that features powertrain protection of 10 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first.