Testing midsize sedans brings up a slew of choices. Fortuitously, this implies everyone seems to be more likely to discover one thing they like. Whether or not they need modern design and loads of energy, or maybe somebody’s tastes are extra sedate and reserved, the sector is various sufficient to accommodate anybody.
With that in thoughts, the 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Chevrolet Malibu are compelling alternate options to the stalwart best-sellers on this class, so let’s evaluate the 2.
2025 Kia K5
For the 2025 mannequin yr, Kia took a great automotive and made it higher, apologies to the Beatles. Among the many higher choices within the midsize phase, the automaker made a couple of enhancements, together with boosting the facility output of the bottom engine from 180 horsepower to 191 hp. When you received’t set any information with that, extra is healthier relating to ponies.
The outside styling will get a couple of minor tweaks to the entrance and rear fascias, however the design stays contemporary for a car launched 4 years in the past. The K5 is available in 4 trim ranges: LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. The GT retains its 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, placing out a stout 290 hp. The opposite trim ranges get the brand new engine. Entrance-wheel drive is commonplace, though all-wheel drive (AWD) is an choice for the GT-Line.
The inside acquired a freshening for the brand new yr in addition to a brand new twin show unit comprised of a 12-inch gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen supplied as commonplace gear. With room for 5, the cabin is comfy and roomier than anticipated. The trunk is among the many largest within the phase. Pricing begins at $28,145, together with vacation spot charges.
Kia K5 Highlights
Extra know-how: Kia’s Good Cruise Management with Cease & Go in addition to Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help incorporating junction turning and bicycle owner detection is now commonplace throughout all trim ranges.
Infotainment: Each new K5 features a new infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Finest safety: The entire shiny new know-how, engine upgrades, and design tweaks are good, however shopping for a Kia means you additionally get some peace of thoughts with the perfect guarantee protection within the trade: 5 years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain.
Test this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the K5 fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet’s been making the Malibu for fairly a while in a single type or one other. The present iteration hasn’t seen vital updates in recent times. Nonetheless, it retains many qualities that consumers rely on, such nearly as good experience high quality, a big cabin, and a easy, clear exterior.
With 4 trim ranges — LS, RS, LT, and 2LT — it’s not too tough to get the 2025 Malibu geared up the best way you need. It gives some sporty touches and a slew of know-how, making it an interesting alternative. Pricing on the Malibu begins at $26,995, together with vacation spot cost.
Chevrolet Malibu Highlights
Keyless entry: Elective in all however the RS mannequin, this can be a 5-digit keypad set vertically within the driver’s facet door pillar. It means drivers can lock their keys within the automotive and log on or one thing equally key-unfriendly but nonetheless have entry.
Nice for teenagers: Letting that new driver take the brand new Malibu out tonight? Excellent news! It comes with a normal pre-programmable key fob that may management audio system ranges, set velocity limits, and supply an in-vehicle report card that some mother and father may describe as “proof.” Moreover, the Malibu can’t be faraway from Park until the motive force’s seatbelt is securely latched.
Very protected: With a 5-star crash ranking from the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration and a “Good” ranking in 5 of six assessments by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security, you may really feel comfortable every time you get behind the wheel.
Test this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Malibu fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
Roomy interiors and cheap pricing make the Kia K5 and Chevy Malibu comparable sedans.
Conclusion
Though they’re in the identical class, there are some vital variations between the Kia K5 and Chevrolet Malibu. The Kia options aggressive sporty exterior styling with a slew of recent facilities, whereas the Chevy hasn’t seen a big replace in eight years, though the design nonetheless holds its personal. Take the Kia K5 … if for no different motive than the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
| 2025 Kia K5 | 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Beginning Value | $28,145 | $26,995 |
| Widespread Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 163 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 181.5 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated | CVT |
| Gasoline Economic system | 26 metropolis/37 freeway/30 mixed mpg | 28 metropolis/36 freeway/31 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Out there | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental 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 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 111.0 inches |
| General Size | 193.1 inches | 194.2 inches |
| Width | 73.2 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Top | 56.9 inches | 57.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 toes | 37.0 toes |
| Headroom, Entrance | 40.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | 37.5 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 46.1 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.2 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 58.0 inches | 58.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.1 inches | 57.1 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 15.6 cubic toes | 15.7 cubic toes |