Comparison

2025 Kia K5 vs. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Comparison

Checking out midsize sedans brings up a slew of options. Fortunately, this means everyone is likely to find something they like. Whether they want leading-edge design and plenty of power, or perhaps someone’s tastes are more sedate and reserved, the field is varied enough to accommodate anyone.

With that in mind, the 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Chevrolet Malibu are compelling alternatives to the stalwart best-sellers in this class, so let’s compare the two.

2025 Kia K5

2025 Kia K5 EX in Yacht Blue

For the 2025 model year, Kia took a good car and made it better, apologies to the Beatles. Among the better offerings in the midsize segment, the automaker made a few improvements, including boosting the power output of the base engine from 180 horsepower to 191 hp. While you won’t set any records with that, more is better when it comes to ponies.

The exterior styling gets a few minor tweaks to the front and rear fascias, but the design remains fresh for a vehicle introduced four years ago. The K5 comes in four trim levels: LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. The GT retains its 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out a stout 290 hp. The other trim levels get the new engine. Front-wheel drive is standard, although all-wheel drive (AWD) is an option for the GT-Line.

The interior received a freshening for the new year as well as a new dual display unit comprised of a 12-inch gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen offered as standard equipment. With room for five, the cabin is comfortable and roomier than expected. The trunk is among the largest in the segment. Pricing starts at $28,145, including destination fees.

Kia K5 Highlights

More technology: Kia’s Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go as well as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist incorporating junction turning and cyclist detection is now standard across all trim levels.

Infotainment: Every new K5 includes a new infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Best protection: All of the shiny new technology, engine upgrades, and design tweaks are nice, but buying a Kia means you also get some peace of mind with the best warranty coverage in the industry: 5 years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain.

Read our Kia K5 Expert Review or see 2025 Kia K5 for sale near you

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

2024 Chevrolet Malibu LT Redline Edition in Sterling Gray Metallic.

2024 model shown

Chevrolet’s been making the Malibu for quite some time in one form or another. The current iteration hasn’t seen significant updates in recent years. Still, it retains many qualities that buyers count on, such as good ride quality, a large cabin, and a simple, clean exterior.

With four trim levels — LS, RS, LT, and 2LT — it’s not too difficult to get the 2025 Malibu equipped the way you want. It offers some sporty touches and a slew of technology, making it an appealing choice. Pricing on the Malibu begins at $26,995, including destination charge.

Chevrolet Malibu Highlights

Keyless entry: Optional in all but the RS model, this is a 5-digit keypad set vertically in the driver’s side door pillar. It means drivers can lock their keys in the car and go surfing or something equally key-unfriendly yet still have access.

Great for teens: Letting that new driver take the new Malibu out tonight? Good news! It comes with a standard pre-programmable key fob that can control audio system levels, set speed limits, and provide an in-vehicle report card that some parents might describe as “evidence.” Additionally, the Malibu can’t be removed from Park unless the driver’s seatbelt is securely latched.

The last Chevy sedan: A true survivor, the Malibu is the only 4-door sedan Chevrolet sells in the U.S. in 2025. The current version debuted as a 2016 model and has benefitted from technological and mechanical updates over its lifetime.

Read our Chevrolet Malibu Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Malibu for sale near you

Similarities

Roomy interiors and reasonable pricing make the Kia K5 and Chevy Malibu comparable sedans. Both sedans received 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Conclusion

Although they’re in the same class, there are some significant differences between the Kia K5 and Chevrolet Malibu. The Kia features aggressive sporty exterior styling with a slew of modern amenities, while the Chevy hasn’t seen a significant update in eight years, although the design still holds its own. Take the Kia K5 … if for no other reason than the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

New 2025 Kia K5 Prices

Retail Price
Fair Purchase Price (78861)
LXS
$28,365
$27,355
$29,365
$28,451
GT
$34,465
$33,244
EX
$35,865
$34,842

New 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Prices

Retail Price
Fair Purchase Price (78861)
LS
$26,995
$24,800
RS
$27,995
$25,719
1LT
$29,295
$27,399
2LT
$32,695
$30,808

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia K5 vehicles and New 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

2025 Kia K52025 Chevrolet Malibu
Popular Powertrains
Engine2.5-liter 4-cylinder1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower191 hp @ 6,100 rpm163 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque181.5 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Transmission8-speed automaticCVT
Fuel Economy26 city/37 highway/30 combined mpg28 city/36 highway/31 combined mpg
Also Available2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD
Specs
Basic Warranty5 years/60,000 miles3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty10 years/100,000 miles5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety5 stars5 stars
Max Seating Capacity55
Wheelbase112.2 inches111.0 inches
Overall Length193.1 inches194.2 inches
Width73.2 inches73.0 inches
Height56.9 inches57.3 inches
Turning Diameter36.0 feet37.0 feet
Headroom, Front40.2 inches39.1 inches
Headroom, Rear37.8 inches37.5 inches
Legroom, Front46.1 inches41.5 inches
Legroom, Rear35.2 inches38.1 inches
Shoulder Room, Front58.0 inches58.5 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear56.1 inches57.1 inches
Cargo Volume15.6 cubic feet15.7 cubic feet