2025 Malibu vs. 2025 Kia K5 in Augusta, GA

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

2025 Malibu vs 2025 K5

If you’re searching for a stylish and feature-packed midsize sedan in Augusta, GA, Milton Ruben Chevrolet invites you to compare two top contenders: the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Kia K5. Both offer attractive designs, solid performance, and everyday practicality. But if you want a smooth, comfortable ride wrapped in classic appeal with surprisingly advanced tech, the Malibu stands out. Let’s see how they compare.

Interior Comparison

The 2025 Malibu keeps things simple and elegant. Soft-touch surfaces, a clean dashboard layout, and generous legroom give it a comfortable, unfussy charm. The front seats are wide and supportive, and rear passengers get ample space for a sedan in this class. Cargo-wise, you get a practical 15.7 cubic feet in the trunk – plenty for grocery hauls or a weekend trip.

The Kia K5 aims for a sporty vibe, with a modern but busier cabin layout. It’s also roomy and offers similar cargo space to the Malibu. However, some may find the sloped roofline cuts into headroom slightly in the back seat.

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

2025 Kia K5

Rows: Two

Max Seating: Five

Max Cargo Capacity: 15.7 cubic feet

Upholstery Options: Cloth (Standard) / Leather (Available)

Rows: Two

Max Seating: Five

Max Cargo Capacity: 15.6 cubic feet

Upholstery Options: Cloth (Standard) / Synthetic Leather (Available)

Power & Performance

Both sedans prioritize a confident, easygoing driving experience. The Malibu comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivering 163 horsepower and smooth efficiency through a CVT. It’s tuned for daily comfort and confident passing power on the highway.

The K5 offers two engines, including a 290 horsepower option – but that’s limited to higher trims. Most drivers will get the base engine with an 8-speed automatic, which is solid but less refined in ride quality compared to the Malibu.

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

2025 Kia K5

Base Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder

Horsepower: 163

Torque: 184 lb-ft of torque

Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT)

Base Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder 

Horsepower: 191

Torque: 181 lb-ft of torque

Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission (Standard) / Eight-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (Optional)

Available Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder 

Horsepower: 290

Torque: 311 lb-ft of torque

Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission (Standard) / Eight-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (Optional)

Tech & Entertainment

The Malibu’s tech is powered by the intuitive Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. With available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus a snappy touchscreen, the setup is clean and easy to navigate.

The K5 features a modern screen layout, with available curved dual-display panels, but the system’s menus can be distracting while driving.

2025 Chevrolet Malibu Top Technology Features

2025 Kia K5 Top Technology Features

Infotainment Screen Options:

  • 8-inch Touchscreen (Standard)
  • 8-inch Digital Gauge Cluster (Optional)

Audio System Options:

  • Six-Speaker Stereo (Standard)
  • Nine-Speaker Bose® Stereo (Available)

Infotainment Screen Options:

  • 12.3-inch Touchscreen (Standard)
  • 4.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster (Standard)
  • 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster (Optional)

Audio System Options:

  • Six-Speaker Stereo (Standard)
  • 12-Speaker Bose® Stereo (Available)

Safety Features

Chevrolet equips the 2025 Malibu with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite that includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. It’s smart, helpful, and included on every trim.

The K5 includes a similar standard safety package, with some advanced features like Highway Driving Assist available only on top trims.

  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Forward Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Pedestrian Detection
  • Lane-Departure Warning
  • Lane-Keep Assist
  • Rear-Seat Alert
  • Teen Driver
  • Buckle To Drive
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Rearview Camera
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Forward Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Intersection Assist
  • Pedestrian And Cyclist Detection
  • Driver-Attention Monitoring
  • Lane-Departure Warning
  • Lane-Keep Assist
  • Lane-Trace Assist
  • Front And Rear Parking Sensors
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Rear-Seat Alert
  • Vehicle Exit Warning
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights
  • Rearview Camera

Milton Ruben Chevrolet’s Bottom Line

The 2025 Kia K5 leans into sporty styling and available power, but the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is the more balanced and refined option. With a timeless design, thoughtful comfort, and user-friendly tech, the Malibu fits effortlessly into daily life. If you want a midsize sedan that delivers value, comfort, and practicality with a polished finish, the Malibu is your winner.

See the 2025 Malibu in person at Milton Ruben Chevrolet in Augusta, GA. Schedule your test drive today or explore our inventory online.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.