Our current reality appears to be a parallel universe where the expression “The family car is no longer a car, literally no longer means literally, and the Toyota Camry is now a performance sedan.
You did read that correctly. After years of serving as the symbol of “For 2018, the Toyota Camry received a significant athleticism boost across the board, especially in its sportier SE and XSE variants. Surprisingly, 85% of all Camrys sold in Canada last year were of that model.
Yes, we are reviewing a Kia, but please be patient. The idea behind Toyota’s method, you see, was to provide customers who are still hesitant to switch to a crossover as much of a genuinely sporty driving experience as possible. It seems to function. Sales of mid-size sedans as a whole fell by 31% between 2017 and 2019, although Camry sales fell by only 6%.
The mid-size K5 car from Kia, which last year took the place of the Optima, appears to be following the same design strategy. Although the K5’s base 1.6-liter, 180-horsepower turbo engine isn’t particularly strong in a straight line, those who value a sedan’s low center of gravity will benefit greatly from the chassis qualities. The standard all-wheel drive in Canada, however, eliminates at least one of the benefits of selecting a crossover over a sedan.
The K5 GT is a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 290 horsepower. If Toyota’s rationale is correct, the GT might end up becoming Kia’s best-selling K5.
The GT has a slightly lower maximum power than the Camry V6’s 301, but it still outperforms every other mid-size sedan, with the exception of its identically powered Hyundai Sonata N-Line sibling. The K5 engine is a torque monster above all else. From 1,650 to 4,000 rpm, it outperforms the competition, including the Camry, with 311 lb-ft; the Subaru Legacy GT comes in second with 277 lb-ft.
The K5 GT doesn’t feature all-wheel drive, which is a surprise. If rear-wheel drive had been the default, that may be understandable: A gearhead’s ideal drift car is a 300-horsepower, rear-driven sedan. However, the K5’s drivetrain is front-wheel-drive only. 155.5 lb-ft per wheel in the GT, which is more than three times as much as its less-capable AWD stablemates’ average of 49 lb-ft per driven wheel, is a lot of twist to distribute to only two front wheels.
To be fair to the K5 GT, the majority of its potent rivals lack AWD as well (the exception being the Subaru). However, its competitors have less torque to deliver. The final word? Contrary to what you may think, the GT effectively handles the torque-versus-traction problem. The steering doesn’t pull or struggle, and the traction control mostly keeps things under control, albeit with intermittent yells of protest from the Pirelli all-season rubber tires every now and then.
All of this, however, only applies to smooth, dry pavement, and even then, the GT cannot utilize all of its power while taking off from a stop. When a traffic light turns green, one of the 180-horsepower, all-wheel-drive K5 cars would likely dust a damp or loose surface.
What, on the other hand, do we see across from the Kia showroom? A Stinger, I see. It’s a highly respectable sport sedan with even more power than the K5 for only $5,000 extra, as well as standard all-wheel drive to allow you use it effectively. It’s a thought to ponder.
In This Article...
Will the Kia K5 GT get AWD?
The Optima has been replaced by the current generation of Kia’s midsize sedan, the K5. The K5 is a brand-new car that uses the company’s global moniker for its mid-size sedan despite having comparable four-door, fastback appearance as its predecessor.
The Kia K5 is one of the more affordable options available in the mid-size sedan market, with prices starting at $23,790 plus $995 destination. We drove the K5 GT-Line, which has more aggressive body kit, gloss black accents, and larger alloy wheels as well as sportier aesthetic features.
Yes. Front-wheel drive is the only option for the K5 LX base model, but all-wheel drive is available as a $1,800 option for the mid-level LXS and a $1,600 option for the sporty GT-Line. Curiously, only front-drive is available in the opulent K5 EX and K5 GT.
The Kia K5 GT-Line sports a 1.6-liter inline-four turbocharged engine that produces 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-liter K5 GT is far more sporty, but the GT-Line is still swift enough to keep up with contemporary traffic. Compared to some competitors’ CVTs, its eight-speed automatic transmission is sportier and more responsive.
How quickly does the AWD Kia K5 GT line run?
The 2022 Kia K5 GT is incredibly quick. With a top speed of 155 mph, it is quicker than the majority of German luxury vehicles now on the market and costs at least $10,000 more. While various independent tests have shown that the K5 GT can reach 60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds, the official time for acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is only 5.7 seconds.
Not only that. In independent testing approved by AMCI Testing, the Kia K5 establishes faster acceleration and better overall handling performance than the BMW 330i Sedan, demonstrating its status as a real sports sedan. Given its best-in-class 311 lb.-ft. of torque and responsive 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission, the K5 GT outperformed the BMW 330i Sedan by 0.28 seconds at 060 acceleration.
Additionally, it outperforms the BMW 330i Sedan at quarter-mile top speed, achieving a terminal speed of 103.3 mph and completing the race in just 14.2 seconds. The K5 GT’s all-new chassis, Pirelli P-ZEROTM All-Season Tires, and sports-tuned suspension allow the vehicle achieve a superior overall handling performance and a maximum dry cornering G-force capability. The K5 GT also boasts higher handling performance in both wet and dry circumstances.
Which K5 has AWD?
Drive in any weather K5 LXS and GT-Line from Kia With the Kia K5, which is the only midsize sedan with a turbo engine and AWD as standard equipment, Kia has established a new standard. The pleasant driving experience made possible by the engaging K5’s spirited performance will be appreciated by drivers.
Will the Kia K5 GT feature AWD in 2022?
The bold and powerful 2022 Kia K5 stands out among other mid-size cars with an all-turbo lineup and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). It also offers trim level options to suit every driver and budget.
The Kia K5 GT is it RWD?
A 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automated transmission powers the majority of K5 variants. Front-wheel drive is the engine’s default setup; all-wheel drive is an option, although not available on the GT variant. The 180-horsepower, front-drive K5 we tested had good acceleration in town, and our testing showed a 7.0-second sprint to 60 mph. At highway speeds, though, it was less spectacular because passing took more time. Nevertheless, thanks to a reliable transmission and a well-insulated cabin, the engine noise was usually kept to a low roar. The 2.5-liter turbo-four in the full-Monty GT model is more potent and produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The sportiest K5 is equipped with bigger brakes, a special suspension tuning, and wider tires on larger 19-inch wheels in addition to its specialized eight-speed automatic (with the same wet dual-clutch as the Hyundai Sonata N Line). The GT we were driving reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and came to a complete stop from 70 mph in 163 feet. The Sonata N Line stopped even quicker and reached 60 mph in in 5.0 seconds (152 feet). Although the Kia only comes with all-season tires, the high-performance Hyundai we tested had optional summer tires as well, which added to its performance edge.
How can I speed up my Kia K5 GT?
By removing the mufflers, the emissions (track only), and the exhaust pipes, you can boost the exhause flow.
By adding bigger headers and porting the head to the header, you may also boost flow.
Additionally, you ought to endeavor to smooth off any rough edges and port-match every single connecting point. Increased air intake flow can also be achieved by removing restrictions on the body, throttle, heads, and intake piping.
An easy approach to boost stock airbox flow rates is to add a K&N filter element.
However, if you want greater power, you need make sure your inner pipe walls are smooth, just like your exhaust, to make the air flow travel more easily.
All pipe connection points and the throttle body should be polished and ported. Port matching the intake manifold is another approach to increase flow.
Is there a turbo on the Kia K5 GT Line?
Let’s analyze the differences between the two most popular Kia K5 sedans now on the market, the 2022 Kia K5 GT and 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line, and decide what makes each model unique.
The Kia K5 is available in five great trim levels, but the 2022 Kia K5 GT and 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line offer a more potent, fashionable, and opulent ride. The GT-Line comes in FWD and AWD and has an 18-inch alloy wheel and GT-Line sport grille.
A four-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine powers the Kia K5 GT-Line. You can anticipate 180 horsepower from the Kia K5 GT-Line. The K5 GT-Line has 195 pound-feet of torque in both FWD and AWD.
Continue reading if you’re attempting to decide which new 2022 Kia K5 for sale is best for you. We are confident that you will adore the premium experience provided by the Kia K5 GT.
The Kia K5 EX is it AWD?
The K5 makes a comeback in 2022 with a heaping serving of additional amenities on its higher trims following a facelift and name change for 2021. All-wheel drive is an option on the LXS and GT-Line and is available on the LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels of the K5. A 360-degree camera system, more wireless chargers, and standard navigation are added to the K5 GT-Line, EX, and GT for 2022.
GT-Line AWD Premium Package
By adding a new AWD Premium Package, which costs $1,900, Kia beefs up its mid-range GT-Line model. This package includes a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, LED projector headlights, and additional driver-assistance features like Highway Driving Assist and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. None of these features are brand-new for the 2022 K5 GT-Line; some were either standard with AWD or part of another optional package; nevertheless, they have been rearranged for the new GT-Line AWD Premium Package.
Engine Options
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque powers every 2022 K5 save the top-of-the-line GT. Only a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pounds-feet of torque is offered for the GT.
Pricing and Competition
The starting price of the K5 is $24,685 (all prices include destination), which is a slight $100 increase over the price of the 2021 LX FWD. As a result of items that were previously included as standard with the GT-$3,700 Line’s AWD option being divided into the new GT-Line AWD Premium Package, which costs $1,900, the GT-Line AWD’s starting price of $28,685 is $1,500 less than it was in 2021.
The price of the 2022 K5 is comparable to that of the 2021 mid-size sedan class. The Honda Accord ($25,965 beginning price), Hyundai Sonata ($24,955), Nissan Altima ($25,400), and Toyota Camry ($26,040) are frequently contrasted with it. Additionally available now, the base price of the 2022 Subaru Legacy is $23,955.
- LX FWD: $24,685
- FWD LXS: $25,685
- AWD LXS: $27,485
- FWD GT-Line: $27,085
- AWD GT-Line: $28,685
- EX FWD: $29,585
- GT FWD: $32,085
How does the Kia K5 GT-line drive?
Yes, the Kia K5 is a quality vehicle. It offers a smooth ride, respectable fuel numbers, and powerful turbocharged engines. The interior of this Kia is attractive, and the seats are comfortable. Both the infotainment functions and the standard driver assistance technology are simple to operate.
Has a turbo been added to the 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line?
An efficient 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD. Numerous cars made by Kia and Hyundai use the same engine. The 8-speed automatic transmission and engine work together. The transmission lacks pedal shifters but offers a manual mode through the shifter. Together, they work with the electronically controlled transfer case to distribute power to all four wheels.
180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque are produced by the turbocharged engine between 1,500 and 4,500 revolutions per minute (RPM). Again, the GT trim is entirely different and comes with a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that, in accordance with our timeline, produces 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. How does the GT-Line perform on the road considering that Kia designed it to be affordable and incredibly drivable?
In a Kia, what does GT mean?
merely two little letters: GT. They can be found on the rumps of anything, including Ferraris and Hyundais. They have, at various points in time, comprised the full name of the sole vehicle Maserati constructs. These letters were more useful to Pontiac than they were to the entire Italian auto industry put together. But why do we employ the two letters and what do they actually mean?
What Does “GT” Mean on Cars?
It can signify almost anything these days. In the past, GT had a precise definition that was connected to the meaning of those two letters. However, by the 1980s, it had mostly lost its original definition due to improper usage and overuse. It now relies on the automobile manufacturer. It became associated with the word “sports automobile” for some people. It’s a somewhat sporty trim option for others. It occasionally distinguishes the firm’s most extreme supercars. But when it comes down to it, GT typically refers to a sportiness that ranges from just above ordinary to a street-legal race car. The phrase is used to describe a class of race cars in several racing series, and it also appears in one of the most well-known racing video games ever made.
OK, What Did “GT” Used to Mean, Then?
Gran turismo, or “grand touring,” is what GT stands for. Although the Italian who coined the name “gran turismo,” or GT, along with their justification, has been lost to history, the description was unmistakable: A GT car was one that fell between between a sports car and a luxury vehicle. It should feature a powerful engine, a smooth ride, an opulent inside, and a stylish exterior. Not only had to it be quick, but it also had to have the ability to handle like a sports vehicle when the occasion called for it and pamper like a luxury car the rest of the time. The concept was fine-tuned between its debut in the late 1920s and its peak in the 1950s and 1960s to signify a moderately practical luxury sport coupe that could cover a continent at top speed just as readily as it could negotiate a mountain pass.
What Was the First GT Car?
Alfa Romeo’s 6C 1750 Gran Turismo from 1930. Alfa Romeo unveiled their upgraded 6C 1750 model in 1929, which had two distinct 1.75-liter engines. The most potent, dual-overhead-cam variants were known as Sport: Super Sport, Super Sport Compressore (supercharged), and Super Sport Testa Fissa. The less potent, single-overhead-cam model was known as Turismo, or Touring. Gran Turismo (or Grand Touring) and Gran Turismo Compressore were given new names for 1930, but the Sport and Super Sport Compressore versions were eliminated. Additionally, a Gran Sport variant was released, giving rise to the less popular but still popular GS moniker.
The more powerful 6C 1750, which replaced the 2 year previous 6C 1500, had a frame engineered to twist and bend on uneven roads to enhance ride quality and traction. The 6C won each major racing event it entered the year it was released. The best coachbuilders in Europe provided the bespoke bodywork for each vehicle, creating the GT formula for years to come.