Kia has methodically changed its demeanor over the last few years to include sportier sedans to rival pricier European competitors. The most noteworthy of Kia’s performance pugilists is the Stinger, a liftback sports sedan with Audis and BMWs in its sights. However, the K5, especially the GT, is a sibling with similar sports acumen. So, is the Kia K5 GT up to the Stinger GT-Line’s standards? 

Is Kia K5 same as Stinger?

While the Kia K5 and Stinger are both four-door cars with sports acumen. However, they are very different cars. The K5’s range-topping option is the K5 GT, an inline-four-powered sporty take on the sensible sedan. However, the Stinger’s range-topper is the venerable GT2, a 3.3L V6-powered sports sedan with an impressive 368 horsepower. Instead, the K5 GT and the Stinger’s entry-level GT-Line are more comparable. 

Both cars pack a 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, yet their horsepower figures differ. The K5 GT produces 290 horsepower, while the Stinger GT-Line has an extra 10 ponies from the same displacement. Moreover, the K5 gets slightly better fuel economy than the Stinger; the K5 gets 24 mpg city compared to the Stinger’s 22. Both cars get around 32 mpg at highway speeds. 

How much does a Kia K5 cost?

The range-topping Kia K5 GT starts at around $32,585. However, lower trims are much cheaper. For instance, the entry-level K5 LXS starts at about $26,185. Of course, lower trims forgo the mightier 2.5L turbocharged mill for a more economical 1.6L engine. 

Compared to the entry-level Stinger, even the K5 GT is a cheaper option. TrueCar says the 2023 Kia Stinger GT-Line starts at $37,735. However, the K5 GT offers many of the same features as the Stinger GT2, like a surround-view camera and 10.25-inch touchscreen. 

Does Kia Stinger GT-Line have AWD?

The Kia Stinger GT-Line offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for potential owners who want to handle inclement weather in their Kia sports sedan. Moreover, the range-topping GT2 also has the option of power to all four corners. The Kia K5 has an AWD option, but only at one trim. 

Specifically, the Kia K5 GT-Line has the grippy option. Unfortunately, the top-of-the-line K5 GT goes without the benefit of AWD.  

Is Kia K5 a safe car?

The Kia K5 has a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received “Good” ratings in every crashworthiness category and high scores in crash prevention tests. However, the K5 isn’t the only one; the larger Stinger also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Add grippy AWD, and the K5 GT-Line and Stinger are sure-footed and safe sedans. 

The Kia Stinger GT-Line is more powerful, pricier, and offers AWD. Instead, the Kia K5 GT doesn’t offer AWD, but it’s comparable safe, cheaper, and nearly as powerful as the entry-level Stinger. Of course, the K5 doesn’t have the overt sports sedan demeanor of the Stinger.