THE MOST AFFORDABLE AWD SPORTS SEDAN ON THE MARKET

Throughout the industry, the sedan segment has been one of the best-selling for years. While the crossover SUV segment has been starting serious moves, many manufacturers are still producing some excellent sedans, keeping the segment alive. In terms of practicality, luxury, and style, sedans offer the best of all worlds at affordable prices.

However, the sports sedan niche has become much more affordable in recent years, introducing solid performance alongside the former qualities. The Kia K5 sedan has been part of the South Korean brand's lineup since 2001 and has stayed modern and effective each year. In 2021, the latest generation of the K5 was introduced, and with it a fresh new character, it brought it into the sports sedan niche.

All-wheel-drive is hard to beat when extracting the most performance for everyday scenarios. While many all-wheel-drive sedans fall on the more expensive side of the market, the '24 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD trim offers all the benefits of receiving power to all four wheels at the most affordable price. Here's a closer look at the '24 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD.

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The 2024 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD Starts At Just $28,690 With AWD

The '24 Kia K5 starts at a solid $25,590, but this base-level LSX trim comes with front-wheel-drive. However, if you want all four wheels receiving power, the Kia K5 GT-Line AWD starts at $28,690, becoming the most affordable sports sedan to offer all-wheel-drive. Despite two more expensive trims for the Kia, the EX and GT, the middle-priced GT-line is the only K5 to offer all-wheel-drive as standard. As for pricing, the K5 GT starts at $31,990, but offers a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

It's a Smaller Yet Impressive 1.6-liter Engine

Despite not featuring the top-spec GT's 2.5-liter engine, the GT-Line features a punchy turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a sizable amount of power considering the price. Overall, the K5 GT-Line AWD delivers 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, the same power output as every other '24 K5 trim beside the GT. The top-spec 2.5-liter engine sees a substantial increase to an output of 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque but loses out on all-wheel-drive.

2024 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD Performance Specifications

Unfortunately, Kia doesn't list the '24 K5's performance specifications, leaving the 0 to 60 miles per hour speed unknown. However, Car and Driver conducted a test with the front-wheel-drive version of the K5, which managed to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7 seconds. With all-wheel drive, the K5 GT-Line AWD trim should boast better acceleration due to the added traction. As for top speed, the K5 can reach 132 miles per hour with the base engine.

Further technical specifications for the '24 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD include the eight-speed automatic transmission shared with all other K5 trims. The top-spec GT trim, however, has the Wet Type transmission to improve cooling. One feature that the GT-Line AWD trim has over all others is the Snow Mode option with the Drive Mode Select system, allowing the mid-range K5 trim to make the most of its all-wheel-drive capabilities in all conditions.

Solid Fuel Economy For A Sports Sedan

One significant benefit that front-wheel-drive drivelines provide is industry-leading fuel efficiency. The same trend can be found with the 2024 K5 range, with the front-wheel-drive options for the 1.6-liter engine receiving EPA-estimated ratings of 27 MPG in the city, 37 MPG on the highway, and 31 MPG combined. The more powerful 2.5-liter GT trim expectedly drops the miles per gallon estimates, providing 24 in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined.

Compared to front-wheel-drive cars, all-wheel-drive cars are known for not providing the same levels of efficiency, focusing more on performance. However, the GT-Line AWD trim still offers solid EPA-estimated ratings. Falling between the 1.5-liter front-wheel-drive models and the GT trim, the GT-Line AWD K5 offers 25 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined.

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Last Model Year Before The 2025 Update

Compared to 2023, the Kia K5 remains essentially unchanged for 2024. However, this was to be expected with the brand planning a more significant update for the sedan in 2025. Despite this, the '24 Kia K5 still looks and feels modern inside and out, with its sleek, timeless design style introduced in 2021 able to last for years.

Regarding the 2025 model, the overall exterior styling of the Kia K5 is expected to be similar but feature a redesigned front fascia and receive new wheel designs. More prominent changes will be found in the interior, with a redesign of the center console and display screens.

Modern, Sleek Exterior Design

Keeping on topic with the Kia K5's exterior design, the GT-Line options share their designs with the top-spec GT trim, differing from the two others. Each trim has the same streamlined, modern overall style, but the GT-Line K5 has a more aggressive front fascia.

The rear of the GT-Line and GT trims also feature larger side vents, larger exhausts, and a lip spoiler. Five of the seven exterior color options are available for the GT-Line trims. Everlasting Silver and Gravity Gray are exclusive to luxury-focused LXS, FWD, and EX trims.

Plenty Of Technology Inside The K5's Minimal Interior

Although the interior is fairly conventional for the '24 Kia K5, it does not feel dated, with the same streamlined style from the exterior carried over inside. As for the seat upholstery, only two options are available for the GT-Line trims: black Cloth with Syntex fabric and full red Syntex. The steering wheel and dash remained unchanged no matter which seat upholstery you chose.

Regarding the technology in the K5's cabin, the GT-Line AWD comes with a wide array of features that improve both comfort and practicality. The driver's seat has a 10-way power adjustment system, while the passenger seat is limited to 6-way. The GT-Line trims also come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, although it cannot change its color.

As for the infotainment, the K5 GT-Line comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display combined with a 4.2-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel. The sports sedan has all key connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and Kia Connect. Driver safety also doesn't go amiss, with the GT-Line AWD coming with features such as:

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In Comparison With Its Rivals

Kia isn't the only manufacturer with a model in the sports sedan segment, with manufacturers offering competitive performance at similarly affordable prices. While there are brands from each corner of the globe competing in this segment, manufacturers from Asia are currently leading the charge.

The 2024 Toyota Camry SE

For Toyota, the Camry sedan is one of the longest-standing models for the Japanese brand, debuting in 1984. Moving forward to 2024, the Toyota Camry comes in 12 different trims, with hybrid power available. The base-level Camry LE has optional all-wheel-drive but is more luxury-focused, whereas the Camry SE turns to the sportier side. With additions such as sport-tuned shock absorbers, springs, and paddle shifters, the Camry SE holds its own against the Kia K5 GT-Line AWD.

The 2024 Toyota Camry SE starts at a higher price of $29,360 for the all-wheel-drive option. This makes it slightly more expensive than the K5 GT-Line, but it subsequently boasts better performance from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Capable of producing 202 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, the Kia K5 GT-Line AWD can put the power down a little faster thanks to its heavier focus on torque rather than horsepower.

Hyundai's Updated 2024 Sonata

A model with a closer philosophy to the K5 is the 2024 Hyundai Sonata, with Hyundai being the parent company of Kia. As standard, the Sonata comes with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive can be chosen for an extra $1,500, bringing the price to $29,000. An eight-speed automatic transmission also comes as standard, similar to the K5.

Regarding the performance, the '24 Hyundai Sonata produces 191 horsepower and 181 horsepower, reversing the horsepower and torque specs of the K5 GT-Line AWD. Overall, many comparisons rate the K5 as a better value-for-money purchase, with a focus on acceleration making the Kia more practical for everyday living.

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The Future Of The Kia K5 Sedan

Not too long ago, the future of the Kia K5 looked uncertain, with a report indicating that the sedan would be discontinued after the larger Stinger model. In fact, the K5 will no longer be available in Canada moving forward, with its popularity dropping after the discontinuation of the Stinger. However, for the U.S. market, the K5 is expected to remain available, with the upcoming 2025 model setting up the next stage for the sedan.

Although the K5 is receiving a refresh for 2025, it's currently unknown how long the Kia K5 will continue production after that. Despite this, the 2024 K5 GT-Line AWD is sure to hold up by itself for years to come, offering all-wheel-drive exclusive benefits at the most affordable price on the market today.

Engine	1.6-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
Horsepower	18 HP
Torque	195 LB-FT
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Economy	31 MPG (combined)
0-60 MPH	N/A
Top Speed	132 MPH