Kia K5 vs. Kia Stinger specs

1. Introduction

The answer is a traditional and premium segmented sedan car. That is KIA K5 and KIA Stinger. These two cars are one of the most interesting cars to be compared based on the car body and driving performance. These two cars are famous and the performance is quite good compared to the other brand vehicles in the same segment. KIA K5 is also called KIA Optima, especially in the U.S. market. This car is already in its 4th generation and this is the 1st KIA K5 that has a sporty design which succeeds in attracting consumer attention in purchasing this car. This car has two turbo engine choices, that is 1.6 L with an output of 180 horsepower and 2.5 L that can deliver power up to 290 horsepower. There is also a KIA K5 that uses an all-wheel-drive system, but that is only for the machine that has a 2.5 turbo. This car has 5 trim choices, that is LX, LXS, GT-line, EX, and GT. This car has a price range around $24,000 to $31,000. While KIA Stinger is the masterpiece car from KIA that is also known as a Sport Sedan car. This car has 2 engine options, that is 2.0 L with an output of 250 horsepower and 3.3 L twin-turbo that produces power up to 365 horsepower. The car that looks similar to the BMW 4 series or Audi A5 has 4 trim choices, that is GT-line, GT, GT1, and GT2. The price range offered for this car starts from $33,000 to $53,000. Based on the explanation above, this essay will compare KIA K5 GT and KIA Stinger GT2 because both of these cars have the closest specifications and the price is not too high. Learn more about Kia Stinger and Kia Sedona in our guide 'Introduction to Kia Model Specific Reviews and Features'

2. Exterior Features

Both vehicles are available in a wide array of colors. The K5 is available in 8 colors (2 more for GT), and 5 wheel designs on all trims excluding LXS. The Stinger is available in 7 colors and 3 wheel designs, including a track-only option. Each Stinger also comes with a standard sunroof and a near frameless mirror design. Both the K5 and the Stinger's designs reflect Kia's shift in visual and build quality paradigm. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Both the K5 and the Stinger's fenders house wheels ranging from 16-19 inches, with the K5 having eight wheel designs and the Stinger having six. Three of the Stinger's wheel designs are available in a grey machined finish. The K5 has power-folding mirrors, and GT models have an optional 19-inch sport wheel simulation.

The Stinger measures 190.2 inches long, 73.6 inches wide, with a 114.4-inch wheelbase. The K5 is slightly longer and taller, but slightly more narrow, with a shorter wheelbase too.

K5 is built on the all-new N3 platform and measures 193.1 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase. When compared to the Stinger, the K5 is slightly longer and taller, but slightly more narrow with a shorter wheelbase. The K5 and Stinger are nearly identical in weight.

2.1. Kia K5

The K5's longer hood and short deck are a classic sporty sedan form. But the design execution is a blend of cues from the Stinger, Dodge Charger, and even select premium European or even American designs. It is clean and elegant and shows distinct personality without falling into overstyling. While we lament the vanishing market space for sedans in North America, those of us who still appreciate the sleek family car will find the K5 very appealing. The cabin is fastback-like in its profile, and the rear glass is angled further with a short overhang for a four-door. A chrome strip that flows from the A-pillar and wraps around the side windows is a premium touch and adds some length to the roofline to visual effect. At the rear, the K5's short deck is capped with a small integrated decklid spoiler. LED taillights are connected by a light bar like the new Optima, but the execution is notably different, less tall and more wedge-shaped. Chrome dual-tip exhaust outlets are standard on all models.

The Kia K5 exhibits defined lines and angles, with swooping fastback roof contours that scream sporty, spacious, and masculine. It is a stunning visual package that is refreshingly different from its soft predecessors. The so-called "Tiger Nose" grill has been stretched wider and flatter, flowing into LED headlight elements and accented by molded lines in the hood to exhibit its strong stance. It is lower, longer, and wider than its Optima predecessor, even when compared to the K5 that it replaces in Korea. The extended wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer, and the overall length has grown by 2.0 inches. The chassis is more rigid than before and makes greater use of high-strength steel to make it safer and better handling to take advantage of its slightly more powerful engines.

2.2. Kia Stinger

2.2.2. Wheels Both the GT-Line and GT trim levels featured updated wheel designs. A set of 18-inch machine finish wheels on the GT-Line models, and dark chrome finish 19-inch wheels for the GT enhancing its aggressive road stance. This leads to a definition of the trim levels featuring identical wheels from previous. An added improvement is the Stinger's overall ride comfort with the addition of an acoustic windshield and sound-reducing wheels.

2.2.1. Grille The design change for the famed Stinger grill was a bold move on Kia's part, and one which has been a topic of controversy within the Stinger community. The tiger-nose grille is still present but has been replaced with a more symmetrical interlocking design. This has been somewhat of a less divisive change and makes for a more dominant front fascia. With a wider stance and a restyled rear bumper, the newly designed rear has evolved to showcase an elongated fastback. Continuing with similar design aesthetics with the previous model, the new Stinger is slightly bigger and longer.

Across the board, Stinger holds year 2021 updates to its already aggressively elegant design. The new Kia's most memorable exterior feature replaces the tiger-nose grille with a new interlocking design. The updated design also includes a narrow band of daytime running lights, which double as turn signal indicators. The rear of Stinger has also been subtly redesigned featuring a new rear combination lamp and set of wide exhaust tips.

3. Interior Features

The interior of the K5 is a little less sportive than expected. The dashboard and instrument panel are pretty much identical to that of the new Kia Optima, with the same general layout and console placement. Where the two differ is the addition of the red accent lighting in the K5. This little added touch adds some extra style to the interior of the K5, which is what the car is all about. Red light is also implemented in the door handle along with the foot area inside the K5. This added light is a standard and cannot be changed. There's also a bit of a reclining theme to the K5 with the addition of the tilt and telescopic steering wheel allowing drivers to find the perfect driving position. Headroom is said to be pretty good in the K5 but legroom will be tight for taller drivers in the rear. Other features in the K5 include the standard connectivity of a USB or aux for iPods and a Bluetooth hands-free call link between phone and head unit along with a sunroof. Upgrade to the top trim GT model and Kia will add an 8-inch infotainment screen and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Step up to the top-of-the-line GT and the K5 will add a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker audio system. A "premium" package with quilted leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable passenger seat is also available. Overall, the interior is a strong point for the K5 but hopefully future versions will add a bit more spunk with a sportier instrument panel and dash layout.

3.1. Kia K5

In terms of size, the K5 has a length of 193.1 in., a width of 73.2 in., a height of 56.9 in., with a wheelbase of 112.2 in. This results in the wheelbase, front and rear track being larger than the outgoing Optima. In fact, the K5 has larger exterior dimensions in all regards. The trunk area has been elongated and widened compared to the outgoing Optima, now allowing for 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space. This increased cargo space in tandem with the greater seat mobility, which allows the seats to lower further into the rear of the vehicle than the outgoing Optima, provides a more spacious and comfortable ride.

Cloth seat trim comes standard, with synthetic leather and actual leather both available depending on the trim level. The driver's seat is a 6-way manual, with 8-way power adjustment available. The front passenger seat is 6-way manual in K5 LX and LXS, with optional 8-way adjustment in the LXS and standard 8-way power adjustment in both the GT-line and EX trims. The buyer has the option of heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on the LXS, GT-line, and EX trims.

3.2. Kia Stinger

A 15-speaker, 720-watt Harman/Kardon audio system with Clari-Fi is also available. Upgrade to the GT1, and this system is included while it is an option for the GT. Other accessories include wireless phone charging capabilities and a Low Profile Trunk Subwoofer (the latter two are optional features). Dual Bluetooth connectivity is another impressive feature. This can connect two phones simultaneously and control which phone is connected through the head unit. This is a first for any automaker.

The Head-Up Display is a new advancement for Kia. It projects a full-color image onto the windshield and is visible from 4 feet away. The height can also be adjusted, and it will automatically retract when the vehicle is turned off. This, coupled with the 7" Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD meter display nestled in the instrument panel, will give vital information on the vehicle's performance, as well as turn-by-turn navigation. Twin needle stitching on the sun visors and a premium sewn headlining round out the trim enhancements.

The Kia Stinger boasts several high-end interior features and stacks up well against some luxury brands. Some notable specs include the Comfort and Convenience package, which includes ventilated front seats, a memory function for the driver's seat, and more. Rain sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers and a sunshade to cover the sunroof when too much light is unwanted are also available.

4. Performance and Engine Specifications

The Kia K5 has two engine options available. The first one is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This is the standard engine available on all the trims from LX to GT line. The second engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is more powerful. This one produces 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This is only available on the GT Line. Both engines send power to the front wheels and are put through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is a wet dual-clutch transmission for the GT model only, and the rest of the models are equipped with a traditional automatic transmission. Kia also offers the K5 in All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but AWD is only available on the 1.6-liter engine. The 1.6-liter engine gets an average of 32 miles per gallon combined fuel efficiency, which is impressive for a standard engine. But the upgraded 2.5-liter engine gets 27 miles per gallon, which is also very good for the amount of power this engine produces. The K5 also features 5 different driving modes. Each mode distributes engine and transmission power differently among the wheels to best fit the driving surface.

4.1. Kia K5

Buyers of a 1.6-liter K5 can expect fuel economy ratings to be 27/36/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

And to help minimize gas consumption and maximize performance, the transmission will have adaptive shift control software which will read driver behavior by monitoring how the car is driven over time and shift gears accordingly, and a drive mode system will enable the driver to select and modify different modes that include unique power and transmission mappings. AWD models feature a Snow Mode to help provide more confidence and traction in adverse weather conditions.

The other engine will be a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that is good for a robust 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine will be standard on the two higher trims Netspecced and GT-Line, and interestingly AWD is not available for this more powerful engine. Instead, the higher power engine is reserved for the front-wheel drive models. Both automatically shift gears via a new 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission specifically developed to complement the torquey nature of the turbo engines. AWD models get the familiar 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new K5 will have a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine under the hood that is rated at 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. And notably, AWD will be available for the first time in a Kia mid-size sedan. 1.6T models will come with front-wheel drive, and the AWD will be a $2,100 option on the two higher trims.

4.2. Kia Stinger

Both engines on the Stinger have an 8-speed automatic transmission with multiple driving modes and paddle shifters that allow the driver to actuate gear changes similar to a traditional manual. The AWD Stinger is equipped with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which can send up to 50% of power to the front wheels and also distribute 80% of the front wheels' power to a single wheel. The Stinger comes equipped with rear-wheel drive, which better balances out the car's weight distribution. In addition, the Stinger has a MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, which was developed at Germany's famous Nurburgring race track. The driving development took place at European racing circuits over the span of years to perfect the car's handling and overall performance to a high standard.

The Stinger engine options consist of two engines: a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl and a 3.3L twin-turbo V6. The 2.0L motor is the same motor that is going to be in the K5 GT, which is capable of 255 horsepower like the K5, but over 2600 lbs less car weight, which results in a quicker 0-60 time and more agile cornering. The 3.3L V6, on the other hand, is capable of 365 horsepower and gets the Stinger from 0-60 mph in as quick as 4.7 seconds, with over a 150 mph top speed thanks to its high-performance Brembo brakes and a tuning setting that removed the speed limiter on the V6 GTS1 trims.

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