Kia is filling its market segment with some of the best in class cars out there. The K5 GT-Line is one of them. The K5 is the predecessor of Kia’s popular nameplate, the Optima. This beauty boasts all-wheel drive backed by a very capable and responsive powertrain. Set aside the really nice-looking exterior and the tech-filled interior, Kia is also bringing some of the best car warranties across all of its cars.

Starting just under $30,000 the Kia K5 GT-Line is one of the best sedans money can buy in 2022 and here is why.

Related: Here's What We Love About The 2018 Kia Stinger GT

A Turbocharged Engine

2021 Kia K5 engine bay view
Via: Caricos.com

For anyone who doubted the ability of a small Korean powertrain to compete against some of the most iconic nameplates in performance cars, Kia proved us wrong with the Stinger GT. The K5 GT-Line also brings a lot of excitement thanks to its powerful, inline-four turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed auto. This engine produces 180 horses and 195 lb-ft of torque, and can hit 60 mph from a standstill in a flat 7-seconds. This should not be confused with the K5 GT though, which gets a 2.5-liter 4-Cylinder with 290 horsepower and does the 60 miles run in 5.2 seconds.

2021-kia-k5-gt-line-shifter-controls
via: AutomotiveAddicts

The K5 GT-Line blends efficiency, power, and all-wheel-drive in a compact and very sleek design.

The AWD system works well in distributing power to the wheels with the most grip: also available with the LXS trim. It uses an electro-hydraulic system to control AWD coupling for quicker response and more precise control. Available in 4 drive modes (Normal, Smart, Sport, and Custom) you are always guaranteed a pleasant time behind the wheel. Each different drive mode adjusts the AWD system to respond differently, and it’s the key to the K5’s agility and driving dynamics.

Related: What Makes The Kia EV6 GT-Line A Worthy Challenger To Tesla

The K5 GT-Line Gets A Beautiful Exterior Design

2021 Kia K5 GT-Line
Via PalmenKia

Not just fast and responsive, the K5 GT-Line is also a very nice looking sedan. It goes up against cars like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and it has one of the best-looking exterior designs if you ask us. It’s got a floating design - LED headlights come standard, and they complete the “tiger nose” design Kia has been implementing in recent years. They are well-blended within the aggressive honeycomb grille finished in gloss black. The rear end gets an aggressive diffuser mated with fake exhaust tips - which still look pleasant despite being fake.

2021-Kia-K5-GT-Line-1
Via KiaMarin

Available in 5 distinct colors - a worthy mention here is the Passion Red Tint Coat and Wolf Gray - the GT-Line also gets 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black. Other bits and pieces that make the GT-Line distinct over any other K5 are the GT-Line sports grille, front and rear bumpers, and a gloss black rear spoiler. Optional with the GT-Line is a premium package that brings a panoramic sunroof and enhanced drive-wise features from Kia.

Related: These Are The Things We Love About The Kia Stinger GT

The K5 GT-Line Gets A Tech Filled Interior

2022 Kia K5 interior
Via: Facebook

We love and appreciate the hard work Kia puts into their interiors. Like its larger sibling, the Telluride, which got everyone's attention, the K5 brings a tech-filled interior as well. GT-Line gets a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sits right next to the gauge cluster. The GT-Line also gets sportier seats over the standard K5 and a sport-wrapped steering wheel. This is also one of the better-looking interiors when it comes to the competition, such as the 2022 Camry TRD Pro or the 2022 Honda Accord Touring. 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar support makes us love the K5 GT-Line even more.

Related: The Kia Carens Comes Back As Mini Recreational Vehicle

The K5 GT-Line Is A Great Daily Driver

Savagegeese Reviews Kia K5 GT-Line AWD Turbo
YouTube

For those who want a combo of fuel efficiency, good-looking exterior, and a sporty and responsive car to drive on a daily basis the K5 GT-Line is the answer to that. It carries some of the best features at just under $30,000. Some of these specs can be optioned only in high-level trims of cars like the Mercedes E-Class or any price-equivalent sedan.

Intelligent features of the K5 GT-Line include a DAW (driver attention warning) which detects any change in the driver’s behavioral patterns and tendencies while driving. The K5 GT-Line also has a forward collision-avoidance assist system that utilizes the front camera to monitor the road ahead of the vehicle and informs the driver when anything approaches in front of the vehicle, applying automated brakes if required. This also works in harmony with the lane-keeping assist and lane-follow assist to ensure the driver does not slip out of lane. All these intelligent features, a decent size interior, nice exterior styling, and punchy horsepower makes for an overall great sedan. It surely sits below the Stinger GT, but it can bring the thrills at an undercut price.