Most people think of Kia as a practical reliable brand. That reputation is well earned. But there is another side of Kia that does not get enough attention. The Kia GT performance lineup covers four different models built for buyers who want more than just getting from point A to point B. Ken Ganley Kia Mentor in Mentor Ohio carries the full GT lineup and this guide covers everything worth knowing about each one.
What GT Actually Means in the Kia World
GT stands for Gran Turismo. The idea behind it is a vehicle built for performance but practical enough for daily use.
Kia applies the GT designation to a range of vehicles from compact sedans to full size sports cars. Some buyers want maximum performance. Others want sporty styling with a practical engine underneath. The GT lineup covers both ends of that spectrum and everything in between. Understanding which model fits your actual driving life is the most important decision before you visit the lot.
Forte GT and GT-Line: Performance in a Compact Package
The Forte GT is where the GT story begins in terms of price accessibility.
The standard Forte comes with a 2.0 liter four cylinder producing 147 horsepower. Perfectly capable for daily driving. But the GT trim changes the conversation entirely with a 1.6 liter turbocharged four cylinder producing 201 horsepower. Paired with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic or an available 6 speed manual the Forte GT delivers a genuinely sporty driving experience that most competitors in this segment cannot match at the same price.
Sport tuned suspension, high flow dual exhaust, larger brakes, and a multilink rear suspension complete the performance picture. The exterior adds red grille inserts, rear diffuser accents, glossy black mirror caps, and a rear lip spoiler. Inside the GT trim gets SOFINO leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, ambient lighting, and an illuminated GT logo on the dashboard. For buyers in Mentor Ohio who want performance without spending a lot this is the entry point into the GT world.
The GT-Line trim offers the sporty look without the turbocharged engine which works well for buyers who want the aesthetic but prioritize fuel economy over outright performance.
Soul GT-Line and Turbo: Performance With Personality
The Soul is one of those vehicles people either love immediately or overlook entirely. The GT-Line and Turbo trims make a strong case for the former.
The GT-Line adds athletic accents, larger 18 inch wheels, LED headlamps, and a center mounted dual exhaust with chrome tips that sounds considerably more aggressive than you would expect from a boxy hatchback. The Soul Turbo steps things up with a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower paired with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic with paddle shifters. A unique black and red interior color scheme, flat bottomed steering wheel, and an 8 inch head up display complete the performance themed cabin.
For urban buyers who want something that stands out and delivers a genuinely fun driving experience the Soul GT-Line and Turbo offer a combination of personality and performance that is hard to find anywhere else at this price point.
K5 GT-Line and GT: The Midsize Performer
The K5 is the most underrated sedan in the segment and the GT trims make that argument even stronger.
Standard K5 power comes from a 1.6 liter turbocharged four cylinder producing 180 horsepower. The GT trim steps up to a 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds. An 8 speed wet dual clutch transmission, sport tuned suspension, and enlarged Brembo branded brake calipers complete the performance package. Available all wheel drive adds confidence for Ohio winter driving without compromising the sporty character.
The exterior on GT models features a shark skin inspired mesh front grille, sport bumpers, and dual chrome exhaust tip garnishes. Inside the GT cabin gets heated sport seats, a race inspired flat bottomed steering wheel, and available premium upholstery options in red leatherette. For buyers who want a genuinely fast practical midsize sedan without paying European import prices the K5 GT is one of the best arguments in the entire compact car market.
Stinger GT: The Range Topper
Everything in the GT lineup points toward this vehicle. The Kia Stinger GT is the full expression of what Kia’s performance philosophy looks like when given no compromises.
The base engine is a 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder with 300 horsepower. The GT1 and GT2 trims get a 3.3 liter twin turbocharged V6 with 368 horsepower and a governed top speed of 167 mph. Zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds. More power than the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50 at a fraction of the price.
Electronically Controlled Suspension, Limited-Slip Differential, available Brembo brakes, and a Drive Mode Select System give the Stinger GT a level of dynamic capability that justifies every comparison to German competitors. Premium Nappa leather, adjustable ambient lighting, a 10.25 inch touchscreen, and wireless charging bring the interior up to the level the exterior promises.
For buyers at Ken Ganley Kia Mentor who want the best Kia has to offer in terms of performance the Stinger GT is the answer that ends the conversation.