View Photos of the 2021 Kia K5 GT 2.5T

The K5 GT’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four is shared with the Hyundai Sonata N Line and the Genesis G80 and GV80.

Tuned for instant torque, the K5 GT’s engine develops 311 pound-feet at only 1650 rpm.

The K5 GT’s standard eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has a launch-control feature, which is very useful in achieving the best acceleration times.

The GT’s Sport Plus drive mode (unavailable on the lesser K5 GT-Line) disables its traction control. Prepare to smoke the tires across every intersection.

Our K5 GT test car did the 60-mph dash in a very respectable 5.2 seconds.

At an as-tested $35,835, the K5 GT is a good value, but it’s a little more expensive than a rear-wheel-drive Kia Stinger GT-Line.

In frigid Michigan February temperatures, our best acceleration times came after a drag-strip-style burnout to warm and clean the front tires.

Although Kia makes all-wheel drive available on the K5 GT-Line, which produces only 180 horsepower, the far more powerful GT model is front-drive only.

A 255-hp base Kia Stinger can’t keep up with the K5 GT in a straight line, but we suspect it would have an advantage around corners.

Tuned for instant torque, the K5 GT’s engine develops 311 pound-feet at only 1650 rpm.