I’ve been considering the Kia K5 for a while now, and at first, I was set on getting the GT-Line AWD since I live in Chicago, where it rains and snows. However, I’ve noticed it’s been snowing less in recent years, so I’ve started thinking about the GT, especially with the redesign for 2025. I’m leaning more toward the GT now, but is it worth it? The GT-Line AWD ensures all four wheels get power and traction, while the GT has more power and torque but can struggle with traction due to FWD, sometimes causing wheel spin. The difference in MPG is minimal, so that’s not a concern, and the GT offers some extra features like rear AC, ventilated seats, and additional safety features. What do you guys think is the better choice?
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If you enjoy speed, go for the GT – you won’t regret it. The concerns about wheelspin are real; it will definitely spin the tires if you accelerate hard from a stop. However, if you’re gentle on the throttle (or want to have some fun with a burnout, it’s up to you). I recently upgraded the tires on my GT, and there’s noticeably less wheelspin compared to the stock Pirellis, for what it’s worth.
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If you enjoy speed, go for the GT – you won’t regret it. The concerns about wheelspin are real; it will definitely spin the tires if you accelerate hard from a stop. However, if you’re gentle on the throttle (or want to have some fun with a burnout, it’s up to you). I recently upgraded the tires on my GT, and there’s noticeably less wheelspin compared to the stock Pirellis, for what it’s worth.
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You shouldn’t encounter any issues with FWD in Chicago unless driving conditions are so bad that no one should be on the roads. Wheel spin on the GT can be a concern, but only if you’re deliberately trying to spin the wheels. I’ve put 40k miles on my GT with the original tires, and although they’re not as good as when they were new, I still have no trouble managing wheel spin.
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It depends on whether you prefer a slower car with AWD that’s cheaper to insure but ironically has worse gas mileage, or a faster car without AWD that costs more to insure. If power isn’t a priority and you’d feel more confident with AWD, then that’s a solid choice. However, there’s no reason to get the faster car if you’re not planning to drive it more aggressively.
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I faced the same dilemma after owning a '22 GT with the GT1 package. The handling wasn’t great, especially with the stiffness of the sport-tuned suspension, and I didn’t like the sport seats. I traded it in for a '25 GT-Line AWD, since no FWD was available and I prioritize comfort. I do miss the speed, but I was always cautious about hitting the pedal because of wheel spin. With the GT-Line, I don’t have to worry about that. The AWD does get 1 or 2 mpg less, even with me driving slower compared to always boosting with the '22 GT. I mostly drive in the city, though (about 90%).
I’d switch back to the GT if it came with AWD, and I’d just get new seats and maybe swap the suspension.
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