KIA company offers a lot of really cool models in the range. You can buy a family vehicle or get something fresh and active for everyday driving. Also, you can get some special cars that are usually bought for fun or for special purposes. For example, KIA loves making and selling AWD sedans and this will be our main topic today.
We'll be talking about KIA AWD sedans that are really unconventional for the US and many other markets. Well, these cars are rare and they are usually much more expensive than any other models with simple features. But these vehicles offer wonderful driving emotions and help many drivers get the vehicle of their dreams.
So, here's what we'll be talking about:
- Some KIA sedans that offer an AWD option for buyers.
- Why will you need an AWD system for your luxury sedan?
- What problems can be with your car if it is an AWD vehicle?
- Some reviews and opinions about the KIA AWD sedans.
Let's get started!
So, are there any AWD sedans in the KIA range?
Yes, there are some sedans that are offered with both FWD and AWD systems. And some of them are going to join the other KIA models in the nearest future. Today, we'll be looking at the existing models only and will tell you about the buyers' opinions.
Also, you should know that the AWD sedans by KIA are not performance cars that are ready for all challenges of the road. These are premium vehicles that offer a lot more stability and higher quality of driving. And the AWD in these cars is not meant to work well for off-roading.
1. KIA Stinger
The Stinger is one of the most popular models of KIA vehicles now in America. Well, it's not as popular as some SUVs, but it certainly has a lot of fans among buyers. The car is cool-looking, it may amaze you at the first glance. And yes, it has the AWD option for those who want something exclusive.
The standard versions all come equipped with a rear-wheel-drive system, but you can pay and get AWD for nearly any Stinger trim.
Here are some facts about the vehicle:
- the Stinger is equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in a standard version and with a wonderful 3.3-liter V6 engine in more expensive versions;
- the eight-speed automatic transmission can come with an AWD option which is good news for you;
- the engines offer 300 or 368 horsepower - this is a pretty good result and it explains the sporty design of the vehicle;
- the stiff suspension adds to the emotions of driving, you will feel like you are driving a sports car, but you will still be comfortable.
The cheapest version of the Stinger will cost about $37,000 but this one will not include the AWD option. You will need to pay and the price of the AWD system will differ depending on the trim you choose.
The KIA Stinger is a great car that has already built its reputation on the market. We hope that the upcoming model will be even better in terms of design and then it will compete with much more expensive cars and will probably get even more buyers.
2. KIA K5
Surprised? The relatively inexpensive K5 can also offer an AWD version if you are ready to pay a little more than a buyer of the cheapest version of the sedan. The KIA K5 is competing with a Sonata, Camry, and Accord. This vehicle loses the market, but it offers something no one else can offer.
The KIA K5 is a cool vehicle that looks pretty fresh and offers a great design of its interior. It feels much more expensive than it actually costs. By the way, the K5 is the KIA Optima that has been renamed in the latest generation.
AWD you can buy additionally for the LXS or the GT-Line trims. All other models come standard with the front-wheel drive.
We can say that the K5 is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot of money but wish to buy a cool AWD sedan. The LXS version will cost you about $26,000 (plus some money for the AWD).
So, why not consider it as your next vehicle?
3. KIA K900
Well, what differentiates this vehicle from the previous two options is that now you can't buy it new in the US. The K900 wasn't a very successful model. Though, it got a lot of good reviews from KIA lovers.
The K900 offered the AWD system added as an option for some engines. All K900s have an 8-speed automatic transmission with an AWD. And this was the only option that was sold in the US. So, if you see a K900, you may be sure, it's an AWD sedan.
Basically, it's a luxury car, so you will not be able to find it at a cheap price even with high mileage. But owners say that this vehicle is worth every cent they paid for it.
What else can you look for?
Actually, these are all KIA sedans that offer AWD. There were some older cars with this option, but finding them for sale is not an easy task. Especially, if you want a decent vehicle in a good condition. Getting a good car with low mileage is important for your satisfaction.
We would choose between these three models. The K5 is our favorite vehicle among all KIA AWD sedans because it's a practical choice with a lot of technical advantages over its competitors. Also, the price is not bad at all.
But we would also look at the K900 if we wanted a luxury sedan for good money. It's a pity that you can only get a used vehicle now. The Stinger is good but we are afraid the current generation is too expensive. It should look a little more futuristic to compete with higher-class cars. Maybe, the next generation will be better.
What's good when you are buying an AWD sedan made by KIA?
Well, a lot of people want to buy an all-wheel-drive sedan, but why? It's not an SUV or an off-road vehicle, this car will not be able to get through rough terrain, and it will not take you to places that can't be reached with asphalt roads. So, many buyers think this is a useless feature for a sedan with a low ride height.
Though, we can think of some important features that an AWD sedan will show:
- Winter driving. You will feel more confident on winter roads. The all-wheel-drive system will help you avoid skids and with the help of modern control systems, these vehicles will be much safer in snow and on ice.
- More confidence. When you have the all-wheel drive, you can get out of mud easily, you will not get stuck on the road. Also, you get better steering.
- Better safety. If you drive at high speeds, you can control your vehicle better on highways with the help of the AWD system. It will ensure that your car holds onto the road with all four wheels.
- Driving fun. If you have driven an AWD sedan, you will prove that these cars are actually fun to drive, they behave differently on the road and assist drivers in getting more comfort and better control over the vehicle.
These are the advantages of getting an AWD KIA sedan. Now you know that you don't just lose the money you pay for the option of the all-wheel drive. But it all sounds so cool - will there be problems with the AWD system in your KIA vehicle and will this system need maintenance? Let's see.
Can an AWD KIA sedan have exclusive problems?
We won't now talk about the average and common problems of the KIA vehicles. But we'll cover some specific problems that will probably happen with your all-wheel-drive sedan.
Here are some of the possible issues:
- these cars need more maintenance - they will need an oil change in the transfer case, more money for suspension maintenance;
- you can hurt the transfer case and other mechanisms just by going off the road because the clearance is not high at all;
- the all-wheel-drive sedans will burn more fuel and will cost more to own because of that;
- the high-mileage AWD sedans will not be the most durable and reliable cars in the world.
For the first five years, you'll be just getting pleasure. But after that, the system may start taking some money out of your pocket. KIA cars are still good in terms of reliability, so they will not get on your nerves much.
Final words
If you are ready to pay a little more money, you can buy an AWD sedan made by KIA. These vehicles will be cool to drive, they will provide you with more comfort and safety on the road. These vehicles are not bad in terms of price-quality ratio. So if you want an AWD sedan, KIA is probably one of the best choices for you.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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