What is the Fastest Kia?

While the Kia hamsters may just be cruising down the boulevard in their Kia Soul, we found the fastest Kias of all that will leave the competition in the dust.
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The South Korean automaker is actually the oldest in its country. A name that means “rising out of Asia” or “one that came out of the east” in Korean,
Kia
has made a name for itself since its very first car in 1974. 
With an avid fan base, it's no doubt these sporty vehicles have become a popular part of American culture.
Jerry
, the
car ownership super app
, checks out the fastest Kias that outrun the rest. 

Kia’s got soul

The 2018 Kia Forte5 can jump to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. With a name like that, it’s easy to remember that this is the fifth-fastest Kia ever produced. The Forte5 has a top speed of 140 mph, and the variant also gives drivers an automatic transmission option. 
The hatchback version either features a six-speed automatic 2.0-liter engine with 164 hp or a seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual with a 1.6-liter turbo engine with 201 hp. The price for the 2018 Kia Forte5 can run anywhere from $18,300 to $23,900.
We had to mention the 2018 Kia Soul, as it accelerates to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. With an affordable starting cost of $16,200, the 1.6-liter 201 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 131 hp. If that’s not enough power for your liking, you can also request a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 161 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission.
There’s even been a modified version of the engine that cranks out 201 hp while allowing the front wheels to spin out with a heavy throttle start. According to
Lemon Bin
, “Although the top speed is only 125 mph, this car beats the Forte5 in acceleration time, making it the fourth-fastest Kia in production today.”
MORE: Will the Kia Soul Hamsters Ever Make a Comeback?
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2018 seems to be the year for Kia

The 2018 Kia Cadenza only needs 6.2 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. The larger midsize sedan features a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 290 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. The Cadenza has an EPA of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Instead of the standard 18-inch alloy wheels, you can upgrade to 19-inch wheels with the Cadenza Premium. Drivers will also enjoy ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-operated steering column adjuster, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a 12 speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Not to mention LED headlights, wireless phone charging, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. 
The exterior of the 2018 2018 Cadenza looks just like the 2017 version. The stylish sedan differs with its lavish interior offerings and variety of color choices to choose from. We love the platinum graphite metallic and the silky silver metallic with black nappa leather seats.
The 2018 Kia K900 can reach 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Comparable to a Lincoln Town Car, “The new Kia K900 is the flagship automobile of the second generation of K900s which were first introduced in 2015,” according to Lemon Bin. 
Starting at $51,900, the Kia K900 sports a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 311 hp. For transmission choices, well, you’ll just have to be okay with an eight-speed automatic. The U.S. version is more spacious for passenger comfort, features a longer wheelbase, and comes in all-wheel drive.
Due to thicker glass, the cabin is much quieter than its predecessors, unless you’re blasting the 17 speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. The Maurice Lacroix dashboard clock gives us expensive energy. Did we mention the rear seats have 14 different position adjustments?

The fastest Kia on the block

The 2018 Kia Stinger GT can hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Did you know it’s also the first Kia to integrate an adaptive suspension system? And that it’s Kia’s first sports sedan?
The first model in the new line has a top speed of 167 mph and offers two different engine options. If you opt for the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine, you’ll get 365 hp with 376 lb-ft of torque. Or, you could get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The four-door midsize sports car offers a fastback roofline and a large hatch. While rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is also an option. As far as the interior, a new Kia Stinger GT will feature an in-house UVO infotainment system, a heads-up display, and a Harman/Kardon premium edition audio system.
Depending on your preferences, expect to spend anywhere from $31,900 to $51,400 to get your hands on this GT. According to Lemon Bin, “The inspiration for the exterior design of the Stinger GT was taken from Kia’s GT Concept car that made its first appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2011.”
Drivers can also feel good about the plethora of added safety features, like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear-cross traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. The 2018 Kia Stinger GT is also the #1 in the Best Luxury Small Cars with J.D. Power.
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