Top 10 Most Powerful Kia Cars Ever Made
Kia has made a name for itself in recent years, not just for affordable and reliable vehicles but also for high-performance machines with serious horsepower. From high-output turbocharged sedans to all-electric powerhouses, Kia has produced some incredibly powerful vehicles that rival even luxury brands.
In this blog, we’re ranking the most powerful Kia vehicles ever built based purely on horsepower, no speed rankings, just raw engine output.
Looking for Kia’s fastest cars instead? Check out our Top 5 Fastest Cars Kia Has Ever Produced to see which models deliver the most speed!
Let’s get into the top 10 most powerful Kia models ever produced!
#10 – 2021 Kia Forte GT (201 HP)
While the 2021 Kia Forte GT isn’t the most powerful car on this list, it packs a punch for its size. With a 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower, it offers a fun and sporty driving experience. This model also ranks #5 on our fastest Kia cars list.
| Feature | 2021 Kia Forte GT |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 201 HP |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 seconds |
#9 – 2015 Kia Optima SX Limited (245 HP)
The 2015 Kia Optima SX Limited was one of the first Kia sedans to feature a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine, producing 245 horsepower. This midsize sedan offered great performance and comfort, making it a solid option for drivers looking for power without sacrificing luxury.
| Feature | 2015 Kia Optima SX Limited |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 245 HP |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.8 seconds |
#8 – 2025 Kia K5 GT (290 HP)
The 2025 Kia K5 GT is Kia’s sportiest midsize sedan, boasting a 2.5L turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower. It delivers sharp handling, aggressive styling, and thrilling acceleration. It is also #3 on our fastest Kia cars list.
| Feature | 2025 Kia K5 GT |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 290 HP |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.7 seconds |
#7 – 2014 Kia Cadenza (293 HP)
The 2014 Kia Cadenza was Kia’s premium luxury sedan, featuring a 3.3L V6 engine that produced 293 horsepower. It delivered smooth acceleration, a refined driving experience, and impressive reliability.
| Feature | 2014 Kia Cadenza |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3L V6 |
| Horsepower | 293 HP |
| Torque | 255 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| 0-100 km/h | ~6.5 seconds |
#6 – 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line (379 HP)
The 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line is Kia’s most powerful three-row SUV, featuring a dual-motor electric setup that delivers 379 horsepower. It offers instant torque and futuristic styling, making it one of the most powerful electric SUVs on the market. It also ranks #4 on our fastest Kia list, see more here.
| Feature | 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-Motor AWD |
| Horsepower | 379 HP |
| Torque | ~450 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.0 seconds |
#5 – 2018 Kia Stinger GT (365 HP)
The 2018 Kia Stinger GT introduced Kia’s performance division to the world, packing 365 horsepower from its 3.3L twin-turbo V6 engine.
| Feature | 2018 Kia Stinger GT |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 365 HP |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD / RWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds |
#4 – 2023 Kia Stinger GT (368 HP)
The 2023 Kia Stinger GT refined the power and performance of the original model, pushing 368 horsepower and ranking #2 on Kia’s fastest cars list, see the full breakdown here.
| Feature | 2023 Kia Stinger GT |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 368 HP |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD / RWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.7 seconds |
#3 – 2020 Kia K900 (Quoris) (420 HP)
The 2020 Kia K900 (also known as the Quoris) was Kia’s most powerful luxury sedan, packing a 5.0L V8 engine with 420 horsepower.
| Feature | 2020 Kia K900 (Quoris) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.0L V8 |
| Horsepower | 420 HP |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| 0-100 km/h | ~5.5 seconds |
#2 – 2023 Kia EV6 GT (576 HP)
Taking second place is the 2023 Kia EV6 GT, Kia’s most powerful electric vehicle, producing a staggering 576 horsepower.
| Feature | 2023 Kia EV6 GT |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-Motor AWD |
| Horsepower | 576 HP |
| Torque | 546 lb-ft |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.5 seconds |
#1 – 2025 Kia EV6 GT (576 HP)
The 2025 Kia EV6 GT retains the title of Kia’s most powerful car ever built, matching its 2023 predecessor with 576 horsepower. This model is also #1 on Kia’s fastest cars list—check out our fastest Kia cars blog for full details.
| Feature | 2025 Kia EV6 GT |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-Motor AWD |
| Horsepower | 576 HP |
| Torque | 546 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.5 seconds |
Kia continues to push the limits of power and innovation. Want to experience the most powerful Kia models for yourself? Visit Orleans Kia today!