Dynamic AWD system question GTS version same as the new GT1 and GT2 models?

[Montanaman]

I just got a 2021 GT1 that shows " Dynamic AWD" on the Moroney sticker. ( car was built in November of 2020). My question is did KIA upgrade the AWD system that is similar to the GTS version that is also called " Dynamic AWD". That version is supposed to send up to 80% of the power to the rear in sport mode and it sure feels like that is what I got. I know the GTS has "Drift mode" and the reviewer said he could not find "drift mode" on the gauge of the GTS so wondering if they are the same now in 2021.

 

[skygtr]

AWD GTS has an LSD. Pretty sure the newest GT-GT2 with AWD still lacks it in the US.

 

[Jayphil]

From the information we have now available, AWD system over the years does not seem to have changed. GTS get hardward upgrade (LSD) which is not available in the USA on AWD ( beside the GTS and I believe special Indigo) and also received a software update to enable drift mode.

Canadian GT Limited Stingers have AWD and LSD (from 2020+) but not the software for drift mode.

All AWD Stinger in sport mode send up to 80% of the power to rear wheels. GTS Stinger in Drift mode send 100% to rear wheels...

 

[Montanaman]

Thanks for the insight. So the Canadian's by default get the same /better equipment again. I'll never understand why Canadian cars are optioned and built so differently. And it's every car company. I kind of understand the AWD being mandatory as the weather there blows 90% of the time but to have a completely different model structure for such a small population seems pointless to me. Just my .02

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

It's so dumb, when you consider that Kia execs in interviews have stated the car was designed for the American market, and yet in the same interviews express puzzlement as to why it hasn't sold well.

It's because of the Internet; we see what Australia, Korea, and Canada can get in the car, and that it's seriously gimped in the US market.

 

[Jayphil]

It's so dumb, when you consider that Kia execs in interviews have stated the car was designed for the American market, and yet in the same interviews express puzzlement as to why it hasn't sold well.

It's because of the Internet; we see what Australia, Korea, and Canada can get in the car, and that it's seriously gimped in the US market.

I am not sure why in Canada we have different trims vs USA but I am not sure you should envy us either:

• We only have GT and GT Limited trims you have GT, GT1, GT2, GTS and Special Indigo...
• We can only get AWD no RWD
• We can only get the 3.3 V6 (that works for me though)
• We do not have front parking sensors
• Ghost Grey is not available with Red seats, best combo in my view... (excluding the very limited production run 20th anniversary)
• You have 10 years warranty (we have 5)
• You have a reasonable lease model (our does not make sense, cost more vs a M340i...)
• You have front/rear adaptive suspension (we only have front)

On the other side

• We can get LSD in AWD / top trim
• Our UVO is much better but still slow and limited
• It does cost less when factoring CAD to USD conversion

I might forget a few stuff but nothing to dream about.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

For me, the lack of UVO Link is the deal breaker; I can pay a shop to swap in the GTS/G70 gear carrier to get rear LSD, or if I want to get greasy, I can swap it myself. Not so much with UVO Link, and there really isn't a direct 1:1 aftermarket solution that would get me everything UVO Link offers. Our Forester Sport has similar functionality. Heck, even Subaru's churched-up econobox (STI) gets vehicle locator, geofencing, speed alerts, and remote lock/unlock.

 

[Montanaman]

I can understand other countries getting some different options but I don't get why any car company would spend the money to build a totally different model for a small Canadian population. I also have a Honda Ridgeline and the Canadian versions have cooled seats and the USA version does not. Huh? That makes zero sense but then again not much does these days.