Large sports sedan from Kia The 2022 Stinger aims high to compete with the European automotive aristocracy, and almost succeeds. The Stinger is a fantastic choice for enthusiasts on a budget since, when compared to competitors like the Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe, it offers a very similar luxury look and feel in addition to tons of driving verve. Its outstanding Genesis G70 sedan-based underpinnings are shared by the Stinger, but the Stinger hides its roomier cabin, bigger cargo area, and hatchback liftgate with a seductive fastback roofline. Two turbocharged engines are available: a powerful 368-hp twin-turbo V-6 and a basic 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. All-wheel drive is an option for those who prefer it but rear-wheel drive is the default.
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Do Kia Stinger GTs have RWD?
Customers can choose between torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with brakes or rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential. Rear-drive is the most entertaining of the two and the best option, unless you live in a region where the environment necessitates the added stability of AWD. I’ve driven both setups. Due to a combination of a somewhat lighter chassis and a more straightforward, direct drivetrain, the rear-wheel-driven Stinger just feels much more alive during aggressive driving. In comparison to the more neutral AWD performance, the RWD Stinger’s power deliverysquatting slightly onto its drive wheels and pressing in when I roll onto the accelerator at corner exitcreates a more dramatic feeling of rotation and a more direct connection with the road. Additionally, it’s entertaining to be able to use the right pedal to slightly push the rear out.
A modest increase in economy results from having two less drive wheels, but the difference is so slight that in practice your driving habits are probably more important. The EPA estimates the RWD Stinger GT1/GT2 to get 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg overall, or 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg overall with AWD.
I can adjust the throttle response and the behavior of the electronically controlled suspension to the task at hand, whether it be commuting or taking corners, thanks to selectable driving modes, Smart, Sport, and Eco. Even at its sportiest, the Stinger never feels harsh over the cracks and bumps of my favorite Bay Area backroad, and when pushed, it still displays some body roll. While drivers who enjoy the grand touring aspects of the Stinger’s performance on the road will appreciate it for helping to boost comfort and defining this car’s performance envelope, track-day bros will probably frown upon that aspect of this car’s dynamics for its perceived performance compromise.
Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with a little body roll; it in no way diminished my enjoyment. The Stinger’s brakes may use an improvement, though, in my opinion. The GT’s Brembo performance brakes currently in place are excellent at slowing the car down, but when pushed hard, they still heat up quite a little, showing just a touch of fade and bringing back memories of the brake tremor that appeared and disappeared during our 2018 model’s extended testing.
The Kia Stinger GT1 is it AWD?
The more powerful 3.3-liter turbocharged engine in the GT1’s Stinger produces 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque for the first time. An eight-speed transmission distributes power to the back or all four wheels. Aside from the significant increase in power, the GT1 also adds a few aesthetic improvements to the list of standard features, such as LED interior and map lighting, a large sunroof with a power sunshade, 19-inch Spire alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires, and aluminum door sill scuff plates. Inside, aluminum accent decor distinguishes the GT1 from the base model, and the front passenger seat has eight-way power adjustment as opposed to the GT-normal Line’s manual adjustments.
Can a Mustang outrun a Kia Stinger in speed?
In terms of raw acceleration, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT and Ford Mustang GT are almost comparable. In testing by Car & Driver, the 365 horsepower twin-turbocharged Kia Stinger GT reached 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and finished the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds.
Why aren’t Kia Stinger sales up?
According to information coming out of South Korea, the Kia Stinger as we know it may be nearing the end of its useful life and may no longer be produced starting in December 2022.
Kia will stop producing the Stinger starting in December, according to a post on the Korean forum Autospy. This confirms a claim from the country’s DailyCar website from July 2021, which predicted that production would end in the second part of this year.
According to a story from August, Kia’s design chief Karin Habib hinted that the car would continue to exist, adding that the firm is “working on a new model for the Stinger… we want the Stinger spirit to stay at the core of hunger.”
The Hyundai Vision FK, a 500kW hydrogen-powered concept car that bears an eerie resemblance to the Stinger given that Kia is a member of the Hyundai Motor Group family, will be the most obvious reincarnation.
According to reports from Korea, the Stinger is built at the Sohari Plant, which will be converted to produce electrified vehicles starting in 2023.
More rumors that the rear-wheel-drive sedan may switch to a battery-electric powertrain have been sparked by a silhouetted image from Kia showing a future electric car with a shape similar to the Stinger.
What distinguishes the Stinger GT1 from the GT2?
The majority of GT1 features are present in the 2020 Kia Stinger GT2, with Nappa leather seat upholstery. surround-view television. 15-speaker premium audio system from Harman Kardon.
Is the Kia Stinger pricey?
The Stinger is Kia’s most thrilling vehicle to date. For a far lesser cost, it can compete favorably with the best European performance sedans. Value is undoubtedly one of this model’s strongest qualities. The 2021 Kia Stinger is even more enticing thanks to its comfortable interior and very stunning exterior design. Should buyers of new cars pick the Stinger over other models, though?
There aren’t many differences between the 2021 Kia Stinger and the design from the previous year that prospective buyers will notice.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Kia StingerThe Pros
1. The Fun & Affordable Base GT-Line Trim
Customers who want a fun-to-drive vehicle at a reasonable price will appreciate the base Stinger GT-Line. It will keep you engaged even though it isn’t quite as speedy as the higher trim levels. This model’s 0-60 mph pace has been measured at roughly 6.0 seconds by testers. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque powers the Stinger GT-Line. Prices begin at an extremely appealing $33,000.
2. Quick GT vehicles
Drivers who are ready to give up some fuel efficiency should think about the Stinger’s more potent GT versions. A twin-turbo V6 engine is standard on each one. This bigger engine is rated by Kia to provide 376 lb-ft of torque and 365 horsepower. The V6-equipped Stinger’s superior performance abilities cannot be disregarded. The vehicle should achieve a 0-60 mph time of about 4.5 seconds. Accordingly, some muscle vehicles, like the Ford Mustang GT, are faster than the Stinger GT.
3. Excellent Handling
The 2021 Kia Stinger is almost equally athletic when compared to its more expensive competitors. The Stinger’s outstanding driving dynamics have garnered high praise from several auto critics. Drivers may move with confidence thanks to a responsive suspension and accurate steering. The more powerful GT models come equipped with improved performance characteristics. When accelerating quickly, the Stinger GT’s optional limited-slip differential helps maintain traction. This automobile can be equipped with a sophisticated AWD system with torque vectoring to make it an all-weather performance vehicle.
4. Prize-Winning Design
Many individuals have recently become enamored with this sedan’s stunning outward style. The Stinger can compete stylistically with vehicles costing more than twice as much. The fastback top and tall hood contribute to the car’s stunning look. Even the base GT-Line model receives high reviews for appearance. Sporty 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, while the GT versions come with larger 19-inch wheels. Micro Blue Pearl and other vivid paint hues offer further flair.
5. A Flexible Sports Sedan for Everyday Use
The 2021 Kia Stinger is not only intended for weekend use. It’s useful enough to serve as your main mode of transportation. The typical American family can fit inside with appropriate room. In both rows, there is enough legroom. The adaptability of the Stinger’s hatchback form will likely appeal to many drivers. This car can accommodate up to 40 cubic feet of goods when the rear seats are folded down.
6. Outstanding Warranty Package Increases Value
Consumers should always aim to get the best deal possible when purchasing a new car. The 2021 Kia Stinger is one of the segment’s few vehicles that offers the best value. The outstanding warranty package is one of the features that make this automobile such a fantastic value. The 100,000-mile powertrain guarantee from Kia covers expensive parts like the engine and transmission. Additionally, owners will get bumper-to-bumper protection for 60,000 miles.
7. A Fun List of Required Equipment
Many buyers won’t feel pressured to move up the grade ladder because the base Kia Stinger GT-Line is so well-equipped. On the interior, it really does feel upscale. The Stinger GT-Line comes with a leather-appointed cabin, unlike the majority of other base cars in its class. There is frequently an additional charge for wireless smartphone charging. Other standard features of the Stinger include keyless ignition, a self-dimming rearview mirror, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with enhanced smartphone compatibility.
8. A very high safety ranking
In terms of passenger safety, the Kia Stinger excels. The sedan was awarded the government’s coveted five-star overall safety rating thanks to excellent crash test results. Kia provides the Stinger with a backup camera in addition to some other helpful safety features. Blind-spot monitoring is included as standard equipment to assist reduce the chance of a collision on the highway. Backing up is safer thanks to the system’s integrated rear cross-traffic alert. On some grades, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and smart cruise control are available.
9. Extremely Elegant GT2 Model
The top-of-the-line GT2 is what buyers seeking the most opulent driving experience will want. It offers a few high-end features that are not available on the lower models. The interior of the cabin is even more comfortable thanks to the nappa leather upholstery. The head-up display, which prevents drivers from glancing down at the speedometer, will be highly appreciated by drivers. Adaptive headlamps, meanwhile, make nighttime driving safer. In addition, Kia upgrades the driver’s seat with an adjustable thigh extension and side bolsters as well as heated back seats.
Powerful Harman Kardon Audio System 10.
The Stinger comes with three separate audio systems from Kia. The Harman Kardon system is at the head of the lineup. Its 19 high-end speakers contribute to the pleasant environment for listening to music. An amplifier guarantees a particularly strong sound. This audio system will prove to be the ideal substitute for live concerts for those who are unable to attend.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Kia StingerThe Cons
1. The Twin-Turbo V6 Engine Reduces Fuel Economy and Is Available
The base engine of the Stinger is recommended for motorists who are worried about achieving the best gas mileage. It has a maximum town/highway fuel economy of 22 mpg. Although the twin-turbo V6 that is an option is powerful, it reduces the sedan’s fuel efficiency. Drivers can expect to achieve about 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind that Kia has tuned all Stinger models to run on premium fuel.
2. Reduced Headroom Due to Sleek Profile
The fastback roof of the Stinger adds to its aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, the headroom in the sedan is reduced by this stylish element. Some taller passengers may experience their head practically brushing the ceiling when seated in the backseat. They’ll be considerably more contented up front. Some motorists will eventually require a spacious vehicle for their family.
3. Absence of Manual Transaxle
In the sports sedan market, manual transmissions are becoming progressively harder to get. The single transmission option for the 2021 Kia Stinger is an eight-speed automatic. The mechanically comparable 2021 Genesis G70 is a good option for those who enjoy shifting gears. Its four-cylinder turbo engine can be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.
4. Rear Visibility May Need Improvement
The 2021 Kia Stinger has a good amount of rear blind spots, just like the majority of vehicles with a sloping roofline. Vehicles moving forward in the next lane are frequently difficult to spot. This means that when switching from one lane to the next, drivers must pay attention. Fortunately, every new Stinger comes with a blind-spot monitor as standard equipment.
5. Lacks Some Other Sports Sedans’ Prestige
Unquestionably, the Stinger is a wonderful vehicle. However, Kia is known as an affordable brand. Even though the Korean automaker currently has a number of remarkable high-end models, some consumers still do not consider Kia to be a leading luxury brand. Kia still has a disadvantage over BMW and Audi in terms of prestige.
Some buyers will choose between the Stinger and the Mustang while looking for a new performance vehicle. The Mustang’s outstanding performance capabilities cannot be disregarded. This two-door coupe isn’t quite as useful as the Stinger, though. The Stinger not only offers larger space for passengers, but it also has far more cargo capacity. Additionally, Kia’s powertrain warranty covers an additional 40,000 miles.
The 2021 Audi A7 is a hatchback, just like the 2021 Kia Stinger. Many visitors will be impressed by its remarkably comfortable interior and cutting-edge technologies. The A7 is a fantastic vehicle to drive, but it is much more expensive. The base A7 costs more over $69,000. The A7 is also at a disadvantage due to a shorter warranty.
The 2021 Subaru WRX offers a lot of appealing qualities. This little sports sedan is well-liked for its sporty exterior design and standard all-wheel drive. Its interior, though, isn’t as lovely. The Stinger comes with a more impressive list of standard equipment from Kia.
The premium sports car from Kia is unquestionably worthwhile. Even the entry-level Stinger GT-Line is quite beautiful and fun to drive, but the GT variants offer a higher level of performance. The 2021 Kia Stinger is more tempting because of its excellent everyday utility. You’ll undoubtedly like the Stinger’s spacious cargo room when traveling and picking up items for your home.
Drivers should choose the Stinger for a variety of reasons, but there are also a few drawbacks to take into account. Some tall families might want a little additional space for the back passengers. With the optional twin-turbo V6 powerplant, fuel efficiency also suffers.