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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The Kia Stinger has either front or rear wheel drive.
All versions come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is an improved system that comes with torque vectoring steering and is available in each trim for $2,200.
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.
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.
Price: $31,900$51,400
The first model in the new lineup and the quickest Kia currently in production is the 2018 Stinger GT. With a top speed of 167 mph, the vehicle speeds from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. There are two different engine options for the Stinger GT.
The first choice is a Twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine with an automated eight-speed transmission that produces 365 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque. The second option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the same transmission as the 365 horsepower version, producing 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Interior
The all-new Kia Stinger GT has a head-up display, a multi-information display between the gauges, a Harman/Kardon premium edition audio system, leather upholstery, an in-house UVO infotainment system, and all of these features are standard.
Exterior
A mid-sized sports car with four doors, a big hatch, and a fastback roofline is called the Stinger.
The midsize sports four-door 2018 Kia Stinger has a fastback roofline and a big hatch. All-wheel drive is an option; rear-wheel drive is the default. The bodywork of the Stinger GT was modeled after the GT Concept car from Kia, which made its debut in 2011 at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
New design features
With no antecedents, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT is the top model of its generation. It was created by engineers with a number of firsts. It is both the first sports sedan for Kia and the first Kia to have an adaptive suspension system.
All-wheel-drive versions of the rear-drive models have torque vectoring control in addition to the conventional mechanical limited slip differential. Rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, driver attention assistance, front collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance are all safety features. According to J.D. Power, this car ranks first among the best luxury small cars.
How quick are Kia Stingers?
Yes, the Kia Stinger is the quickest car in its class as of 2022, when the base four-cylinder model will be capable of 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. It will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, with a top speed cap of 130 mph.
According to a July report, Kia intends to stop producing the Stinger after the 2022 model year, but the company has not officially announced these intentions.
The base price of the four-cylinder Stinger is $37,365 with the destination fee already included, while the more potent GT model is $42,815
Can you trust Kia Stingers?
Customers concur that the Kia Stinger is among the most dependable luxury sedans. It receives an 83 out of 100 quality and reliability grade from J.D. Power. It also ranks in the top three sedans according to customer reviews.
The Kia Stinger receives an expert rating of 8.2/10 and a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Edmunds.
Owners have stated on a few sites that the Stinger operates well as long as you take good care of it.
GT2 has all-wheel drive, right?
Albert Biermann, a legendary chassis engineer and former occupant of the top position at BMW M, was just recently confirmed as retiring from the Hyundai Motor Group. In the most recent phase of his career, Biermann’s only goal has been to give the Kia and Hyundai brands an aura of performance credibility while raising the standard for excellence for the newly minted Genesis luxury brand. This would not have been an easy task, even with unlimited funds and resources. It is extremely difficult to navigate a corporate battleship like Hyundai because of the enormous forces at play, which go far beyond the basic requirement to make cars and the Japanese and German rivals. Once the project is complete, the hard part begins: persuading consumers to part with $55,000 (who typically equate Kia with dancing hamsters and suspiciously generous warranties).
The Stinger was Biermann’s major wager with Kia. Before him, it would have been impossible to imagine a 365-horsepower, twin-turbo V-6-powered luxury liftback from such a company. But the Stinger did show up. It is a noteworthy accomplishment that it turned out to be attractive, fun to drive, and adequately spacious. Since its release for the 2018 model year, it has even sold rather well, and the small number of upgrades for this 2022 refresh imply Kia is happy to keep things as they are.
The base model’s new 2.5-liter turbo-four engine, which already powers the Genesis GV80 SUV, replaces the base model’s strained 2.0-liter turbo-four as the most substantial update. Stinger purchasers who value economy will be greatly satisfied by the increase in power from 255 to 300 horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. There are also some minor suspension adjustments for the four-cylinder variant. The twin-turbocharged V-6 recipe continues to operate almost unaltered, adding three more horsepower (368 total) through software engineering. The Genesis G70, which competes with the BMW 3 Series, and the Stinger share an eight-speed transmission and engine.) The electronic variable exhaust system has been added to the V-6 Stinger to better highlight the 3.3-liter’s rasp. The suspension remains in effect.
Only two extras were installed on our GT2 all-wheel drive test vehicle: Hichroma Red paint ($495) and carpeted rear floormats ($155). A revamped interior with a stylish 10.25-inch center screen, a standard set of active safety systems, and many new wheel designs were added to all 2022 versions. The GT2 is the highest specification and comes with a complete complement of options, including an electronic suspension, Brembo brakes, full LED headlights, heated front and back seats, Nappa leather inside, a head-up display, and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. All of them function properly, with the exception of the premium audio, which degrades at high volumes and gives the impression of being in the center of the stage around one’s ankles.
Although a special-edition “Scorpion model” with an offensive decklid spoiler will be available for 2022, Kia sensibly decided to make very few changes to the Stinger’s standard versions. Designer Peter Schreyer, who joined Kia in 2006 after becoming well-known for designing iconic vehicles like the VW New Beetle and Audi TT, is known for his beautiful, sloping rooflines. The Stinger’s design is pleasing to the eye from every angle because, like those curved cars, it is more about the beauty of its shape than any specific styling components. The full-width taillights are more effective at standing out against other paint colors, but on the other hand, the red paint detracts from their effectiveness by adding a burst of personality. A new quad exhaust with larger, rounder, more dramatic-looking tips is located below the rear bumper.
It wouldn’t be incorrect to argue that the Stinger deliberately mimics the Audi A7’s design. For example, two of my neighbors each questioned if the red car in my driveway was an Audi without being asked. When they discovered that it was a Kia, they were more than a little taken aback, which told them a few things. To begin with, nobody outside of the auto enthusiast community has ever heard of the Stinger, and the existence of said Stinger hasn’t altered anyone’s somewhat outdated unfavorable perception of the Kia nameplate. Second, the revamped Kia logo is functioning as it should. Both neighbors complimented the updated insignia, remarking on how it made the vehicle appear more valuable. One of those incredibly rare occasions when someone unconsciously frowns, nods, and discreetly changes their bias.
Another significant alteration was made by Kia for 2022, but it wasn’t disclosed anywhere in a press release. Although rear-drive GT2 models still come with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, all AWD V-6 Stinger vehicles now come standard with all-season tires. The Michelin Primacy Tour tires on our test vehicle’s 19-inch wheels really do this chassis a disservice. Sharper turn-in is necessary. When the tires are loaded, the GT2 loses a lot of its typical stability and grip. Up until the halfway point of the pedal travel, there is very little brake feel. For the four-cylinder model, all-season tires could make sense, but any V-6 Stinger, especially the GT2, should give consumers the best chance to experience the vehicle on a winding road the way Biermann & Co. planned.
Despite this, the Stinger is still a fascinating cruiser. The adaptive suspension, which is reminiscent of the E39 5 series and its superb balance of ride and handling, is unaffected by potholes. The Stinger’s V-6 is strong and punchy, and the eight-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifts, just like in the G70. The Kia is often less energetic than the Genesis since its wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than the Genesis’. A higher sense of stability and momentum is gained in exchange, especially at highway speeds. Consider the Stinger a hit if Kia’s goal was to balance luxury poise with sport-sedan agility equally.
There is little doubt which car has the superior interior, but those who regularly take lengthy road trips or have a long commute may prefer the Stinger’s roomy cargo capacity and ample legroom. Even with the stylish, significantly upgraded center display included in the 2022 Stinger, several inside components seem to be of a lower quality than those found in the upscale G70. The leather steering wheel and metal door handles, for example, are high-quality enough to persuade most buyers that a Stinger is worth the extra $20,000 over an equivalently equipped Honda Accord. The appearance of luxury vanishes the moment you grab hold of the fragile electronic parking brake switch, though.
The inside is thoughtfully organized and typically uncomplicated, like the majority of other Hyundai Group designs. But it could use a little more personality. The fact that this car was first presented five years ago is reflected in some features, such as the inadequate phone cubby. The phone cubby in the new Genesis GV70 SUV accepts an iPhone with a cover with ease and can charge wirelessly at the same time without requiring precise positioning.
There are some positives. One is that the new infotainment system is attractive and easy to use. The GT2’s standard head-up display complements the navigation system particularly well, projecting clear, understandable graphics onto the windshield and providing helpful aural cues. A three-box sedan simply cannot accommodate heavy luggage and goods the way the Stinger can thanks to its liftback configuration. Similar benefits are offered by the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, but if you want the six-cylinder in the M440i, the base price is over $59,000 before extras. The Stinger is difficult to surpass in terms of features, usefulness, torquey propulsion to match executive-express aesthetics, and price.
Actually, the aforementioned G70 is the Stinger’s most formidable adversary. The window sticker price for a 3.3T Launch Edition vehicle with all-wheel drive, like the one Associate Editor Grace Houghton recently tested, is almost exactly $55,185. It’s difficult not to perceive the Genesis as the better purchase unless you absolutely need the extra room. The first time you have to take it in for an oil change and bemoan the disparity in dealer experiences between Kia and Genesis, that calculus will become even more obvious. The angle from which the Stinger is approached greatly affects how it is seen. For someone coming from an A5 Sportback, the Kia will appear as a want tobe; for someone desiring more zingy performance than Lexus can generate in an ES, the Stinger will feel like a revelation.
There is currently no verified second-generation model in the works, hence the Stinger’s future is uncertain. From our vantage point, this is a fantastic car that must better fill its niche if it is to have any chance of surviving. However, unlike the wildly popular Telluride, Kia’s goal with this vehicle was never so much to make money as to prove a point. And in that sense, it ought to be regarded as a resounding success. The Stinger puts an end to the “dancing hamster” era; it’s an elegant sport sedan that’s just beginning to figure out what it wants to be. The luxurious K900 sedans and ambitious Cadenza sedans were both Korea-focused projects that were flown into North American airspace over the Pacific Ocean, but the Stinger might, with the correct execution, stake claim to what’s left of the premium sport sedan market. If the Stinger served as Biermann’s farewell performance, it merits an encore.