The Kia Stinger comes with two engine options: A 2.0L 4-cylinder with twin turbochargers and direct injection makes 255 horsepower in the base and Premium models and GT trims are equipped with a 3.3L V6 engine sporting twin turbochargers and making 365 horsepower. Neither engine produces anything other than quick acceleration when pressed, but the bigger V6 provides levels of thrust that will leave plenty of sports cars in the dust.
An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across the whole range, while all-wheel drive is a $2,200 option on any trim level. However, Kia still claims that 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving is achievable with the bigger engine in RWD equipped Stingers.
Standard equipment on the base 2.0L includes power folding and heated mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, projector beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear-view camera, park distance control, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons, paddle shifters, a smart key with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat and an 8-way power adjustable passenger seat.
Premium trim adds to the bells and whistles. Included with the premium trim is a large sunroof, full LED headlights and brake lights, a bigger, 8-inch touchscreen with voice command integration, a 15-speaker, 720-watt Harman/Kardon sound system, a 7-inch screen in the gauge cluster, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, a memory function on the seats and a high-gloss black interior trim. A full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems is also standard and includes forward collision mitigation with pedestrian warning, lane keep assist, a driver attention warning, and smart cruise control with stop and go warning.
GT models come with the bigger 3.3L engine, though buyers will have to step up to the GT1 to get levels of equipment on par with the Premium trim. Notable inclusions on the GT are 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, and a 9-speaker stereo.
The top-of-the-line GT2 trim comes with some pretty serious kit. Immediately noticeable from the outside are unique front and rear bumpers, along with lots of pretty black chrome accents. Inside, the GT2 comes standard with a bevy of safety systems such as a rear cross-traffic alert system, a surround view monitor, and a forward collision warning system. The various devices that enable those systems also enable an advanced cruise control system that can vary speed with traffic. Also standard on the GT2 is a head up display, quilted Nappa leather seating, heated rear seats and ventilated front seats, and a navigation system.
Sleek Styling
Sporty Chassis
Powerful Engine Options
Available All-wheel Drive
Surprisingly Practical
Well-equipped
The Kia Stinger receives some useful updates for 2019. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, as are machined-finish 18-inch wheels. The Stinger GT now includes a mechanical limited-slip differential, while the GT2 trim includes heated rear seats and a surround view monitor. Premium and GT1 Stingers now feature wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.
The entry-level Stinger starts at about $32,900, which puts the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 squarely in its crosshairs. The Stinger is actually a little bigger than those cars, which makes it closer in size to the upmarket 5-Series and Audi A6. Fortunately, the Stinger doesn't feel big and handling is terrific, especially for an automaker not traditionally not known for its performance-oriented designs.
The Stinger's high-output engine lineup, bold styling, and strong equipment mean Kia can now be directly compared to the best European sedans available. The Kia is priced competitively, too, making it a much better value than just about any sport sedan out there.
