Precise and engaging to drive; GT engine outdoes pricier competitors'; generous standard features for the money; ample passenger and cargo space
Steering can be nervous on certain highway surfaces; far-away touchscreen; no manual transmission available
The Kia Stinger is an all-new model for 2018. See the 2018 Kia Stinger models for sale near you
If you're just looking for a cool, fun-to-drive car with lots of space and equipment, you really don't need anything more than the base Stinger. It's quite the bargain. The GT1 is probably the smartest bet among the V6-powered models. Sure, if you've got the cash for GT2, go for it, but GT1's adaptive suspension and ample extra niceties make it a good compromise. Find a Kia Stinger for sale
The 2018 Kia Stinger is available in five trim levels: The 4-cylinder-powered base and Premium, and the V6-powered GT, GT1 and GT2. All can be optioned with all-wheel drive for an extra $2,200. There's also a limited edition Atlantica model for 2018.
The base Stinger ($31,900) is very well-equipped. It comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a temporary spare tire, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, LED running lights, heated power-folding mirrors, proximity entry and push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated 8-way power front seats (with 4-way driver lumbar), leather upholstery, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-in touchscreen, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, UVO eServices emergency communications, a 6-speaker sound system with satellite and HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a media player interface.
The Stinger Premium ($37,100) adds bi-LED headlights, a sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, driver memory functions, a 7-in color instrument cluster screen, an 8-in touchscreen interface, integrated navigation and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The Stinger GT ($38,350) effectively reverts to the base equipment level, but adds the more powerful engine, 19-in wheels, launch control, variable ratio steering, a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, different exterior trim and aluminum interior trim. Exceptions would include standard bi-LED headlights and a 9-speaker sound system.
The Stinger GT1 ($43,250) combines the Premium's extras with those of the GT. It also adds an adaptive suspension and auto-dimming exterior mirrors.
Available on all of the above trim levels is the Advance Driver Assistance System package ($2,000). It includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and emergency automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, a driver inattention warning system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, automatic highbeams and automatic wipers.
The Stinger GT2 ($49,200) includes the Advance Driver Assistance items, plus a limited-slip differential, an electronic shifter, a power hatchback, a 12-way power driver seat with adjustable side bolsters and thigh extension, 4-way passenger lumbar, ventilated front seats, premium Nappa leather and a head-up display.
The Stinger GT Limited Edition is just special yellow paint and the limited-slip differential. The limited-edition Stinger Atlantica adds to the GT2 AWD special dark-blue paint, Espresso Brown leather, suedecloth headliner, a surround-view parking camera, wireless phone charging and heated rear seats. Also included are 19-in wheels and exterior badging from the European-market Stinger that supplants the Kia badge with large "Stinger" script.
| Hatchback | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stinger Base AWD | $34,100 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 255 | 21 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger Base RWD | $31,900 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 255 | 22 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger GT AWD | $40,550 / N/A | 6 Cylinder Turbo | 365 | 17 / 25 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger GT RWD | $38,350 / N/A | 6 Cylinder Turbo | 365 | 17 / 25 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger GT1 AWD | $45,450 / N/A | 6 Cylinder Turbo | 365 | 17 / 25 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger GT1 RWD | $43,250 / N/A | 6 Cylinder Turbo | 365 | 17 / 25 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger GT2 AWD | $51,400 / N/A | 6 Cylinder Turbo | 365 | 17 / 25 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger GT2 RWD | $49,200 / N/A | 6 Cylinder Turbo | 365 | 17 / 25 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger Premium AWD | $39,300 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 255 | 21 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
| Stinger Premium RWD | $37,100 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 255 | 22 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | RWD / AWD4WD |
Every Stinger comes standard with front-side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and UVO eServices emergency communications (automatic collision notification, an emergency call button, stolen vehicle location). The Advance Driver Assistance System package adds forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and emergency automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and a driver inattention warning system.
The Stinger had not been crash tested by a third party at the time of this writing.
| Basic | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 10 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
2018 Buick Regal Sportback -- Comparable in price and in trunk design, the new Regal Sportback lines up well with the base Stinger in most respects (even the Regal GS can't match the GT's power). Another good choice for those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to European luxury models.
2018 Audi A5 and S5 Sportback -- As for European luxury models, the A5 and S5 Sportback are effectively the targets the Stinger is intended to hit. They line up well in terms of body style and performance. Read our Stinger First Drive to know more about how it stacks up with these Audis.
2018 Dodge Charger -- Perhaps something like an Acura TLX or Infiniti Q50 would be a more logical "competitor," but with its rear-wheel-drive, high-powered engine, flashy styling and budget pricing, the Charger sure seems like more of a spiritual equal to the Stinger.
Used Audi A7 -- With its sleek proportions, comparable size and hatchback trunk, the A7 is arguably the car that inspired the Stinger. It's far more expensive, however, so considering a used or certified pre-owned one would probably be in order.
Who needs an SUV when these great sedans offer all-wheel-drive traction?
