2020 Kia Stinger Review: Kia's Underrated Hot-Rod
Now going for its third lap around the sun, the head-turning Kia Stinger continues to impress with its performance capability, good looks, and affordability, and has convinced a good amount of people that this Korean automaker can do sporty and fast sedans. Both the 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-four motor producing 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque , and the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which produces 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque offer impressive performance, with the latter offering a good dollop of power, and makes the zero to sixty sprint in only 4.7 seconds. Some interior quality and high-speed handling issues remain, but for the price, the Stinger is a seriously impressive piece of compact executive four-door fastback kit that takes the fight directly to its more established European rivals such as the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
What's the Price of the 2020 Kia Stinger?
The Kia Stinger gets split into eight different levels when it comes to pricing and starts with the Stinger GT-Line, which goes for an MSRP of $33,090, which excludes tax, registration, and a $1,035 destination fee. The Stinger GT, the first trim level in the range to be made available with the larger V6 engine, starts at $39,500. GT1 cars will set you back $45,400 in RWD guise and at the top, the GT2 goes for a cool $50,300. Adding AWD to any trim adds an extra $2,200 to the asking price.
Best Deals on 2020 Kia Stinger
2020 Stinger Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
190.2 in | 114.4 in | 55.1 in | 73.6 in | 62.8 in | 64.8 in | 3,611.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2020 Stinger Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Kia Stinger has most certainly proven its straight-line capabilities, but how does it fare out in the real world? Cruising in a straight line at legal speeds is a pleasure; the Stinger feels well set up for comfortable cruising without feeling sloppy and low speed bumps are conquered without undue harshness, but the Stinger does lean towards the harder side. When it comes to cornering, we were left wanting. The Kia can't match its more established competitors when tackling serious twisties; at the edge, the Stinger loses its composure, and we noticed a side step from the rear suspension during cornering that will unnerve less experienced drivers. The good news is that GT trim cars all get powerful Brembo brakes that perform flawlessly, and can be compared to class-leading German rivals. The all-season tires should be avoided, as they tend to wash out when pushing even remotely hard through corners. It's not all bad for the Stinger as it's an adept handler at about eight-tenths. It's only when pushing beyond that point that a BMW 3 Series offers more composure.
2020 Stinger Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2020 Stinger Trunk and Cargo Space
2020 Stinger Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Kia Stinger A Good car?
Kia, the Korean car manufacturer responsible for building fun little cars such as the Soul has decided to take the plunge into the executive performance sedan market; one which has been dominated by German brands, some of which have been around for over a century. So what Kia has accomplished with the Stinger is a truly admirable act of confidence and brand growth. The Kia still looks good after being around for a few years now, and still delivers exhilarating performance. While the 2.0T is average for the segment, the 3.3T V6 is a stellar powertrain, and the Stinger is an agile handler - although we'd rather have a 3 Series or Alfa Giulia when hunting the limits. But you get a serious warranty from Kia, as well as a lower price tag than most German and American rivals. Interior quality isn't as great as some of the premium brands, and at the limit the Stinger doesn't handle as well, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the Stinger is an underappreciated performance bombshell that deserves to be looked at.
What Kia Stinger Model Should I Buy?
One of the main reasons we like the Stinger so much is because of what lies beneath the hood. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is more than capable of pulling the Stinger around town and is actually quite punchy, but we'd skip over it and go straight for the 3.3-liter turbo powerhouse. In this guise, new owners have the option of going with the GT, GT1, or GT2. All of these trims progressively build up features over the last. We think that the GT1 offers the best balance of features and price, so what do you get when you pay $5,900 over the price of the GT? The exterior of the GT1 gains auto-dimming side mirrors, a sunroof with power shade, and high-beam assist. Inside, GT1 cars offer a standard eight-inch display with navigation, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, as well as a seven-inch driver display, sport gauges and an auto-dimming rearview with HomeLink. With other features unmentioned, we think that the GT1 offers great value over the GT, and should be the one to go for.
2020 Kia Stinger Comparisons
2020 Kia Stinger vs Genesis G70
As some of you may know, the Kia Stinger and Genesis G70 share the same platform, as well as engine and suspension setups. The only major difference here is the styling. So, what's the Genesis G70 all about? Well, its mostly an image thing; the Genesis, in theory, should appeal to a more mature market who will appreciate its upmarket interior and refinement. It also misses out on the Stinger's more obvious sporty appeal. Other than that, the G70 and Stinger are both blessed by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and beastly 3.3-liter V6. Inside the cabin of the G70, there is a marked difference in the quality of materials used, and we love the quilted effect on the door panels and seats of the higher trim cars. As you can expect, the interior space on offer is similar to that of the Stinger, although with a traditional trunk, the G70 falls behind in terms of cargo capacity. We prefer the Stinger for its sportier appeal, but the Genesis G70 is as sporty but is more refined, justifying the few thousand dollars extra you'll have to fork out for one.
2020 Kia Stinger vs Ford Mustang Coupe
The Mustang is one of the most famous American sports cars of all time, and is the polar opposite of the Kia Stinger, especially in terms of body design and, well, overall purpose. The 2020 Ford Mustang is available in turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder guise, which is the most appropriate comparison here. The Ford produces 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Performance is impressive, although many complain that the 2.3-liter engine isn't as vocal as a traditional V8. On the road, the Mustang displays excellent road manners and is easy to drive fast, even by beginners. The interior of the 'Stang won't blow you over as it's decidedly cheap in comparison, but everything is there, and the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system is one of the better ones on the market. The Mustang isn't as practical as the Stinger, not by a longshot, and the Stinger should also keep you safer in case of an accident. The choice here is really simple: if you want a Mustang, buy a Mustang - you won't cross-shop these two for anything other than an emotional buy.