Earlier this month, Kia teased the 2022 Stinger and promised that its fun-to-drive sports sedan would deliver even more power and fresh looks. Shortly after this, the latest Stinger leaked in full, showing off rather subtle styling changes; nevertheless, the pre-facelift version was already a very pretty sedan.

Finally, the 2022 Kia Stinger has now been officially unveiled by the Korean automaker. As expected, the most significant changes are found under the skin, with the introduction of a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine serving as the entry-level powerplant. The 2.5-liter produces 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, a notable improvement over the 2021 model's 2.0-liter turbo-four which produces 255 hp and 260 lb-ft.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive, the base Stinger will now hit 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. That makes it quicker than the BMW 330i. Estimated economy figures for this engine work out to 22/32/25 mpg city/highway/combined for the RWD model and 21/29/24 mpg in AWD guise, making it just as economical as the outgoing, but less powerful, four-pot which it replaces.

The range-topping 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 hasn't been left entirely untouched either. It now produces 368 hp (up from 365 hp) and 376 lb-ft. It also receives a new electronic variable exhaust system to endow the Stinger with an even more emotive engine note. 0-60 mph takes just 4.7 seconds here.

Along with its more powerful engines, the 2022 Stinger also receives a visual update in the form of a new DRL signature for the upgraded headlights, a full-width taillight bar, new wheel designs of up to 19-inches, and a more boldly styled exhaust tip design. These changes are subtle but effective, and the new Kia logo is there to set this Stinger apart from the previous model.

There have also been numerous changes in the cabin such as new ambient LED lighting, an instrument panel with black gloss and chrome embellishments, and upgraded stitching on the door panels. Technology-wise, the Stinger gains a 10.25-inch touchscreen display while the TFT center cluster is larger too at 4.2 inches. An available seven-inch cluster can be specified and doubles as the display for the optional surround-view camera system and the blind-spot view monitor. The suite of driver-assistance innovations has grown with features like safe exit warning, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane-keep assist, and highway driving assist.

UVO link telematics improves connectivity with features like connected routing, automatic engine shut-off, and connected weather. When it arrives this spring, Kia will offer the 2022 Stinger in GT-Line, GT1, and GT2 trims. A special edition Scorpion variant with its own color palette, a rear spoiler, black wheels, and carbon-fiber interior trim will join the range at a later date.

"The Stinger confidently shows Kia's ability to build a sport sedan that can compete - and beat - the best the world has to offer," said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia Motors North America.

We'll see if Yoon's confident statement holds true when the 2022 Stinger arrives. Pricing will be announced at a later date, but a leak suggests the latest Stinger will cost $3,000 more than before.