To try and boost sales of the Stinger, Kia has given the stylish fastback a facelift for the 2021 model year. In the US, the refreshed Stinger is offered with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Smartstream engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque along with a 2.0-liter turbo and 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Now, Kia has lifted the wraps off the European version of the Stinger.

Compared to the US model, the European Stinger is available with just one engine option: the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Previously, the European Stinger was available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 251 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 2.2-liter turbodiesel with 197 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. When the Stinger debuted back in 2017, Kia believed the diesel-powered model would be the most popular variant.

Fast forward three years and the diesel engine and four-cylinder units have been dropped from the European options list as Kia says "the majority" of Stinger customers chose the more powerful V6.

In Europe, the Stinger's V6 produces 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, enabling the fastback to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds. This makes it the fastest-accelerating Kia sold in Europe. The V6 unit is paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive as standard, with rear-wheel drive in right-hand drive markets. Thanks to Kia's electronic variable exhaust valve system, the US version is slightly more power than its counterpart, with an increased output of 368 hp and the same amount of torque.

As expected, all of the styling changes applied to the Korean version will carry over to the European model. For 2021, the Kia Stinger sports new LED headlights and taillights, revised daytime running lights, and an updated tiger nose grille.

The updated Stinger also rides on new 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels and is available with a new Ascot Green exterior paint color. Inside, a metallic finish is applied to sections of the steering wheel and a chrome bezel surrounds the instrument cluster, giving the cabin a more premium look. A framless rear-view mirror also enhances the rear visibility. There's also an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice control as standard, along with a new mood lighting system with 64 available colors.

European-spec Stingers are available with Nappa leather upholstery in Saturn Black or red. For the first time, the cabin can also be trimmed in Saturn Black suede with contrasting red stitching and red seatbelts. New safety tech includes a safe exit warning, blind-spot view monitor, lane following assist, highway driving assist, and rear occupant alert.

Sales of the 2021 Kia Stinger start in Europe in Q4 2020.