The Kia Stinger is a five-door fastback sports sedan that was produced from the 2018 to 2023 model years. It was Kia's ambitious entry into the performance grand touring segment, designed to compete with established European and Japanese sports sedans. The Stinger is best known for its potent turbocharged engine options, rear-wheel-drive-based platform, and striking design, offering a compelling blend of practicality and driving excitement.
Under the hood, the Stinger was primarily offered with two engine choices. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (often called a T-GDi) producing 255 horsepower. The performance flagship was the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, which delivered a robust 368 horsepower (increased to 376 hp for the final model years). This powertrain enabled impressive acceleration, with the V6 model achieving 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds. All Stingers came standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A key part of the Stinger's appeal was its standard or available features. It was praised for offering a lot of car for the money, with a well-appointed interior and advanced technology.
| Feature Category | Specific Examples & Data |
|---|
| Drivetrain | Standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Dynamic Torque Vectoring |
| Performance | 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (3.3L V6), Brembo performance brakes, Adaptive suspension available |
| Interior Tech | Available 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio, Head-Up Display (HUD), Nappa leather seats |
| Cargo Space | 23.3 cubic feet (large for a sedan due to the hatchback design) |
| Safety | Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Available Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning |
While critically acclaimed for its driving dynamics and value proposition, the Stinger was discontinued after the 2023 model year due to slower-than-expected sales. However, it successfully elevated Kia's brand image and remains a highly sought-after used car for enthusiasts seeking a unique and capable sports GT.
