The Kia Stinger embodies the Korean brand’s move upmarket, and its aim to deliver cars that are more than simply practical and reliable. Do not worry, though: the Kia Stinger still offers those qualities. However, it does so in a rakish five-door fastback body, with plenty of performance.
Kia pitched the Kia Stinger squarely at big-name German rivals, demonstrating its aspirations. The car has the power and poise to take on the Audi S5 Sportback and BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe. With rear-wheel drive, it's also a more entertaining steer than a Volkswagen Arteon.
With excellent reliability, Kia performs just as well when it comes to dependability and reassurance, and all this makes the Kia Stinger an excellent option to consider.
Put aside your preconceptions about the badge on the bonnet; the Kia Stinger is more than good enough to tackle the established German manufacturers. From handsome looks to a practical interior, it really is a great option to consider.
Performance from the 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine is as considerable as you might expect, with 365PS - later improved to 370PS in 2020 - delivered to the rear wheels. Real-world ability is helped by the huge amount of torque on offer, aided by the quick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox. Our only criticism is the exhaust noise is almost too quiet inside the cabin. The smaller petrol and turbodiesel engines offer lower running costs, though they don't feel as special to drive.
Despite the big power on offer, the Kia Stinger can do more than just go fast in a straight line. That Kia recruited a former top BMW engineer is apparent in how the Kia Stinger drives, with accurate steering giving loads of information about what the car is doing. Even the ride is comfortable for a sporting model, helped by electronically controlled variable dampers.
The Kia Stinger manages to be practical, too. There is plenty of space for passengers in the front, although the sloping roofline limits headroom for those in the rear. Legroom in the back is generous at least, and the bench splits 60:40 to fold for extra luggage capacity. Having a large hatchback-style tailgate aids practicality, especially when it is electrically operated.
It is all part of the generous level of standard equipment depending on trim. From LED headlights to heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, there is very little extra Kia could have added at the factory.
The Kia Stinger has established itself as an intriguing choice for those who want something different to the usual German-badged GT cars. With handsome styling, strong performance and a comprehensive equipment count, it does make for a great option to buy used.
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If you’re determined to be different then you might as well pick the best Kia Stinger available, and that’s the range-topping GT S with the 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 and handling that’s right up there with its BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe rival. On the flip side, the Kia’s diesel is a little bit too boomy and unrefined and the 2.0-litre petrol lacks the excitement of the V6. Every trim level for the Stinger is very well equipped.
The Kia Stinger is offered with three engines, while the 3.3 litre V6 became the only option from the middle of 2020. All come as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, too.
Kia Stinger 2.0 T-GDI: This 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine gave 248PS and 353Nm of show, which was enough to see it from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. Like all the other Stinger models, it came with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, plus a top speed of 149mph. It could also return 35.8mpg alongside emissions of 181g/km.
Kia Stinger 3.3 T-GDI: With a twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 engine under the bonnet, Kia is not messing around when it comes to the Kia Stinger’s performance. This is a muscular motor, generating a considerable 361PS. The Kia Stinger can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than five seconds, with a top speed of 167mph. The payoff is average fuel economy of 28mpg.
Kia Stinger 2.2 CRDi: Aimed at company drivers, the turbodiesel version of the Stinger still came with 200PS and a hefty 440Nm of shove. That equated to 0-62mph in a brisk 7.3 seconds and top speed rated at 143mph. It could also offer combined economy of 50.4mpg and 154g/km CO2 output.
Kia Stinger GT-Line: The GT-Line comes with GT-Line a nine-speaker sound system with front under-seat subwoofer, while the other two trim grades feature a 15-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system with subwoofer, external amp and front centre speaker. Standard safety features to assist drivers on long journeys include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Speed Limit Information.
Kia Stinger GT-Line S: This trim comes with GT-Line S Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It also has 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and heated front seats.
Kia Stinger GT S: There may only be on trim level, but Kia has not held back when equipping the Kia Stinger. From Nappa leather upholstery and a Harman Kardon sound system, to LED headlights and a limited-slip differential, it ticks every box to be a great grand tourer. Satellite navigation and wireless smartphone charging are just some of other highlights.
The Kia Stinger’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4830mm
Width: 1870mm
Height: 1400mm
Ground clearance: 130mm
The Kia Stinger’s boot space is:
406 litres
1114 litres with rear seats folded
Both the 2.0 litre petrol and 2.2 - litre turbodiesel versions of the Kia Stinger pay annual road tax at the flat rate of £180 per year. The V6 model, however, will attract a surcharge of £390 per year on top of that £180 because it cost more than £40,000 when new.
As a true GT car with substantial performance, the Kia Stinger will inevitably be more expensive to insure than a typical saloon car. The Kia Stinger GT-S is rated in insurance group 42 out of 50. The less potent models start in Group 32 and rise to Group 36 for the diesel in GT-Line S trim.