Flash Drive

2018 Kia Stinger

December 5, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Kia Stinger GT RWD

The 2018 Kia Stinger GT has both aggressive styling and performance.

Engine:3.3-liter V-6, 365-horsepower, 376 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatictransmission, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 25-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined

Base Price: $38,350

As Tested: $39,250

Performance:

Impressive acceleration from twin turbo V-6

Sport mode really livens performance

The handsome Stinger body has the added benefit of being a spacious hatchback.

Confident handling to match horsepower

Brembo brakes

19-inch wheels and tires

Under 5-second 0-to-60 acceleration

Acceptable fuel economy—our best was 25.2-mpg highway

Drive modes: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom

Long list of standard safety features

Comfort:

Super stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Front seat room, comfort, and amenities are outstanding.

Tight backseat unless fronts are moved up

Big, tall rear floor hump

Tight shoe room under seats

Lots of wheelwell intrusion on rear door

Driver power lumbar

Power passenger seat, but no lumbar adjustment

Three temperatures heated front seats

Very nice, thick, contoured, flat-bottomed, leather steering wheel

Excellent tilt/telescopic range

Good quality interior materials, but not quite luxury level

Utility:

Big hatchback with wide opening and ample head clearance

Rear seat knee room can be snug unless the front seats are moved forward. The floor tunnel is substantial.

Low lift-over for flat cargo deck

Split folding rear seats, but significant slope

Medium locking glovebox

Oversized visors that slide

Long shallow front door bins

Medium console bin

LED interior lamps

Small, shallow rear door bins

Power folding mirrors

WOW Factors:

Impressive performance, handling, braking

The strong acceleration is matched by big Brembo brakes and handsome 19-inch wheels and tires.

Sharp, aggressive styling

Huge bang for the buck

Impressive safety features

Hatchback utility

Lots of fun to drive spiritedly

Whines:

Cheap rear seat cargo nets

Hard plastic on seatbacks

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Kia Stinger is an impressive sport sedan that’s doing wonders to alter the image of Kia as an economy car builder. The value proposition is as strong as the performance of the twin turbocharged V-6. Styling is as handsome as any competitor.

The Kia Stinger GT is available with all-wheel-drive, so it can handle snow with the appropriate winter tires.

Interior space and comfort are great. Safety features are comprehensive. We think the Stinger is the most exciting Kia ever.