Kia Stinger GT
2018-2023
The Stinger GT represents Kia's transformation from budget brand to serious performance contender, offering legitimate sports sedan credentials at a fraction of German competitor pricing. It's proof that great driving dynamics and premium materials don't require a luxury badge.
Quick Take
The Kia Stinger GT represents Kia's bold entry into the premium sports sedan segment, developed with former BMW M engineers. It combines European handling dynamics with Korean value proposition and distinctive fastback styling.
Best For
Key Strength
Twin-Turbo Powerplant
Watch For
Transmission Programming
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Developed under the guidance of Albert Biermann, former head of BMW's M division, the Stinger was Kia's statement car to announce their premium aspirations. It drew inspiration from the GT concept car and marked Kia's first serious attempt at a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan.
Design Philosophy
The Stinger's fastback silhouette prioritizes emotional appeal over pure practicality, with a long hood, short deck proportion that's rare in the mainstream market. Inside, the focus is on driver-centric ergonomics with premium materials that rival more expensive competitors.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The Lambda II twin-turbo V6 delivers smooth, linear power with minimal turbo lag and a refined character that emphasizes torque delivery over raw aggression. It's an engine that prioritizes real-world usability and refinement over maximum output numbers.
Chassis Dynamics
Tuned at the Nürburgring with adaptive dampers and a sophisticated multi-link suspension, the Stinger offers genuinely engaging handling that balances comfort and sportiness. The steering is precise and the chassis communicative, with excellent body control and balanced weight distribution.
Sound Signature
A subdued but purposeful exhaust note that's more refined than aggressive, matching the car's grand touring character.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The 3.3L twin-turbo V6 is the Stinger's crown jewel, delivering 365hp and 376 lb-ft of torque with minimal lag. The engine pulls strongly from 2,000 rpm and maintains power well into the rev range, making it genuinely quick in real-world driving situations.
Kia's first serious attempt at a sports sedan nailed the fundamentals with near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a well-tuned suspension. The adaptive dampers provide excellent ride quality in Comfort mode while firming up nicely for spirited driving, creating a true dual-personality character.
Honest Tradeoffs
The 8-speed automatic is mechanically sound but plagued by conservative programming in Normal mode, with sluggish responses and early upshifts. Sport+ mode improves things dramatically, but you shouldn't need to change modes for basic responsiveness.
While the overall design is attractive and ergonomics are good, material quality varies wildly throughout the cabin. Hard plastics appear in prominent places, and some switchgear feels cheap compared to the car's performance capabilities and price point.
Ideal Owner
Enthusiasts who want German sports sedan dynamics without the premium price tag and maintenance costs, or buyers seeking something distinctive in the conformist luxury sedan segment.