2018 Kia Stinger

The South Korean automaker have taken a significant step with the Kia Stinger. The GT Trim boasts a 365 horsepower V6 engine that sends power to all the wheels and also adds refined and plush interior, enough to take on its German rivals. Price for the 2018 Kia Stinger starts at $31,900.

The 2018 Kia Stinger is a four-door sedan with seating for five. There are five trims to choose from that includes: Base, Premium, GT, GT1 and GT2. The base Stinger is well equipped but the GT trim adds more luxury along with techs and features. Kia has offered two engine options to choose. The base and the Premium trims are mated to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All the three GT trims meanwhile employs a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine.

Trims	Stinger (Base)	Premium	GT	GT1	GT2
MSRP	$31,900	$37,100	$38,350	$43,250	$49,200
Key Features	7-inch Infotainment system with 6-speaker audio	In addition to features of Stinger (Base):	In addition to features of Premium:	In addition to features of GT:	In addition to features of GT1:
	Leather Upholstery	8-inch Infotainment system	19-inch Alloy wheels	Auto Dimming Mirrors	Limited-slip differential
	Heated Front seats	15-speaker Harman Kardon Sound system	Adaptive Suspension	Performance monitors	Head-up Display
	Power-folding Heated Exterior mirrors	Moonroof	Flat-bottom steering		Ventilated Front Seats
	Rearview Camera

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The Base variant of the Stinger is a value for money affair with a lot of pre-loaded features and a high-performance engine. But if you want more power under the hood to go with the GT trim that gets a powerful 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 engine producing a whopping 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. It also gets enough additional feature over the base and the Premium trim, so you would not be left wanting for more.

"Whether you are heading to the track or taking a Sunday drive, the 2018 Kia Stinger is a comfortable, engaging sports sedan. It comes with the choice of a four-cylinder or V6 engine – and both are ready to run at the slightest touch of the gas pedal. Its handling is among the most athletic in the class, though fuel economy is a little below average."-Cars.usnews.com

The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 255 horsepower and 260-pound-feet of torque. It feels sluggish when compared to the GT powertrain that gets a prodigious turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine. The V6 check in with 365 horsepower and 376-pound-feet of torque. The growling V6 delivers smooth thrust and is meaty enough to launch you from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds. An eight-speed transmission meanwhile is standard across all trims that shifts quickly and in engaging.

Models	Kia Stinger (Base)		Lexus RC (300)	Mercedes-Benz C (300)	BMW 430i (Coupe)
MSRP	$31,900		$40,640	$40,250	$43,500
Engine	2.0L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4		2.0L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4	2.0L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4	2.0L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic		8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	255@ 6200		241 @ 5800	241 @ 5550	248 @ 5200
Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm)	260 @1400		258 @ 1650	273 @ 1300	258 @ 1450

Acceleration

The 2.0L Stinger accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 sec which is not that bad but not so good either. The BMW 430i tops the segment in terms of acceleration followed by the Mercedes Benz C (300) which is followed by the 2.0L Stinger. The 260 lb-ft of torque released at 1400 rpm gives it the thrust to get started quickly which is quite impressive. Though the 2.0L Stinger is lighter than its GT version, it is still a bit heavy car and this factor makes it get the third position among its rivals.

Models	Kia Stinger (Base)	Lexus RC (300)	Mercedes-Benz C (300)	BMW 430i (Coupe)
0-60 MPH	5.9 sec	7.3 sec	5.8 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter mile	12.9 sec @ 110 mph	15.2 sec @ 81.0 mph	14.6 sec @ 93.3 mph	14.4 sec @ 100.7 mph
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.4	6.8	6.6	6.6

Ride and Handling

Stinger’s low stance provides stability while driving at higher speeds, making the car nimble around turns. Although the adaptive suspension is available only in the GT model, the standard suspension in the 2.0L version of the Stinger works well soaking up most of the bumps in the road. Despite being lengthier and wider than its rivals, it still manages to achieve amazing handling. There are five different drive modes that come standard: Eco, Sport, Custom, Comfort, and Smart while the GT models get a limited slip differential.

Braking

Brakes feel capable while stopping hard although the stopping distance of 113 feet is not the best in the class. The pedal meanwhile feels a little soft. The GT models get Brembo brakes for better performance.

Model	Kia Stinger (Base)	Lexus RC (300)	Mercedes-Benz C (300)	BMW 430i (Coupe)
Brake Front(in)	12.6	13.1	13.0	12.3
Brake Rear(in)	12.4	12.2	11.8	11.8
Curb weight(lbs)	3611	3737	3472	3574
60-0 MPH (ft.)	113	110	109	N/A

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine checks in with 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. All wheel drive is rated at 21/29/24 mpg. These numbers are not impressive when to others in the segment. The V6 meanwhile drops the ratings further as it is rated at 19/25/21 mpg with both the rear and all-wheel drive.

Model	Kia Stinger (Base)	Lexus RC (300)	Mercedes-Benz C (300)	BMW 430i (Coupe)
MPG (city)	22	22	24	24
MPG (highway)	29	32	33	34
MPG (combined)	25	26	28	27

"Inside, the 2018 Kia Stinger is both luxurious and practical. Highlights of its lavish bits include standard leather seats, a high-grade build quality, and a large, centrally mounted touch screen. With its roomy passenger seats and king-size cargo area, the Stinger is also easy to live with." -Cars.usnews.com

Seating and Comfort

Ingress and egress are made easy by the tall front doors but the rear passenger will need to squat down to clear the sloping roofline. The telescopic steering wheel and the driver's seat have lots of adjustments to cater to the needs of short or long drivers. The driver also gets a good side and rear view but the front roof pillar may obstruct the view while making left turns. The 2018 Kia Stinger seats five and there is ample legroom in both the rows to accommodate even the tallest of the passenger. Despite a sloping roofline, the Stinger offers a decent amount of headroom in the back but passenger above six feet might bang their head on the roof. Standard seating feature includes:

• Leather Upholstery
• 12-way Power driver’s seat
• Paddle Shifters
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• 7-inch infotainment system

Model	Kia Stinger (Base)	Lexus RC (300)	Mercedes-Benz C (300)	BMW 430i (Coupe)
Passenger capacity	5	4	5	4
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	93.8	82.0	88.2	90.0
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	38.3/56.4/42.6	37.8/54.7/45.4	37.1/55.3/41.7	39.8/55.3/42.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	37/54.8/36.4	34.8/50.8/27.3	37.1/55.5/35.2	36.1/51.7/33.7

Infotainment System

The 7-inch infotainment system offered in the base model of the Stinger is a decent one which is connected with 6-speakers. The higher versions of the Stinger are offered with a much better 8-inch infotainment system with 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The other features provided in the infotainment system include:

• USB and AUX connectivity
• Bluetooth
• Hands-free Calling and Texting
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
• Parking Minder
• 911 Connect
• Roadside Assistance
• Remote Climate Control, etc.

Cargo Capacity

The 2018 Kia Stinger gets exceptional cargo space. It leads the segment in terms of cargo volume while its rivals don’t even come close to it. The integrated trunk lid is designed so well that the cargo capacity in the Stinger is at least 25-30% more than an average mid-size sedan sold in the US.

Model	Kia Stinger (Base)	Lexus RC (300)	Mercedes-Benz C (300)	BMW 430i (Coupe)
Volume (ft cube)	23.3	10.4	12.6	15.7

"Kia says the Stinger’s design was inspired by the fastback grand touring cars of the 1970s, citing the Maserati Ghibli of the era as a specific example. It is quite striking, with a long hood and a short front overhang, a short rear overhang, a fast sloping hatchback profile, and plenty of ducts and spoilers to show its sporty intentions." The Car Connection

Dimension and Weight

Stinger’s sleek design with a tiger-nose like a grill on the front side and a hatchback like an integrated trunk lid on the rear is definitely eye-grabbing. The GT version and the base model are slightly different when it comes to the rear end where the rear bumper and the taillights of the GT are sportier than the base model. However, the quad exhaust tips are available on the GT as well as the base model. The base model of the Stinger comes with 18-inch alloy wheels while the GT version gets a 19-inch alloy wheel. In terms of dimensions, the 2018 Kia Stinger is wider and longer than most in the segment.

Exterior Features

• Power folding side mirrors
• Laminated Glass
• 18-inch wheels
• Quad Exhaust tips
• Puddle lamps
• Rear view camera
• Keyless entry etc.

Model	Kia Stinger (Base)	Lexus RC (300)	Mercedes-Benz C (300)	BMW 430i (Coupe)
Kerb weight(lbs)	3611	3737	3472	3574
Length(in)	190.2	184.8	184.5	182.7
Width(in)	73.6	72.4	71.3	71.9
Height(in)	55.1	54.9	57.0	54.2
Ground clearance(in)	5.0	5.3	4.1	5.1
Wheelbase(in)	114.4	107.5	111.8	110.6
Track width(in) F/R	62.8/64.8	62.2/61.8	61.5/60.9	60.9/62.7

Both the Federal and the private organizations have not crash-tested the 2018 Kia Stinger but the Korean manufacturer offers a wide range of safety features. The GT trims get all the available safety feature which are optional otherwise. They come bundled with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and blind spot monitors to name the few.

Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• UVO eServices Emergency Sos
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver Knee Airbag
• Restricted Driving Mode
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• First Aid Kit
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Back-Up Camera

Kia Stinger vs Lexus RC

The Lexus RC is a two-door body coupe and seats four as compared to five in the 2018 Kia Stinger. The Lexus also has a cramped second row and it also offers the least amount of trunk space in the segment. In terms of pricing the Lexus costs thousands of dollars more than the Stinger and is also not the most practical car in the segment. Go with the Stinger for better value for money.

Kia Stinger vs Mercedes-Benz C

The Mercedes Benz C Class ranks high in terms of luxury and it would be hard to find other car in the segment that offers such opulence. However, the base C Class starts at $40,000 and prices can escalate as you go higher in the trim. The 2018 Stinger makes some amenities like leather upholstery standard which are optional on the Mercedes.

Kia Stinger vs BMW 430i 

The 2018 Kia Stinger beats all in the segment and BMW 4 Series is no excuse. The Stinger has best in class cargo space along with more space in the both the rows and it is also the most affordable luxury Sedan in its class. The BMW on the other hand is one of the priciest car in the segment but it gets a better fuel economy than the Stinger.

The 2018 Kia Stinger is a success in many ways. It comes bundled with most of the techs and features available in the market that too at an affordable price. Its performance is also at par with the German rivals and it does many things better than the latter. There is choice of three powertrain to choose from along with all wheel drive to boost the Stinger’s performance. There is also lots of room in both the rows to easily accommodate adults.