The 2021 Kia Stinger comes with four trim options, namely the GT-Line, GT, GT1, GT2. The GT-Line trim caters to buyers who are more interested in value rather than outright performance. For better features and performance you need to turn towards the GT trims, i.e., GT, GT1, and GT2. It falls in a price range that extends from $33,090 for its base variant and goes up to $50,390 for its top-rack variant.

Which Trim should you buy?

After looking at the specs and available features, we suggest you go with the GT1 trim as it offers most of the features of the top trim and comes at a much lesser price. Features like Premium Harman-Kardon audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, more seat adjustments for front-seat passengers, and a power sunroof are available as standard in this trim. So it is one complete package in our opinion.

The 2021 Kia Stinger comes with two engines, namely the 2.0 L inline-four turbocharged engine and a 3.3 L V6 twin-turbocharged engine for more performance. The 2.0 L engine is only for the GT-Line trim only, while the remaining three trims get the 3.3 L V6 engine. The smaller engine produces 255 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque. If you are not satisfied with it, you can opt for the bigger V6 engine producing 365 HP and 376 lb-ft of torque (only for the GT trims). No matter which trim you choose, your engine will get mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

It can be availed in an RWD or an optional AWD configuration.

The 2.0L engine provides lesser power and torque compared to the competition. However, it's not a slouch and does a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.9 seconds. The bigger V6 version can do the same in just 4.7 seconds. But for that, you’ll need to opt for higher trims. The Infiniti Q50, despite a bigger engine, does the 0-60 mph in an underwhelming 7 seconds. The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Mercedes-Benz C300 come neck to neck in the spec race and performance.

How well does the 2021 Kia Stinger handle?

The 2021 Kia Stinger was designed to perform better than most of its expensive rivals, and it sort of achieves that. All trims are equipped with optional AWD, and we suggest opting for it for better traction. The trims with a V-6 engine get dynamic torque vectoring if you opt for AWD configuration. The different drive modes add weight to the steering wheel, tune the throttle response, and set the suspension system as per the mode selected. The Brembo brakes offer adequate bite in all driving situations. 

However, the Stinger is not an outright track vehicle and can handle only some aggressive cornering acts you throw at it. It feels bigger and less coordinated through its suspension setup when tackling some aggressive twisties around the track. In sport mode, the transmission isn't as zippy as it needs to be and doesn't raise rpm in a lower gear when exiting the corners. Mind you that it’s not lazy and offers some really exciting rides, but cannot be used as a track tool.

Braking Performance

The 2021 Kia Stinger gets Brembo brakes in the GT models for better braking performance. The rotor size is 12.6 and 12.1 inches, respectively for the front and rear rotors. The overall combination brings the Stinger to an absolute halt from 60 mph at about 126 feet. The curb weight also plays an important role in braking performance as higher weight results in higher momentum, and it's ultimately more difficult to stop them.

Compared to the rivals, the stopping distance is more, and heavier rivals like the Infiniti Q50 perform better. The Alfa Romeo and Mercedes-Benz are fitted with larger rotors and hence get better braking performance. However, the Stinger comes with ABS, traction control system, Electronic brake force distribution, etc to inspire better confidence while braking hard.

The 2021 Kia Stinger with a 2.0L engine offers a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg, which is good but not the best in the segment. The bigger 3.6L V6 engine offers 20 mpg combined, which is just about average for a car of this size. It has a fuel tank capacity of 15.9 gallons, which is on the smaller side as compared to the competition and leads to an overall combined range of 397 miles.

The 2021 Kia Stinger offers a combined range of just 397 miles with its 2.0 L engine from its 15.9-gallon fuel tank. The Giulia and C 300 offer better efficiency and pack better performance too. The Infiniti Q50 comes with the largest fuel tank of 20.0 gallons, but owing to a lesser fuel economy, loses out the range battle to C 300.

The 2021 Kia Stinger comes with an upmarket cabin and is well designed with respect to ergonomics. However, it cannot beat the finesse of some European rivals. The Stinger’s cockpit reminds you of the 1970s Gran Turismos. Its cocoon-like interior features stitch finishing, turbine-inspired air vents, metal-ringed gauges, and premium technology features that are difficult to find at this price point. 

The dashboard layout is simple yet functional, and seats are trimmed in leather from the base GT-Line trim itself, which is very generous of Kia. The higher GT2 trim gets more premium Nappa leather upholstery. The features like heated front seats, dual-zone climate control A/C, and 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat w/4-way lumbar support ensure passenger comfort. The higher trims also get ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, wireless charging, 7" LCD color instrument cluster, Head-Up Display, etc.

The highlight of the interior feature of the Kia Stinger is its largest 23.3 cu-ft of cargo space. The competition offers merely almost half of that. However, the passengers on the rear seat are bound to feel cramped over long journeys owing to the shortage of leg space. The Infiniti Q50 definitely excels at both headroom and legroom across both the rows and will provide better comfort for all the passengers. Some of the standout features of the Stinger's interior are:

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats
• Metal pedals
• Dual Zone and Full Automatic Temperature Control w/rear vents
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Power sunroof (Optional/ Higher Trim)
• Heated steering wheel (Optional)
• Ventilated front seats (Optional/ Higher Trim)

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Kia Stinger is powered by the company's very own UVO user interface. It is simple and intuitive to use. It comes with a 7-inch touch screen display as standard, and the 8-inch one is optional or available with higher trims. It is paired to a standard six/nine-speaker audio system, which is just about adequate. The Navigation functionality is available with an 8-inch touchscreen option. 

However, you can opt for a premium Harmon-Kardon Music system with 15-speakers for a more enjoyable and better musical experience. The Premium music system is standard with GT1 and GT2 trims. The connectivity features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the base trim itself, which is a must-have these days. The basic ones like Bluetooth, AM/FM Radio, MP3 are also available. Some of the standout features of the infotainment system are:

• UVO eServices w/7" touch screen 
• UVO eServices w/8" touch screen(Optional/ Higher Trim)
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Harman Kardon premium audio surround-sound system w/15 speakers (Optional/ Higher Trim)
• Integrated Navigation System with an 8-inch screen (Optional/ Higher Trim)

The 2021 Kia Stinger is unlike any other sedan in its class. It sits low with a long hood and compact rear, which surely gives it a real sports car appeal. The front fascia imbibes the signature Kia grille and two aggressive projector-type headlights with LED DRLs. The headlamps can be halogen or LEDs depending upon the trim you opt for. The two faux hood scoops on the hood top look sporty and add to the overall performance appeal.

The sides are a plain affair and do not imbibe the overall visual drama of the front and the rear. The roof has a sloping roofline, and it does give it a coupe-like styling. The secret of Kia Stinger’s higher cargo capacity is the hatch opening wide along with the rear glass but a slightly narrow intake means loading and unloading your luggage could be a struggle. The rear tail lamps stretch to the rear quarter fender, giving it a distinctive look.

The 2021 Kia Stinger is longer and has a higher wheelbase than its competitors. As a result, it gets better cargo capacity and higher stability on highways. Its low profile design gives it an aerodynamic advantage and lesser ground clearance in this performance sedan aids in better handling owing to a lower center of gravity. Some of the standout exterior features of the Kia Stinger are:

• Projector Beam Headlights
• LED Headlights (Higher Trims)
• Quad Twin Exhaust pipes
• Heated Mirrors
• 19” Machine Alloy wheels (Higher Trims)
• Faux Dual Hood scoops

Kia has always been generous with safety features in all its models. The 2021 Stinger is no different, and it offers world-class safety features. A combination of advanced sensor systems, strategically placed airbags, and reinforced body cage with door beams help in ensuring occupant safety. The 2021 model is a carry-forward model, and the previous year model scored a 5-star rating in various crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. The IIHS also awarded it with the “Top Safety Pick+ award, which is commendable. Some of the standout safety features of the Stinger are:

• Rear View Monitor w/Parking Guidance
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Lane Change Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
• Forward Collision Warning (Higher Trims)
• Lane Departure Warning (Higher Trims)
• Lane Keeping Assist (Higher Trims)
• Driver Attention Warning (Higher Trims)

2021 Kia Stinger vs 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia 

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia looks elegant with its timeless design. It offers better performance than the Stinger. However, the Kia Stinger is less expensive than the Giulia and offers better cabin space. The cargo space in the Stinger is the best in class. But, the Kia Stinger can’t beat the Italian finesse of the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

2021 Kia Stinger vs 2021 Infiniti Q50

The 2021 Infiniti Q50 offers better brand familiarity and ensures better braking performance than the Stinger. It produces more power but can’t beat the acceleration times of the Stinger. It is also more expensive than the Stinger. The Kia is more of a driver’s car and provides better cargo capacity than the Infiniti Q50.

2021 Kia Stinger vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with better performance and a more premium interior design. However, it is more expensive too. It offers a more comfortable cabin but does not beat the driving dynamics of the Kia Stinger. The cargo capacity is also less as compared to the Stinger. The Stinger is more striking and sporty looking than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

If you are looking for the performance and comfort of a sedan in one single package, then the 2021 Kia Stinger can be the correct answer for you. It is not perfect but does most of the things precisely, and it comes at a tempting price tag too. It surely looks striking and handles quite well around the corners. But take note that it’s not meant to be a track tool. Some European competitors can offer better performance and defy physics but come at a higher price than the Stinger. So overall, the Stinger is a well-balanced package and can be considered in the sports sedan segment.