2018 Kia Stinger

Overview

With its racy lines, the choice of a punchy turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a powerhouse twin-turbo V-6 coupled to either rear- or all-wheel drive, the Stinger checks most of the important boxes for a car in the competitive sports-sedan class. While this self-professed BMW 3-Series fighter may lack the refinement and composure near its handling limits that make certain other cars in this segment so excellent, it does offer plenty of power, serious quickness, and an unusual but entirely pleasing exterior design— all at a hugely attractive price. It’s a social climber in the best possible sense.

What's New for 2018?

Absolutely everything. The Stinger set wheel to pavement for the first time with the 2018 model year, so from the powertrains to the interior to the hatchback-sedan body style, it’s brand new.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $32,800
• Premium: $38,000
• GT: $39,250
• GT1: $44,150
• GT2: $50,100

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Stinger has two available engines, both of which can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The entry-level 2.0-liter powertrain does an adequate job relative to its rivals, with its 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. That power figure puts it right in the middle of the pack with competition from Audi, BMW, and Lexus. But the powerful 365-hp twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 in the Stinger GT delivers the scintillating performance that really gets our enthusiast blood pumping. The eight-speed automatic that comes in every Stinger is lightning quick and mostly well calibrated when left to shift for itself. The Stinger comports itself well in normal driving, but when pushed to the limit, it can't quite match the composure of its more established competition.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Stinger’s interior is well designed and attractive, but it can’t match the Audi A4 or the BMW 3-Series for material quality or construction. Then again, the Kia costs considerably less than those two German sedans. The Stinger provides a compelling array of standard features, including leather seat trim and power-adjustable, heated front seats. Looking strictly at its list of options, the Stinger seems to keep pace with its more established luxury competitors. And the Stinger offers a significantly more comfortable rear seat than many cars in this class. The Stinger’s trunk volume is only bested its rivals by a small margin, and its cabin storage space is slightly above average.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Kia’s UVO infotainment system is used to good effect in the Stinger. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the touchscreen’s response times are less than urgent, and we wish there were another USB port in the front row. Entry-level and GT models have a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker audio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Premium, GT1, and GT2 trims add features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Kia Stinger’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.