Kia’s given the Stinger a bit of a refresh, tweaking the design, throwing in some updated tech, and—most importantly—keeping that glorious twin-turbo V6 alive. But with the smaller engines gone and competition getting fiercer, does the Stinger still have what it takes? Let’s break it down.
What’s New in the Kia Stinger?
Table of Contents
The Heart of the Beast: That V6 Lives On
First things first, the engine. Kia wisely decided to keep the 3.3L twin-turbo V6, pushing out 366 horsepower and 510 Nm of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (AWD optional in some markets). And for the price—starting at around £43,000—it’s a serious performance bargain.
Bad news? The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are gone. Not that anyone’s really crying about it—those just couldn’t keep up with the German rivals anyway.
Exterior Tweaks: If It Ain’t Broke…
Kia didn’t go crazy with the redesign, and honestly, that’s a good thing. The biggest visual change is the new full-length light bar at the back, which looks cleaner and more premium. The quad exhausts? Still there (and yes, they’re real). Unfortunately, those fake vents on the hood and side panels are still hanging around, but hey, nobody’s perfect.
Side profile? Pretty much unchanged. But the Stinger has always looked sharp, so no complaints there.
Interior Upgrades: Almost Premium, But Not Quite
Inside, the Stinger still walks that fine line between sporty and luxurious. Here’s what’s new:
- A bigger, sharper digital display joins the analog dials.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard (because, obviously).
- 64-color ambient lighting—because mood lighting makes everything better.
Comfort-wise, the seats are well-padded and hold you in place… unless you’re, uh, on the slimmer side. Then they might feel a little too wide. Materials are mostly nice—soft-touch plastics, leatherette trims, and padded armrests—but there are still a few cheap-feeling bits that remind you this isn’t a full-on luxury car.
Storage? It’s practical enough. You’ve got deep cupholders, decent-sized door bins, a glovebox that’s just okay, and a sunglasses holder (because priorities).
Pros and Cons: The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Annoying
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful twin-turbo V6 engine | Some features feel dated (USB-A ports instead of USB-C) |
| All-inclusive package (heated/cooled seats, surround-view camera) | Rear headroom is tight due to the sloping roofline |
| 7-year warranty for peace of mind | No custom drive mode (can’t mix Sport steering with Comfort suspension) |
| Hatchback design adds practicality | Boot space is only 408 liters, less than a VW Arteon |
| Great value compared to German rivals | Rear visibility isn’t great due to sporty design |
Driving: Fun Without the Drama
So, how does it actually drive? Pretty damn well.
- Braking: Brembo brakes do their job well—stopping from 60 mph in 35 meters.
- Acceleration: Kia claims 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Real-world tests show about 4.97 seconds. Close enough!
- Steering & Handling: The rear-wheel-drive setup gives it a playful edge, but it’s not as razor-sharp as a BMW M340i. That said, it’s still plenty engaging.
- Comfort: Switch it into Comfort mode, and the adaptive dampers soften things up nicely. Perfect for daily driving.
FAQs
How much is a Kia Stinger?
The Kia Stinger starts at around £43,000 in the UK. However, discounts and deals from platforms like CarWow can save you up to £2,000 off the sticker price.
What is the 2023 Kia Stinger GT2?
The 2023 Kia Stinger GT2 is the top-spec version of the Stinger sold in markets like the U.S. It features the 3.3L twin-turbo V6, premium leather seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a suite of driver assistance features.
Is the Kia Stinger worth buying?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a stylish, fun-to-drive sedan with a powerful V6 engine, the Stinger remains a solid choice, especially considering its price and long warranty.
How does the Kia Stinger compare to German rivals?
Is the Kia Stinger being discontinued?
There have been rumors that Kia might phase out the Stinger in the coming years due to shifting market trends toward SUVs and EVs. However, for now, it remains available in select markets.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy One?
If you want a stylish, fun-to-drive sports sedan that won’t break the bank, the Kia Stinger is still a fantastic choice. Sure, the Germans might have fancier badges, but the Stinger delivers performance, practicality, and value in one sharp-looking package.
Verdict: 100% worth considering. Cars like this are getting rarer, so if you’ve been thinking about it… maybe don’t wait too long.
Author- Ayush
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