Overview

What's New for 2021

Kia builds the Stinger performance sedan in four trim levels: GT-Line, GT, GT1, and GT2. All come standard with rear-wheel-drive, while all-wheel-drive is available for about $2,500 extra.

The GT-Line trim starts around $33,500. It comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paddle shifters, a strut front/multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, a compact spare, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, leather upholstery, a 12-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, a split-folding back seat, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, ambient cabin lighting, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

For about $40,000, the GT adds exterior components like a twin-turbocharged V6, a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, and summer tires. Inside, there is UVO eServices, nine speakers, a tilt and telescoping steering column, aluminum interior accents, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The GT1 adds many more amenities for roughly $45,500. It has an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a power sunroof, auto-dimming side mirrors, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, a digital cluster display, sport gauges, HomeLink, ventilated front seats, an Electronically Controlled Suspension, Coasting Neutral Control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and Driver Attention Warning.

Retailing for approximately $50,500, the GT2 includes adaptive headlights, a hands-free power trunk, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, a 16-way driver's seat with power-expandable air cells, a 12-way power passenger seat, and heated rear outboard seats.

Kia doesn't usually offer many options. The few available options mostly apply to hooks and nets for organizing the cargo area.

Kia supplies two different turbocharged engines for the Stinger sedan. Both recommend premium unleaded fuel. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard across the lineup, with paddle shifters, should the driver want to shift gears manually. Rear- and all-wheel-drive are available.

The entry-level GT-Line trim comes with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. It offers 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which are competitive numbers compared to a family sedan, but it's not quite performance-car levels of excitement. Still, it offers excellent power around town and on the highway, and the EPA estimates above-average fuel economy of 25 mpg in mixed driving.

Stepping up to the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 is recommended for driving enthusiasts. Producing 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, this motor comes on all upper trims and transforms the Stinger into a true sport sedan. Kia says it'll accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, putting the twin-turbo Stinger firmly in an elite performance category. Fuel economy takes a hit, at 20 mpg combined, but the powertrain offers plenty of driving fun.

The Stinger has a clean and straightforward interior, clearly designed around the driver. The cockpit-like layout features simple controls, an uncluttered dashboard, and a flat-bottom steering wheel, giving it an upmarket appeal. Standard blind-spot monitoring bolsters the good outward visibility, and the available digital cluster screen and heads-up display help the driver keep their eyes on the road ahead.

The Stinger has an extensive standard features list, and though some driver safety aids are missing from the base trim, the interior amenities are impressive. Leather upholstery comes standard across the lineup, and the GT2 gets Nappa premium leather. Heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto come included for a low starting price. Upper trims add some fancy technology, but prices can soon get expensive.

Interior space is excellent in both rows, with a roomier feel than many rivals. The Stinger has a novel hatchback instead of a typical trunk, giving it a sportier exterior and more cargo space. Available with hands-free power open/close technology, the liftgate can swallow 23.3 cubic feet of cargo, which is nearly twice what's offered by some compact and midsize sedans. Folding down the rear seat expands capacity to 40.9 cubic feet, making it a decent alternative to an SUV.