Name: Kia Stinger Review
Item: Kia Stinger
Author: Gumtree.com

First launched in 2017, the Stinger was Kia’s first effort to compete with the flashy sports vehicles offered by brands like Audi and Jaguar. Buyers who associate the Korean brand with more sensible, practical SUVs and superminis are yet to be won over by its charms – but it’s got a lot to offer, at a very affordable price point. Most impressive of all is its enjoyable handling, which is perfectly balanced for fun and comfort. It’s also got a nice range of engines that are sure to satisfy drivers, particularly if they opt for the highest trim.

Take a look at the Kia Stinger model page to learn more.

What we think about the Kia Stinger

The Stinger is an impressive racing coupe for buyers on a budget.

Pros

Very affordable for what it offers

Smooth, enjoyable handling

The two petrol units are surprisingly fast

Safe and reliable

Distinctive, sporty looks

Seven-year warranty

Cons

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Unimpressive fuel efficiency

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Underwhelming interior

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Diesel engine is quite weak

The Kia Stinger is a five-door sports coupe with rear-wheel drive. The entry-level trim, the GT-Line, has a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, with claimed fuel efficiency of around 35 mpg. The GT-Line S offers improved equipment. There’s also a model with a diesel engine (the CRDI), and a much more powerful petrol engine (the GT-S).

Driving performance of the Kia Stinger

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The Stinger is slightly bulkier than many top-end sports vehicles, but its handling is pleasingly light and agile, with extremely responsive steering. The great grip and well-balanced chassis lets you lean into corners, offering a fun city drive for sportier motorists. Though you’ll get a lot of feedback from the wheels, you’ll also be comfy on longer stretches, thanks to the great suspension. The GT-S model even offers adaptive dampers, which allow you to adjust the suspension on the fly for a floatier or firmer ride, depending on the terrain.

Safety and reliability of the Kia Stinger

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The last time Euro NCAP put the Kia Stinger through its paces was back in 2017. It scored the full five-star rating after crash tests, with an impressive 93% score for how well it protected adult passengers. Protection of child passengers scored 81%, while a score of 78% was awarded for pedestrian safety. Safety assistance capabilities also scored highly, with 81%. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance come as standard, and you can also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts in the GT-S model.

Under the bonnet of the Kia Stinger

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The basic engine on the Stinger is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, with an output of 244 bhp. It’s an impressive unit, getting you from standing to 62 mph in as little as six seconds. That’s already a lot of power for such an affordable vehicle, but you can also upgrade to the GT-S if you want to shave another second or so off that 0-62 mph time. The range-topper has a 3.3-litre engine with an output of 361 bhp. The 2.0-litre diesel is more economical but a lot more sluggish, taking over seven seconds to hit 62 mph.

What you'll find in the Kia Stinger

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Kia Stinger has serious aesthetic appeal, giving many expensive sports cars from more prestigious brands a run for their money. It’s low to the ground, with sculpted contours that strike a perfect balance between curvy and sharp. Wraparound headlights, dual twin-exhausts, and a honeycomb front grille are some of the most eye-catching features. Despite its sleek racing profile, the Stinger is also a decent size, with a muscular presence on the road to match its power.

Comfort and interiors in the Kia Stinger

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

Inside the cabin of the Stinger, there’s the same feeling of elegance and great craftsmanship that’s present in the exterior design – but it doesn’t command your attention in the same way. The materials are all high-quality, and there’s a nice layout to the dashboard, but it feels a little bland. If you’re comparing this to even the most basic sports cars from manufacturers like Audi or BMW, you’ll definitely notice that it’s missing some spark. It’s roomy, though, and the seats are comfortable enough for long journeys.

What features you'll find in the Kia Stinger

Our Features Rating8 / 10

You’ll get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard with the Kia Stinger GT-Line, along with heated front seats and satnav. The infotainment system can be accessed via an eight-inch touchscreen, and it offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, plus Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrading to the GT-Line S gets you a 15-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, 360-degree surround view cameras, a sunroof, and heated rear seats. The GT-S has full Nappa leather upholstery, as well as 19-inch alloys. The standard paint job is Ember Orange, but a variety of other metallic shades are available.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Kia Stinger

Our Fuel Consumption Rating6 / 10

Efficiency is one of the Kia Stinger’s weak points. The 2020 entry-level 2.0-litre engine has officially claimed figures of around 35 mpg (though real-world figures are likely to be notably less), and CO2 emissions of 181 g/km. If you opt for the top-end GT-S, you won’t get more than 28 mpg. The best bet for drivers who value efficiency would be the diesel engine. It offers a claimed 50.4 mpg, which is quite impressive for a high-performance vehicle like the Stinger, and 147 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Running costs of the Kia Stinger

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Mediocre fuel efficiency means that the Stinger will cost more to run than you might expect, unless you opt for a diesel engine. The entry-level model shouldn’t be particularly expensive to insure, but an upgrade to the GT-S will see you paying out a little extra in the long-term, as it’s a luxury car with a sizeable engine. One bright spot is that Kia offers the best manufacturer’s warranty in the industry: seven years, or 100,000 miles.

Our verdict of the Kia Stinger

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

It might not have the prestige of its more expensive rivals, but the Kia Stinger is a great-looking sports car with fun handling and plenty of power.

Kia Stinger Review